Emergency Rental Assistance Program accepting applications again!

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MLK

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Monday was Martin Luther King Jr. Day and it was an important opportunity to find ways to impact our community positively.  However, we should consider every day as a day to honor MLK by serving others the best we can, honoring the diversity of our community, and providing more support and opportunities for all.  Racial Justice, Education, Healthcare, and Work Force Development are just the tip of the iceberg of challenges faced, but we must work together for forward movement for our BIPOC neighbors and for all in the community.  In the upcoming Short Session we will continue our work forward. 

As we get closer to the start of the Short Session on February 1st, the meetings are more frequent and the days longer but the work is as always enjoyable to me, especially when it comes to Education Budget and Transportation issues.   Monday, January 24th is the next meeting of the Joint Interim Committee on the Interstate 5 Bridge.  I look forward to these meetings since they're a great opportunity for Oregon and Washington legislators to come together to solve one of our most important collective transportation needs.  You can watch the meeting live or a recorded version here

This week's newsletter has an important update on the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, which will begin accepting new applications again on January 26.  I have also included the latest news from the Hillsboro and Forest Grove School Districts regarding their COVID-19 protocols, and information from the Federal government on how to get free COVID tests sent to your home.  In addition, you'll find the registration link to my next Town Hall, which is tomorrow at 6pm.  I hope to see you there!  

 

Rep. McLain

 

We will be starting the Short Session in masks due to COVID protocols, but I am hopeful that we have seen the peak of the pandemic and that things get back to normal soon. 

 

Reps. McLain and Sollman

 

SAVE THE DATE: VIRTUAL TOWN HALL 1/20/22

 

Join me January 20th at 6pm for updates on key policy topics, bills for the Short Session, and leadership changes in the House. The Town Hall will be held virtually via Zoom, and translation services will be provided. 

You can register at this link: tinyurl.com/mclainregistration 

 

virtual town hall, january 20th, 6pm to 7:30pm, register at the following link: tinyurl.com/mclainregistration

 

SCHOOL UPDATES

 

Students wearing masks

 

With the spread of the Omicron variant, it is important to keep up with health and safety issues in our schools so please take some time to read the letters regarding instruction from both the Forest Grove and Hillsboro School Districts below. 

 

Forest Grove School District

Superintendent Parker's Message -- January 14, 2022:

Dear FGSD Families, 

This has been quite the week – another in a long list of hard weeks. As we struggle to ensure that the district has enough teachers to safely conduct schools, we have made some tough decisions. On Monday we made the decision to pause in-person instruction at the high school and on Wednesday we made the same decision at the middle school. These decisions are disappointing for us and we know they are difficult for students, families and staff as well. When students are in classrooms with their teachers and classmates, they are in a better place to be supported socially, emotionally and academically. It remains our top priority to get students safely back into classrooms as soon as we have sufficient teachers ready to return to in-person instruction. 

We are hopeful that we can keep the elementary schools open as we monitor schools daily. In reviewing teacher/staff absences, the district utilizes substitutes and available district staff to fill in for those teachers who are out ill. With the middle and high schools in digital learning, we are utilizing those staff members who are not teaching, to cover needs at the elementary schools. At this time, the district does not have to make up any instructional time to remain in compliance with Oregon Department of Education requirements. 

During the next several days in digital learning, affected students can pick up cold lunch during their regularly scheduled lunch times at any of the following schools: FGHS, Harvey Clarke, Echo Shaw or NAMS. Please knock on the exterior door closest to the cafeteria.  

With the current surge in COVID19 cases, the Oregon Health Authority has released new K-12 guidance on contact tracing. In this guidance they are pausing the practice of sending emails and letters to families each time a person in a school tests positive for COVID19. However, staff in the buildings will continue to be notified. We will continue to notify all close contacts when there is an exposure to COVID19. Beginning today, the district's COVID19 Dashboard will be updated daily so families can quickly see the number of cases in each school. 

As we head into the holiday weekend, we thank all of you for your patience and support. Additionally, a special thank you goes out to all of our dedicated staff. Thank you for your hard work as you cover classes and as you quickly pivoted from in-person to digital learning in order to meet the needs of your students in this difficult, temporary transition. 

Be safe and be well. 

Respectfully,

Dave Parker

Superintendent

 

Hillsboro school district logo

Updated COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine Guidelines:

January 17, 2021 - On Thursday, Jan. 13, we shared a health and safety update with our students, staff, and families, which included information about our alignment with the CDC’s new guidelines for shortened isolation and quarantine. As a reminder, isolation is for people who have COVID symptoms or who have tested positive for COVID, regardless of vaccination status; quarantine is for people who have been exposed to someone with COVID. The chart below shows highlights of these new guidelines, for your reference. For more information, please see the full communication on our website. 

Note that close contacts due to an exposure in the household may be subject to different protocols; please follow all instructions provided to you by the Contact Tracing team (503-844-1784) for your/your student’s specific situation.

 

Forest Grove Vikettes Dance Team

Forest Grove School District Will Not Pause Extracurriculars:

Athletics, theater and other extracurricular activities will continue in the Forest Grove School District — masked and distanced — as they have since the start of the school year.

  • Forest Grove School District will continue the same policies from the start of the school year, which include a mask requirement indoors.
  • They may limit spectators if the Oregon Health Authority provides further orders.

If you would like to read more, the original article by Dillon Mullan in the Forest Grove News Times is linked here.

 

man holding "fund community colleges now" sign

PCC Foundation accepting scholarship applications:

The Portland Community College Foundation is accepting scholarship applications through Feb. 1st.

  • Awards range from $700 to $5,000 per year.
  • Any student who plans to attend the college can apply. Scholarships are available for students of all ages, backgrounds, and majors.
  • The application poses two questions for 350-word essays: "What is your career goal and educational plan to meet this goal?" and, "What is your greatest strength or characteristic and how will this help you to be successful at PCC?"
  • Decisions will be sent out in early June, and the scholarships will be available for use in the upcoming summer, fall and spring terms for tuition, fees and books.

All contests taking place in Forest grove School District high school main gyms can be viewed free via live stream on the NFHS Network. Type the school name into the search bar and select the event from there. 

For more information, contact scholarships@pcc.edu or 971-722-4382.

If you would like to read more, the original article by Dillon Mullan at the Forest Grove News Times is linked here.

 


 

EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

 

oregon emergency rental assistance program logo

Important Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program Updates:

Oregon Housing and Community Services will begin accepting new applications again for the Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program starting on January 26th.

This will be a limited reopening for three to five weeks, depending on the availability of funds. Households with the most need will have priority in accessing resources, not a first-come, first-served basis. 

Applications received on January 26th will be processed after applications received before December 1st. Tenants who apply on or after January 26th may receive safe harbor protections that prevent landlords for evicting tenants under their application is processed. However, those tenants should expect a delay prior to processing and payment.

More information is linked here.

 


 

COVID-19 UPDATES

 

COVID-19 weekly cases surge; hospitalizations, deaths increase:

OHA reported 28,037 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m.Tuesday (1/18)., bringing the state total to 541,415. The 1/18 total also reflects the weekend and MLK Jr. holiday Jan. 17.

The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon is 911, which is 51 more than Monday (1/17). There are 152 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, which is four more than Monday.

There are 10 new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 5,893, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reported at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday (1/18).

Hospitalizations
COVID Cases

 

 

Federal government taking orders for free at-home COVID-19 tests

The federal government is launching a new website Jan. 19, where you can order free at-home rapid antigen tests, to be delivered to your home by the U.S. Postal Service. Current supply limits orders to four tests per residential address. It will take at least a week after an order is placed for tests to be shipped (for free) first-class mail. Click here for more information on the federal government’s plans to make COVID-19 testing accessible to everyone. 

households can now register for COD-19 test kitssign up for free covid tests at covidtests.goveach household gets 4 test kitskits will ship late january

 

What to know about COVID-19 treatments

Graphic: Prescription pills  
 

Although vaccines, masking, and physical distancing are key to slowing the spread of COVID-19, some people will still get sick. Fortunately, there are now several treatments that have received emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These treatments are being prioritized for those with a risk of developing severe or life-threatening disease. Read on to learn more about COVID-19 treatments. 

 

OHA releases new COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough report

OHA’s most recent update on COVID-19 breakthrough cases, released today, reported 45,334 cases of COVID-19 during the week of Jan. 2 to Jan. 8.

Of those cases, 33,363 or 73.6% were unvaccinated people and 11,971 or 26.4% were vaccine breakthrough cases.

The average age of the breakthrough cases during that period was 36. Forty-five breakthrough cases involved residents of care facilities, senior living communities or other congregate care settings. There were 985 cases in people aged 12 to 17.

To date, there have been 72,683 COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough cases in Oregon. The average age of all cases is 44. Breakthrough cases have been reported in all 36 counties.

Cases of COVID-19 are far more common in unvaccinated people. The report shows that the rate of COVID-19 in unvaccinated people is more than five times higher than in vaccinated people.

To date, 3.5% of all vaccine breakthrough cases have been hospitalized and 1% have died. The average age of vaccinated people who have died is 81.

Vaccination remains the most effective tool to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Oregonians are encouraged to vaccinated and, if eligible, to get a booster shot.


 

VACCINE INFORMATION

Vaccination progress

 

New high-volume vaccination clinic in Washington County:

High-volume vaccination sites throughout the state offer a free, convenient way to get vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. All three COVID-19 vaccines, boosters and pediatric doses are offered at these sites, and no insurance or appointments are required.  

A new site will open in Washington County: 

  • Langer’s, 21650 SW Langer Farms Pkwy, Sherwood 
  • Outdoor drive-through clinic 
  • Hours: Mondays through Saturdays, 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

 

Vaccine cartoon

 

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!

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.

Paisanos Plaza: This clinic operates every Sunday from 1-5 p.m. It is organized by Oregon Health Authority and Vive NW and offers all vaccines and boosters. It is located at 966 SE Oak Street in Hillsboro. No appointments, ID or health insurance required. Questions? Call the Vive NW hotline at 844-291-4970.

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

Centro Clinic

 

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

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.

 


 

News from Salem

 

oregon state capitol

Oregon House Democrats Elect New Caucus Leader, Speaker Nominee:

The following message is a Press Release from the House Democratic Caucus, sent Sunday January 16th, 2022.

SALEM, Ore. – Today, the Oregon House Democratic caucus nominated Rep. Dan Rayfield (D-Corvallis) to serve as the Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives and elected Rep. Julie Fahey (D-West Eugene, Junction City) as Majority Leader. The election comes following the decision by Rep. Tina Kotek (D-Portland) to step down as Speaker and Rep. Barbara Smith Warner(D-Portland) to step down as Majority Leader.

Speaker Kotek, the longest-serving Speaker in Oregon history, will step away from the legislature on January 21. Rep. Smith Warner, who became Majority Leader in 2019, will continue to serve as Representative for House District 45. 

“I’m deeply honored that my caucus has entrusted me with this nomination," Rep. Rayfield said. "I recognize this comes with tremendous responsibility at a pivotal moment for families across our state.

“I ran to be Speaker to help guide the House as we collectively work to build a recovery that reaches all Oregonians. Our economy has picked up steam in recent months and I have tremendous optimism about our state's future. But after years of living in a global pandemic, I know many are still hurting. The Omicron variant is contributing to workforce shortages and challenges for our students, educators and families. But I know there is a brighter future ahead and I am committed to working with both parties and both chambers to lead the entire state forward."

Rayfield, 42, was first elected to the Legislature in 2014. He represents House District 16, comprising Corvallis and Philomath.

“Our state is facing enormous challenges that legislators are ready to tackle in the upcoming session,” Speaker Kotek said. “The Oregon House of Representatives will be well-served through this transition as the legislature continues to do the people’s work.”

Rayfield has served as co-chair of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means, the state’s lead budget writing committee, since 2019. His careful budget management has helped stabilize the state’s once unreliable revenue system. Oregon has built record reserves to protect essential social services during his tenure as budget chair and is among the states best-prepared for a future economic downturn. He has also prioritized campaign finance reform since joining the Legislature.

Born in Oregon, Rayfield graduated from Tigard High School, Western Oregon University and the Willamette University College of Law. His work as an attorney primarily involves fighting for individuals with consumer and civil rights cases against large corporations, insurance companies, and others.

Upon Speaker Kotek’s resignation, which is effective January 22, Speaker Pro Tempore Paul Holvey (D - Eugene) will serve as the Speaker until the House votes to make a formal appointment on February 1 when the Legislature convenes to start the 2022 legislative session.

Rep. Wlnsvey Campos (D - Aloha) intends to make the formal nomination on the House floor.

“I’ve had great experiences working with Rep. Rayfield and his office to expand voting rights and improve healthcare access to all Oregonians,” Rep. Campos said. “I’m excited that we will continue to have a Speaker who is a champion for progressive policies that are going to benefit working families, historically marginalized communities and all who desperately need support as we navigate the pandemic.”

Rep. Fahey assumes the role of Majority Leader from Rep. Smith Warner immediately following the election.         .

Among Rep. Smith Warner’s legislative accomplishments, she led the passage of the Student Success Act to establish ongoing dedicated funding (currently at $1 billion per year) for pre-K to 12 education for the first time in a generation, and oversaw the passage of safe storage requirements for firearms. She continues to be a strong advocate for worker rights and living wage jobs.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to lead the Oregon House Democrats through the challenges of the last few years. I am proud that we led with science and good faith in our pandemic response, centered the needs of those most impacted, both economically and health-wise, and acknowledged and addressed the continued racial justice imbalances in our state," said Rep. Smith Warner.

"I thank Rep. Smith Warner for her courageous leadership, and I’m honored to have my colleagues’ trust to lead this incredible caucus," said Leader Fahey. "As the pandemic continues to impact schools, small businesses, healthcare workers, and working families, I stand committed to the bold, structural changes we need to meet this moment, build resiliency, and ensure an equitable recovery." 

Fahey joined the Legislature in 2017 and has been a champion for tackling Oregon’s housing crisis, serving as Chair of the House Committee on Housing. During the 2021 legislative session, she was instrumental in securing $765 million dollars in investments for affordable housing and permanent supportive housing, down payment assistance, homeless services, tenant support, and more. During the successful 2021 December special session, Fahey led efforts to extend the safe harbor policy, in addition to investing $215 million for housing protections, keeping thousands of people housed.

Additionally, Rep. Rob Nosse was elected Majority Whip, Rep. Andrea Valderrama was elected Deputy Majority Whip, and Rep. Karin Power as Assistant Majority Leader. 

 


 

AROUND WASHINGTON COUNTY

 

rep. mclain and rep sollman

Rep. Sollman is our new Senator!

Congratulations to Representative Sollman on her appointment to Senate District 15, which includes us here in House District 29. I have worked with Janeen for many years in the House and know that she will do a great job representing Western Washington County in the Senate.

I also want to take a moment to thank Senator Chuck Riley for his many years of public service to our area.  I have enjoyed working with him immensely, and I wish him all the luck in his much-deserved retirement. 

 

Steve Calloway

Hillsboro Mayor Steve Callaway to give virtual State of the City:

This year's event on Thursday, Jan. 27, will be livestreamed on Zoom and Facebook. 

The theme of this year's State of the City address is "We Love Hillsboro."

"Ask 100 people, 'What do you love about Hillsboro?' and you might get 100 different answers," Mayor Callaway said in a preface to the Jan. 27 program. "There's so much to love about our hometown." He added, "This year, we will celebrate all that we love about our community during the 2022 State of the City."

The livestream begins at 6 p.m. Jan. 27. The State of the City can be viewed via Zoom or on the City of Hillsboro's Facebook page.

You can read more about the State of the City in the Hillsboro News Times article, linked here.

 

Shelter image

Hillsboro officials plan year-round shelter:

The city is looking at a site near Dairy Creek for what would be the first all-year homeless shelter Hillsboro operates.

Hillsboro officials plan to create a new year-round homeless shelter on a property recently purchased by the city government.

Hillsboro has created temporary, seasonal shelters in the past, but this is the first time the city government has committed to opening a year-round option for hundreds of unsheltered people in the area. The property, located in the 300 block of Southwest 17th Avenue, is on the western edge of the city, north of Dairy Creek Park.

You can read more about the shelters in the Hillsboro News Times article, linked here.

 

hillsboro fire dept

Hillsboro Main Street Fire Resources

In light of the devastating fire along Main Street on January 2nd, I have provided a few resources to help support the recovery effort. I want to thank Hillsboro Fire & Rescue for keeping our community safe and quickly responding to the fire. I would also like to commend the Hillsboro community for coming together to aid those displaced in the fire.  

5 Ways You Can Help

  • The Hillsboro Community Foundation has set up the Hillsboro Community Relief Fund to provide resources directly to those in desperate need. Donations can be made online and are tax deductible.

  • Marcus Harvey, the owner of Portland Gear, has designed “Heart for Hillsboro” shirts and sweatshirts. Proceeds from the sale of these products will go toward the Hillsboro Community Foundation Relief Fund above.

  • Insomnia Coffee is accepting donations of gift cards for essential items, such as gas and groceries, that will go directly to those displaced by the fires. Please drop off gift cards at the Downtown Hillsboro Insomnia location at 137 East Main Street.

  • The Hillsboro Downtown Partnership is compiling a list of immediate needs for those affected and displaced by the fires. The list will be posted on the HDP Facebook page in the coming days.

  • Other fundraisers are being planned throughout the community and will be announced through the Hillsboro Downtown Partnership. Be cautious of non-sanctioned fundraisers.

 

Statement from Mayor Steve Callaway
“Our community has been impacted by two fires this weekend: one that displaced 17 people within three apartments on Saturday, and another on Sunday that has visibly impacted our beloved Main Street. Our hearts go out to the families and all of the Main Street businesses affected by the fires. We and the community are here to support them in their recovery.”

In both fires, our firefighters did remarkable work. They stopped the apartment fire from spreading to other units. Their efforts to keep the Main Street fire from spreading was flat-out amazing. And it was a team effort with not only Hillsboro Fire & Rescue firefighters, but also our partners from neighboring agencies: Banks, Cornelius, Forest Grove, Gaston, Portland Fire, and Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue.

We are also grateful for our partnerships with NW Natural, PGE, the Red Cross, TriMet, and others whose help allowed us to respond to both of these emergencies and support those affected.”

For updates and video, visit the Hillsboro Fire & Rescue Department Twitter feed

 

*Thank you to Kimberly Culbertson for working with our office to provide the best resources possible.

 

 

 


 

WILDFIRE RECOVERY RESOURCES

 

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

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 ResourcesOregon 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 UpdatesFEMA has provided several different Fact Sheets and resources for accessing benefits, determining eligibility and avoiding scams.


 

VETERANS RESOURCES 

 

Veterans

 

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.

Education Links

Local Government

Utilities Assistance

Food and Housing Assistance


Governor

Emergency

Oregon Health Authority

CDC

 

I love this picture of Haystack Rock with just a little bit of snow on it! 

Haystack Rock

 

Yours truly,

Representative Susan McLain

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