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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Less than two weeks to go in the Short Session and we are trying to get to as many bills as possible. Unfortunately, with the time constraints laid out in the Oregon Constitution for Short Sessions, many good bills will not get a chance to be voted on and will have to come back in the next Long Session. Despite this time limitation, we have been able to consider some very important pieces of legislation. I have outlined several of them in the "Bill Highlights" section of this newsletter and I hope you'll take a chance to read about them.
In my role as an Education Budget Co-Chair, I have been working with other education leaders in the Legislature to respond to the challenges facing the state’s public education system. Today, we have announced the creation of a framework for a funding package that makes targeted investments to provide summer learning opportunities for students across the state, support teachers facing severe burnout, and protect school districts impacted by wildfires. This budget will support our students and teachers who have been through so much these last two years with increased stress from the pandemic. We are focused on ensuring our students can continue meeting in-person and that we are recruiting and retaining teachers so they have more time to give our kids the education they deserve. The funding package includes $150 million for summer learning programs across the state, which will build on the successes we saw in summer learning last year. I will provide more details on the package as it makes its way through the legislative process.
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PARTICIPATE IN THE SHORT SESSION!
BILL HIGHLIGHTS
House Bill 4138 - Injured Worker Protections
Wednesday, the Oregon House of Representatives unanimously voted to approve House Bill 4138, which will close a loophole the insurance industry has used for years to surprise workers with benefit reductions when they are deemed too disabled to return to their old job.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Dacia Grayber (D-Tigard), also requires insurance companies to notify workers in writing when their benefits are being reduced and why.
Further, HB 4138 equalizes the amount of time workers and insurers have to fix errors in benefit payments. Under current law, workers can only go back two weeks to make corrections or adjustments, while insurers can go back an unlimited amount of time. During a committee hearing on the bill, testimony was provided by a worker who had benefits reduced four years after an error by the insurance company.
The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.
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Update on House Bill 4113 - Firefighter Cancer Protections
The Senate unanimously approved House Bill 4113 on Wednesday. This measure adds bladder and female reproductive cancers as occupational diseases resulting from employment for qualifying career firefighters under Oregon’s workers’ compensation law. Cancer is a leading cause of firefighter death in the United States. Oregon workers compensation law already protects career firefighters for many kinds of cancers, including male reproductive cancers.
House Bill 4113 adds bladder and female reproductive cancers to the list of cancers that are presumed compensable for qualifying career firefighters. The measure requires the Workers' Compensation Management-Labor Advisory Committee to review and consider reports, findings, and analyses made public by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health around firefighters’ occupational cancer hazards.
House Bill 4113 now goes to the Governor for her signature.
House Bill 4055 - Renewal of the Forest Products Harvest Tax
Wednesday, the House passed House Bill 4055 A, which renews parts of the Forest Products Harvest Tax. The tax produces revenues to administer fire suppression and supports the Oregon Forest Research Institute, OSU Forest Research, OSU Forest Education, and the administration of the Forest Practices Act. HB 4055, in conjunction with Senate Bills 1501 and 1502, is the result of negotiations on the Private Forest Accords, which is a historic agreement between timber companies and environmental groups on the management of Oregon's forests.
House Bill 4055 now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Update on Transportation Bills this Session
I have enjoyed my role as Co-Chair of the Joint Transportation Committee again this Session. The Committee heard 10 bills this year and below is the current result for each bill:
Bills that died in the Joint Transportation Committee
Bills that passed Committee and were referred to Joint Ways and Means Committee
Bills that passed Committee and are up for Senate/House Floor votes
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House Bill 4053 - Oregon Route 6 Study – approved in House and now in Senate
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House Bill 4089 - Hood River Bridge Authority – passed and headed to Governor’s desk
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Senate Bill 1558 - Transportation Omnibus – passed and headed to Governor’s desk
Giving the Floor Speech for the Joint Transportation Committee's Omnibus Bill (HB 1558) Wednesday evening. It passed both the House and the Senate and now heads to the Governor's desk for signing.
LEARN ABOUT OUR PRIORITIES
Cost of Living Relief Package Will Target Childcare Affordability and Support Working Families
As the cost of living spikes across the country, the Oregon Legislature is working on a relief package to put money back in Oregonians’ pockets and drive down the cost of everyday necessities like childcare.
Affordable Childcare: The budget will build on the bipartisan early learning and childcare reforms made during the 2021 session, helping to modernize our childcare system and create equitable and affordable access.
To address the shortage of affordable childcare across the state, the funding package will support providers who accept Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) subsidies, leading to more equitable rates and giving more options to parents who utilize ERDC. This support includes recruitment and retention payments to childcare workers; recruiting and training of new childcare providers; direct grants to expand existing childcare facilities; and other investments to make our public childcare system more equitable for parents.
Low-Income Worker Payments: With federal pandemic relief funding expiring, this investment package will also provide one-time $600 payments to support the more than 240,000 Oregonians who claimed the earned income tax credit (EITC) on their 2020 tax returns. Eligible Oregonians will automatically receive payments by direct deposit or check, efficiently delivering stimulus payments to help Oregonians pay for essential needs, like rent and groceries.
Data from the Department of Revenue shows counties with the highest percentage of residents claiming the EITC include Malheur (22.7%), Klamath (19%) and Jefferson (18.9%), followed by other counties in Eastern and Southern Oregon.
An additional budget appropriation will be made to the Oregon Worker Relief Fund for $600 payments to ITIN filers who would otherwise qualify for the EITC if not for their tax ID number.
Earned-Income Tax Credit Outreach: The EITC helps low-income workers and families receive a tax break to reduce their overall tax burden. The budget will strengthen the resources available to help low-income families navigate the tax system and access this credit, with a focus on outreach by culturally responsive organizations, tribal governments, and under-resourced rural community service organizations.
Addressing the Homeless Crisis In Oregon
To address the homelessness crisis in Oregon, the Oregon State Legislature has prioritized many policies this Short Session. These include:
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HB 4123: Funds coordinated regional response to homelessness in communities to ensure better response systems and support for impacted communities.
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HB 4058/SB 1536: Heat relief for renters. This would allow renters to install AC units in their apartments and is in response to last summer’s heatwave.
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Project Turnkey 2.0: This innovative program purchases hotels, motels, and other buildings to quickly convert to needed shelter space and supportive housing units. Already we see how Project Turnkey has made a difference for Oregonians across the state. We’ll continue this investment this session.
SCHOOL UPDATES
As we head into the Spring, it is important to keep up with updates from our schools, so please take some time to read the letters from both the Forest Grove and Hillsboro School Districts below.
Oregon wants to know what you think about high school graduation requirements:
In 2021, the state legislature directed the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) to review state high school graduation requirements. As part of that work, ODE wants to know what matters most to people about earning a high school diploma in our state. Oregon’s Kitchen Table is working with ODE to gather input from people across the state about this topic from mid-February to mid-March 2022 through Zoom community conversations. The survey is open until April 15th.
You can read more about the background in the OPB article, linked here. You can access the survey or learn more about the community conversations on Oregon's Kitchen Table website, linked here.
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Superintendent Parker Weekly Message -- February 18, 2022:
Dear FGSD Families,
Cases continue to decline across the county, state and beyond. This is good news as it has been almost two years since school drastically changed as a result of the pandemic. The district is continuing to investigate all of its options including implications of voluntary masking. We are hearing from families and staff with concerns on both sides of this issue. The responsibility of the district is to listen to all of these concerns and make the best decision we can for all of our students and our staff.
As part of my annual review process set up by the school board, we will be sending out a link to a 360-degree evaluation survey. This will help identify opportunities where I and the district can grow and improve. Your participation and candid feedback are both important and appreciated. Look for an email with a link that will be sent out on Tuesday, February 22nd.
Over the last few years, we have partnered with the Coraggio Group, a local strategy and leadership consulting firm, to administer the survey. Your response is confidential and will go directly to Coraggio Group. The Forest Grove School District will not receive any individual responses or identifiable information. The Coraggio Group will provide a summary report to the School Board and the Superintendent once the survey period has closed.
I hope that you are able to connect with those around you and enjoy your time together during the holiday weekend.
Respectfully,
Dave Parker
Superintendent
Important Information
FGHS Music Fundraiser
Are you looking to replace a bed in your home? Now is the time. Forest Grove High School Music Program is excited to announce they will be hosting their 2nd Annual one-day Mattress Fundraiser on Saturday, February 26th, from 11am-5pm. For one day only, the FGHS Commons will be transformed into a mattress showroom.
What: 2nd Annual Forest Grove High School Music Program Mattress Fundraiser
Where: Forest Grove High School Commons
When: Saturday, February 26th, 11am-5pm
Link for more information
CHILD-RELATED 2021 TAX CREDITS
You might receive a tax refund even if you’re not required to file. For more information on tax credits please visit www.irs.gov to check out the interactive Advance Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant and learn more about the Earned Income Tax. You may also qualify for no-cost tax preparation and filing assistance at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). Visit www.irs.gov/VITA or call 1-800-906-9887 to find a site near you.
En español.
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Spring High School Plays:
It’s spring play time at our high schools. Don’t miss these fantastic performances from our talented teen thespians!
First up is Glencoe High School with their production of Xanadu. Complete with roller skates, disco balls, music, and a healthy dose of satire, Xanadu tells the story of the Greek Muse Clio risking everything when she falls for frustrated artist and southern California dude Sonny. Based in 1980, Sonny has given up on his dream of one day opening an artsy roller disco when he meets Clio and is inspired to make his dream a reality. Family-friendly performances on Feb. 25 and 26, and Mar. 3, 4, and 5 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance through the Glencoe Webstore or $15 at the door.
Next is Century High School performing The Hello Girls, a story of America’s first women soldiers in a musical inspired by history. These intrepid heroines served as bilingual telephone operators on the front lines, helping turn the tide of World War I. They then returned home to fight a decades-long battle for equality and recognition, paving the way for future generations. Pay-what-you-will preview on Wednesday, Mar. 2, at 7 p.m. (tickets at the door only); shows on Mar. 4, 5, 10, 11, and 12 at 7 p.m. and Mar. 5 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 for students or seniors, and $5 with ASB sticker or fellow thespians (at the door only).
Then in April, Liberty High School presents SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical. Based on the Nickelodeon animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants, the show reunites SpongeBob with his pet snail, Gary, best friend Patrick, neighbor Squidward, friend Sandy, boss Mr. Krabs, and more. Don’t miss what promises to be a hilarious evening of fun with our cutest cubical undersea pal. Performances on Apr. 22, 23, 29, and 30 at 7:30 p.m. More information to come!
Wrapping up the spring play series is Hilhi Theatre with their production of The Addams Family Musical. In an original story, daughter Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family. And if that wasn’t upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before - keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents. Shows Apr. 28, 29, and May 5, 6 at 7:30 p.m.; and Apr. 30 and May 7 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 general admission and $10 students and seniors.
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Virtual Licensed Job Fair:
HSD is hiring! If you are looking for a job as a teacher, speech language pathologist, nurse, or other licensed position, we want to meet you. Our Virtual Licensed Job Fair takes place on Saturday, Mar. 12, but there are several steps you can take between now and Mar. 3 to prepare you for the event and an interview.
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Google Classroom Tutorial for Families:
HSD’s Family Engagement team is hosting Google Classroom Tutorials in English and Spanish on Wednesday, Mar. 2, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Google Meet. See this flyer for more information.
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Kindergarten Registration Opens March 1:
Beginning Tuesday, March 1, HSD elementary schools are enrolling incoming kindergartners for the 2022-23 school year. Please visit our website for information on the enrollment process and orientation session for your school. There will be two in-person Kinder Fairs - one on Thursday, April 14, the other on Thursday, April 28 - and a virtual Kinder Fair beginning on March 1. The in-person fairs will have free food, raffle prizes, and resources. If you have an incoming kindergartener, please plan to join us for one of these events!
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Parent Speaker Series:
Washington County Kids is hosting a virtual Parent Speaker Series throughout the month of March featuring interactive presentations designed to provide useful information, tips, and tools for families of students in grades K-12. The first session on Developmental Stages takes place Tuesday, March 1, at 6:30 p.m.; other sessions are on Wednesdays.
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Weekly report data HERE, not released yet.
COVID-19 UPDATES
COVID-19 By the Numbers:
Cases and deaths: There are 29 new COVID-19-related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 6,485, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reported at 12:01 a.m. on 2/22/22.
OHA reported 3,400 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. on 2/22/21, bringing the state total to 689,325. The 3,400 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 include those from Feb. 18, Feb. 19, Feb. 20 and Feb. 21.
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COVID-19 hospitalizations
The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon is 597, which is 40 fewer than yesterday. There are 109 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, which is six fewer than yesterday.
There are 84 available adult ICU beds out of 673 total (12% availability) and 341 available adult non-ICU beds out of 4,306 (8% availability).
Note: Please do not visit an emergency department for COVID-19 testing unless you require emergency care for your symptoms.
Emergency departments in Oregon are under significant strain. You can find a test here. If you have a medical condition that doesn’t require emergency care, contact your provider. An urgent care center may also help you get the care you need and will save emergency departments from added strain.
More information about hospital capacity can be found here.
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Mask mandate stays in place for Oregon health care settings
No matter when Oregon’s indoor mask requirement is lifted, there are several places across the state where masks will still be required -- health care settings.
As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations trend downward, health care settings continue to be places where people who are most vulnerable to serious illness from COVID-19 gather. “People who seek care are often more at risk for complications,” says Dr. Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S. Ed., state epidemiologist and health officer. Read on for more on Oregon’s mask mandate in health care settings.
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Living in a multi-generational household during COVID-19
In homes with multiple generations of people living together, protecting everyone from COVID-19 can be a challenge. This is especially true for the elderly and those with underlying conditions, particularly when there are small children who are ineligible for vaccination. Click on the image below for guidance on how best to keep multi-generational homes safe from COVID-19.
VACCINE INFORMATION
Washington County Vaccination Sites:
- 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
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.
Local pharmacies: As of April 27, 2021, pharmacies are required to offer second/boost doses to people who received their first dose somewhere else.
AROUND WASHINGTON COUNTY
Washington County Kids Poster Contest:
Congratulations to the winners of the Washington County Kids Art Competition! TriMet buses and bus stop benches will get some new decoration next month, courtesy of local school children who competed in the Washington County Kids Poster Contest. The theme was "After School Is Cool!" and prompted participating students — ranging from kindergarten through high school — to create posters that showcase what they love about their after-school programs.
You can read more about the winners in the Hillsboro News Times Article, authored by Troy Shinn, linked here.
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EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN AGAIN
Oregon Housing and Community Services has started accepting new applications again for the Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
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.
New applications 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 from evicting tenants until their application is processed. However, those tenants should expect a delay prior to processing and payment.
More information is linked here.
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WILDFIRE RECOVERY
OEM has put together this list of contacts to help speed up the process of replacing these documents:
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Green cards: Phone (800)-375-5283; Website: www.uscis.gov
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Medicare cards: Phone: (800)-772-1213; (TTY) (800)-325-0778 Website: www.medicare.gov
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Military records Phone: 866-272-6272 Website: www.archives.gov/contact/
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Passport Phone: 877-487-2778; (TTY) 888-874-7793 Website: travel.state.gov
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Social Security card Phone: 800-772-1213; (TTY) 800-325-0778 Website: www.ssa.gov
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U.S. Savings Bonds Phone: 844-284-2676 Website: www.treasurydirect.gov
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U.S. tax returns Phone: 800-829-1040 Website: www.irs.gov
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Birth, death, marriage, domestic partnership, divorce certificates Phone: 888-896-4988 Website: www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/Birthdeathcertificates
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Driver’s license, auto titles and registration, ID cards Phone: 503-945-5000 Website: www.oregon.gov/odot
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SNAP (Oregon Trail Card) Website: www.oregon.gov/DHS/Assistance/Food-Benefits
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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
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Real estate and property - Contact your county government.
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Credit cards - Contact your credit card company directly.
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Credit reports from Equifax, Experian, TransUnion Phone: 877-322-8228 Website: www.annualcreditreport.com
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Insurance documents - Check with your insurance agent.
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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.
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.
Education Links
Local Government
Utilities Assistance
Food and Housing Assistance
Local Washington County Nursery
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
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