You can read our previous newsletters here.

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Things are really ramping up as we head into next week's Special Session and prepare for the upcoming Short Session in February.  While I am working hard to make sure that everything is prepared for the Short Session, I am also looking forward to a little family time over the coming weeks.

I had four important meetings this week as well that provided important opportunities to discuss impactful policy.  The Joint Interim Committee on the Interstate 5 Bridge met on Monday, with members from both Washington and Oregon in attendance.  I recommend viewing the presentation provided to us by the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program to learn about where we are at in the planning process.  You can find the presentation here.  I also had the opportunity to speak with the Washington County Chamber of Commerce's Transportation Committee about the Bridge Replacement program and appreciated the opportunity it provided to engage with the local business community on the importance of the work we are doing. I chaired the final meeting of the Joint Interim Committee on Public Education Appropriations as well on Monday.  The committee is responsible for approving a constitutionally required report on the adequacy of funding in public education.  To view the Report on Adequacy of Education Funding that the committee approved, click here.  Finally, I attended the December meeting of the Educator Advancement Council (EAC) yesterday, where we addressed teacher burnout, diversifying the teacher workforce, and the work we are doing to help students catch up and ensure they are being served the best they possibly can be.  Read more about the work of the EAC here.  It has never been more important to address these topics and I look forward to continued dialogue about how we best serve and support students and teachers.

Picture Above: My daughters, daughter-in-laws, and granddaughter.  I hope to spend more time with family this month.

SPECIAL SESSION ON DECEMBER 13TH 

In June, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 278 nearly unanimously to create a 60-day safe harbor for tenants who were waiting in line for rental assistance after the statewide eviction moratorium expired. But application processing times at many local community action agencies have been significantly longer than expected back in June.

This means more than 10,000 Oregon households are at risk of timing out of their safe harbor protections and facing eviction for nonpayment simply because of administrative delays in processing their applications. Other states facing this problem, like Minnesota and Nevada, have passed bipartisan legislation to create safe harbor policies for tenants with pending applications.

Additionally, nearly all federal rental assistance has been committed to tenants in need, even as the pandemic continues.

No one should face eviction while rental assistance is on the way, and inaction will only contribute to a growing homelessness crises here in Oregon. That's why it's critical we show up and work together to find solutions that benefit both renters and landlords and keep people off the streets.  

Click on the image above to follow the Special Session on 12/13

UPCOMING TOWN HALL

Join me for a Town Hall to review the work of the Legislature over the last year, to look forward to the Short Session that begins in February, and to provide a forum for people to share about their experiences during this challenging time.  Whether you're a teacher, a first responder, or a front-line worker, I want to hear about what you need.

WHEN: December 18th, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

WHERE: Forest Grove City Auditorium (1915 Main Street) or on Facebook Live  at:  http://www.facebook.com/SusanMcLainforOregon

For questions or to share issues that you would like to discuss, please email my office at: rep.susanmclain@oregonlegislature.gov

I-5 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM

Community Input Survey Closes Friday, December 10th

Complete the IBR Community Input Survey by Friday, December 10 to provide feedback on design options. Combined with stakeholder input, data and technical analysis, your feedback will contribute to identifying a new multimodal bridge replacement solution that meets the transportation needs of the region – now and for future generations.

Have you visited the online open house? Before taking the survey, we suggest taking a few minutes to learn about the Interstate Bridge Replacement program and the process for identifying a multimodal design solution.

RENTAL ASSISTANCE INFORMATION

The Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program is paused to new applicants as of December 1, 2021 at 11:59pm.  Please note that Washington County still has rental assistance available.

While the state has made the difficult decision to pause accepting new applications at midnight on December 1 for the Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program (OERAP), Washington County’s local Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program continues to accept applications through existing local pathways. Community Action, the agency administering the local funds for Washington County, maintains a phone line, an online portal and has established partnerships with other agencies, community-based organizations as well as public health contact tracing staff to get the funds out as quickly as possible. These local funds will continue to be available for income-eligible renters over the foreseeable future. Oregon has safe harbor rules in place that mean renters cannot be evicted for 60 days, or 90 days in some parts of Washington County, if they show their landlords proof of having applied for any emergency rental assistance program. These maps show the protections for the different jurisdictions within Washington County (Information in English mapping tool) bit.ly/3aTeFbc or (Information in Spanish mapping tool Protección contra desalojos (arcgis.com). All renters needing assistance and residing in Washington County are encouraged to apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance program. To learn more on how to apply for emergency rental assistance, visit the Community Action webpage at https://caowash.org/programs/housing-stability/renter-support.html. For immediate resources including shelter and food access contact 2-1-1 online at www.211info.org or by calling 2-1-1.

COVID-19 UPDATES

COVID-19 Numbers In Oregon

OHA’s COVID-19 Weekly Report released today shows an increase in daily cases, hospitalizations and deaths.

Wastewater surveillance program to detect Omicron spread

This week, scientists in Oregon will begin testing wastewater for the Omicron variant. Wastewater surveillance has previously identified emerging variants, including Delta. When samples in wastewater test negative, it means the level of the virus is too low to be detected in the sample provided. 

COVID-19 treatment authorization expanded to include infants

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved monoclonal antibody treatment for eligible patients who have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and are at high risk of severe disease and hospitalization. “Children under one year of age who are exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 may be at particularly high risk for severe COVID-19 and this authorization addresses the medical needs of this vulnerable population,” said Patrizia Cavazzoni, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center  for Drug Evaluation and Research. Read more about this authorization.

OHA continues to monitor for Omicron cases in the state

VACCINATION INFORMATION

CDC recommends booster doses for immunocompromised people

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends booster doses for immunocompromised people who have received a third dose of Pfizer or Moderna. 

Get your COVID-19 vaccines at a local walk-in or drive-through vaccination site

Are you finding it hard to get a COVID-19 vaccine? Whether it’s your first dose, second dose, third dose or booster dose, be sure to check out the high-volume vaccination sites now operating throughout Oregon. These walk-in and drive-through sites offer all three COVID-19 vaccines at no cost and are open to everyone eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination or booster.

Washington Co. Vaccine Information: 

Washington County's Mobile Vaccination Van: The van is traveling the county to make it easier for people to get the vaccine close to where they live or shop. Find the schedule here.

Tektronix (starting Thursday, November 11): This clinic will offer all three vaccines, including boost and pediatric doses. Located at 14200 SW Karl Braun Drive (inside Building 58) in Beaverton. Hours are Monday through Friday from 12-6 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Walk-in only, no appointments. 

Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Centers: All vaccination events are open to the community, do not require an appointment, and do not require you to be a Virginia Garcia patient. You do not have to have insurance in order to receive a vaccine. If you have insurance, please bring your card with you. Remember, vaccines are free!

Pacific University: December 11-14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in Parking Lot M on the Pacific University Forest Grove Campus. Follow traffic flow signage to access the clinic from Main Street. All vaccines available, including boosters and pediatric Pfizer for children ages 5-11. Drive-through or walk up. No appointments. This clinic is a partnership between Oregon Health Authority and FEMA.

Beaverton Resource Center: This clinic on Fridays takes place inside the Beaverton Resource Center, 13565 SW Walker Road. Visit Project Access Now's website to make an appointment. All three vaccines are available, including boosters and third doses. This site is currently not offering the pediatric Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5-11. NO CLINIC on December 24, December 31 or January 14.

Centro Cultural Clinic: On Saturdays at 1110 N. Adair Street in Cornelius

Local pharmacies: As of April 27, 2021, pharmacies are required to offer second/boost doses to people who received their first dose somewhere else.

• Safeway and Albertsons
• Costco
• Walgreens (or 1-800-WALGREENS) 
• Walmart
• Bi-Mart
• Rite Aid
• CVS
• Fred Meyer

How much does the vaccine cost?  Vaccines are provided free of charge to the recipient. If you have health insurance, you may be asked to provide that information so the vaccinator can bill your insurance an administration fee.

Mix and Match Approved: The CDC approved a “mix-and-match” strategy that allows anyone qualifying for a booster to receive any of the FDA-authorized vaccines. People may receive either the same or a different COVID-19 vaccine, depending on advice from a health care provider, individual preference, availability or convenience. 

FROM THE OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY 

Dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder

During the winter, the shorter days and lack of sunshine, coupled with the losses we may have experienced during the pandemic, can make us feel sad or even depressed. But how do you know if what you’re feeling is just the blues, or if it’s Seasonal Affective Disorder? 
 
Read the full story to learn more. 

AROUND WASHINGTON COUNTY 

Lightopia – An Illuminated Journey: December 9 through 31

 Lightopia – An Illuminated Journey, the award-winning drive-through light show at Gordon Faber Recreation Complex, returns this December 9 through 31. Enjoy a leisurely drive through the brilliant display, which expands to a half-mile this year. Reservations for the week of December 9-14 open December 1, and reservation spots for the following week’s dates will be released weekly (on Wednesdays). 

Optional: bring an unwrapped toy for the Hillsboro Firefighters Toy & Joy Drive or a non-perishable, unexpired food item for Hillsboro School District's Food Pantry.

Washington County Winter Shelters

Washington County's Winter Shelter Program opened five shelters on November 15 to offer a total of 187 beds to people experiencing homelessness. 

In Hillsboro, Washington County's Cloverleaf Winter Shelter provides 50 beds and is located near the Washington County Fairgrounds. The shelter is operated by Open Door HousingWorks.

While we work towards the creation of year-round shelter opportunities, the winter shelter system is a critical lifesaving resource that typically extends from mid-November to mid-March.

If you are seeking shelter or resources, please contact Community Connect at 503-640-3263 or visit Washington County's Homeless Resources webpage for more information.

Take a Survey to Inform a New Recycling Collection Service

From Washington County Solid Waste & Recycling

An additional recycling collection service is being considered for Beaverton, Hillsboro and unincorporated Washington County. This new service would include select items that aren’t allowed in your glass recycling or mixed recycling bins. These additional items could include such things as batteries, plastic bags, take-out containers, compact fluorescent bulbs and more. Items that meet community demand and have viable reuse and recovery markets will be selected for this service.  

Customers wishing to participate in the additional collection service would subscribe for an additional monthly fee. Materials would be collected once or twice monthly.  

We want to know what you think! Are you interested in the service we've described? If not, why? If so, what should be included?

Take our 5-minute survey. 

Share your thoughts by December 17th! 

Want to learn more?

• Subscribe to the Garbage and Recycling Advisory Committee (GRAC) email list for updates about this additional recycling service concept.  
• Check to see what items can be included in your current recycling collection service.
• Use our What to Recycle and Where tool to find drop-off locations for recyclable materials like batteries, plastic bags and more. 

Concert venue and music series coming to Grand Lodge 

Click here or on the image below for a KATU story on the new concert venue and music series coming to the Grand Lodge in Forest Grove this summer! 

DMV UPDATE: GRACE PERIOD ENDS 12/31

If you’ve got an expired Oregon license or vehicle registration, it’s time to consider booking an Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle appointment — fast. The grace period to renew already-expired licenses and registrations is coming to an end Dec. 31.

WILDFIRE RECOVERY RESOURCES

OEM has put together this list of contacts to help speed up the process of replacing these documents:

• Green cards: Phone (800)-375-5283; Website: www.uscis.gov
• Medicare cards: Phone: (800)-772-1213; (TTY) (800)-325-0778 Website: www.medicare.gov
• Military records Phone: 866-272-6272 Website: www.archives.gov/contact/
• Passport Phone: 877-487-2778; (TTY) 888-874-7793 Website: travel.state.gov
• Social Security card Phone: 800-772-1213; (TTY) 800-325-0778 Website: www.ssa.gov
• U.S. Savings Bonds Phone: 844-284-2676 Website: www.treasurydirect.gov
• U.S. tax returns Phone: 800-829-1040 Website: www.irs.gov
• Birth, death, marriage, domestic partnership, divorce certificates Phone: 888-896-4988 Website: www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/Birthdeathcertificates
• Driver’s license, auto titles and registration, ID cards Phone: 503-945-5000 Website: www.oregon.gov/odot
• SNAP (Oregon Trail Card) Website: www.oregon.gov/DHS/Assistance/Food-Benefits
• State taxes (Oregon Dept. of Revenue) Phone: 503-378-4988 or 800-356-4222 TTY: All relay calls are accepted. Website: www.oregon.gov/dor
• Real estate and property - Contact your county government.
• Credit cards - Contact your credit card company directly.
• Credit reports from Equifax, Experian, TransUnion Phone: 877-322-8228 Website: www.annualcreditreport.com
• Insurance documents - Check with your insurance agent.
• Medical records - Call your doctor or your medical insurance company; medical and prescription records are tracked electronically.

The Governor’s office has put together a Wildfire Resources page that you can access from the Governor’s home page.  It has links to many of the most important updates about the status of fires and resources for evacuees.  This website will be updated regularly.  

Legal Resources: Oregon State Bar’s Lawyer Referral Program, Oregon lawyers, through the Oregon State Bar, are partnering with FEMA and the American Red Cross to provide legal assistance on FEMA claims, contract claims, insurance claims, landlord-tenant matters and more.

The Department of Forestry’s Wildfire Response and Recovery Overview has ongoing updates about firefighting efforts, damage reports, and more.  

FEMA Updates: FEMA has provided several different Fact Sheets and resources for accessing benefits, determining eligibility and avoiding scams.

• How to Appeal a FEMA Disaster Assistance Decision
• Oregonians Affected by Wildfires: Flood Risk and Insurance; Fraud Awareness
• FEMA Rental Assistance May Be A Valuable Housing Solution for Oregon Wildfire Survivors
• Citizenship and Immigration Status Requirements for FEMA Disaster Assistance
• What to Expect When Applying with FEMA
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available for Oregon Wildfire Survivors
• Look Out for Disaster Fraud, Scams
• Understanding a FEMA Determination Letter, How to Appeal
• FEMA Approves Direct Housing Mission
• Apply with FEMA Even if You Have Insurance

VETERANS RESOURCES 

Washington County Veterans Resources 

American Legion Post 104: (503) 642-4907

American Legion Post 006: (503) 648-7191

Washington County Disability, Aging, and Veteran Services: (503) 846- 3060

Hillsboro VA Clinic: (503) 906-5000

Paws Assisting Veterans: info@paveusa.org

Veterans of Foreign Wars: (503) 895- 1342

Hillsboro Elks Lodge: (503) 648- 1862

Rock Creek Veteran Resources | Veteran Resources at PCC : (971) 722-7743 or 7744

Veterans Support | Pacific University

Mental Health Services: 

• Washington County Crisis Line | 503-291-9111
• Crisis Text Line | Text “Connect” to 741741
• Suicide Prevention Lifeline | 1-800-273-8255
• Trevor Lifeline | 1-866-488-7386

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 

Employers and Employees

The following list of resources is from Oregon’s Secretary of State’s Office. The fastest way to get in touch with the SOS team is by emailing business.sos@oregon.gov, using the “Need Help?” button found on most state agency websites or visiting www.oregon.gov/smallbusiness.

• Unemployment options at https://unemployment.oregon.gov/
• Work Share program at oregonworkshare.com
• The Oregon Labor and Industries Technical Assistance for Employers page at https://www.oregon.gov/BOLI/TA/pages/index.aspx  has information about employer obligations and responsibilities.
• Business Oregon has a robust list of financial resources including non-bank lenders at https://www.oregon4biz.com/Coronavirus-Information/ 
• The US Small Business Administration offers disaster assistance in the form of SBA loans to designated states. Information about these loans is available at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Information/Index 
• The latest COVID-19/Coronavirus information on resources for workers and business owners is available at https://www.oregon.gov/gov/Pages/coronavirus2020.aspx 
• Oregon Secretary of State’s business resources can be found at www.oregon.gov/smallbusiness or you can email questions to business.sos@oregon.gov. 

Education Links

• Hillsboro School District (en inglés y español)
• Forest Grove School District (en inglés y español) 
• Oregon Department of Education
• COVID-19 Resources for Oregon Higher Education Partners

Local Government

• City of Hillsboro (en inglés, español y más idiomas) 
• City of Cornelius (en inglés, español y más idiomas)
• City of Forest Grove
• Washington County

Utilities Assistance

• Portland General Electric (en inglés y español) 
• NW Natural
• City of Hillsboro Utility Billing 
• Comcast 
• CenturyLink
• AT&T 

Food and Housing Assistance

• Community Action.org
• Oregon Food Bank
• Meals on Wheels

Yours truly,

Representative Susan McLain
House District 29

email: Rep.SusanMcLain@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1429
address: 900 Court St NE, H-376, Salem, OR 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/mclain