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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope you all had a joyous, restful, and safe holiday season with family and friends.
Last week we completed our January legislative days and there are now only a couple of weeks until the short legislative session begins on February 1st.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, we will continue with virtual meetings and engagement that preserves public health, and empowers Oregonians around the state to participate in our legislative process without the burden of traveling to Salem. Make your voice heard this legislative session by consulting the information below. If you have any trouble, please reach out to my office for assistance.
I am very grateful for the time that Senator Riley has served his community and the state in the Senate and wish him the very best in his retirement.
I am tremendously excited to welcome two talented women to the Oregon Senate and the Democratic Caucus. I am looking forward to their swearing in ceremonies later this week and working with them in the upcoming session.
Senator-Designate for SD-15: Rep. Janeen Sollman
 Senator-Designate for SD-16: Rachel Armitage
 2022 Committee LC Summaries
This past week, the Senate Committee on Rules and Executive Appointments met to discuss legislation for the upcoming short legislative session, including campaign finance reform.
Reforming the ways campaigns are funded is a critical concern for Oregonians. I look forward to discussing this legislation with my colleagues in the weeks ahead.
In my next newsletter, I'll be announcing my personal legislative agenda for the short session.
 I am excited to share that the Senate Majority Office has added new members to the team in preparation for the 2022 Session. Please join me in welcoming the following team members in their new roles:
Gaby Hernandez joins the SMO for the 2022 Session as our Office Coordinator. Prior to joining the SMO, Gaby worked as a paralegal at the Gatti Law Firm in Salem. She is a graduate of Western Oregon University with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a minor in Sociology with an emphasis on Community Service.
Lexie Weaver joins my legislative office (SD 19) as Legislative Assistant 2. Lexie joined the Senate Legislative staff as an LA for Senator Chuck Riley in 2019 and continued her legislative journey in 2020 as LA for both Senator Riley and Senator Hass and in 2021 for Senator Riley. Lexie grew up and went to college in Maryland where she achieved a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from Johns Hopkins University.
Stephen Watson now serves as Communications Director for the SMO.
Joint Town Hall with Representatives Rachel Prusak and Andrea Salinas
Advance registration is required to attend the town hall. Please register at this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUuc-mtqTstH9zy-czStZf94__bODzHTCce
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
New website helps people who test positive for COVID-19
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As the Omicron variant drives case counts higher in Oregon, there is new guidance and resources to ensure we all can stay as safe as possible.
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has launched a new website that includes what to do if you test positive, if you have been exposed, and how to seek resources if you’re isolating at home and need support. Read on for more.
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Oregon Attorney General issues warning for suspicious COVID-19 testing sites
Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum is reminding everybody to be on the lookout for testing sites that seem suspicious, or vendors that are selling at-home tests for sky-high prices. The Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) asks Oregonians to report any dubious testing sites or vendors either online, or by calling the Attorney General’s Consumer Hotline at 1-877-877-9392. Read on for further details.
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Help hospitals by avoiding the emergency room if possible
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Consider alternatives for non-urgent health issues
Oregonians are being asked to ease the burden on health systems and emergency rooms. If you are looking for non-emergency COVID-19 treatment, please call your doctor or an urgent care clinic. Not sure who to call? Start with 211. You can find a test here.
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Understanding vaccine breakthrough cases and boosters
Breakthrough cases of COVID-19 are on the rise, according to the latest OHA Breakthrough Report released today. The best way to rebuild immunity is to get a booster. Read on to learn more about breakthrough COVID-19 infections and booster shots.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it takes two weeks after the initial vaccine series for your body’s immune system to develop antibodies that fight off the virus. But when you get boosted, the benefits begin within two to three days. Additionally, the CDC says you are considered “up-to-date” on vaccinations only after receiving a booster shot. If you’ve only received one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, or two doses of either Pfizer or Moderna, you are still considered “fully vaccinated.
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Americans can start ordering free COVID tests Wednesday 1/19 as White House launches COVIDTests.gov
The White House announced that a new website, COVIDTests.gov, will begin accepting orders Jan. 19 for free rapid tests shipped to Americans' homes. Every home in the U.S. can soon order four at-home COVID-19 tests completely free—there are no shipping costs and you don’t need to enter a credit card number.
Afghanistan veterans: You are not alone.
The Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs is encouraging veterans, especially Afghanistan veterans and family, to reach for help if you need it. And if you don't need help, please reach out to a buddy or a loved one to make sure they are okay and that they know where to reach for resources if they need them.
ODVA Campus Veteran Coordinator and Afghanistan veteran Joe Mah shares his message to OEF/OIF veterans: "You are not alone." Watch the video here
Information about behavioral health and other important resources can be accessed at the link below (View Resources).
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As always, please let me know if you need any assistance. My office and I will work to connect you with resources and get your questions answered as quickly as possible.
Sincerely,
Senate Majority Leader Rob Wagner
Senate District 19
email: Sen.RobWagner@OregonLegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1719
address: 900 Court St NE, S-223, Salem, OR, 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/wagner
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