Town Hall Coming Up + Community Updates

Oregon State Legislature sent this bulletin at 08/24/2023 12:45 PM PDT
Represenative Emerson Levy

Hi Friends,

I hope the summer is treating you well. The smoke finally seems to be clearing. I am thankful for all of the hard work of firefighters to contain the Juniper Creek fire, and quickly.  Several fires are still burning and the Governor’s office is holding a weekly fire briefing with legislators and federal/state fire agencies. Make sure you are signed up to receive alerts here. 

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the National Conference for State Legislators in Indianapolis. A lot of what we learned centered on leadership. One of my favorite talks was from Jen Welter, the first female NFL coach, “When your head is too big you fall over.” A simple but important lesson in politics and public service. Indianapolis Capitol

There’s a lot going on in our community, too much to be summed up in a monthly newsletter. I miss the weekly ones, but maybe your inbox doesn’t. I get it. But to get more information I hope you will join me and Representative Breese-Iverson for a joint town hall in Redmond on August 31st, more information is below. 

Lastly, I wanted to point you to a few things: Oregon Paid Family Leave enrollment is now open, and the Central Oregon Community College (COCC) Foundation is awarding $1.9 million in scholarships for the coming 2023-24 academic year. 

As always, keep up with weekly going ons on our social media.

Stay safe out there, 

Emerson

Signature

State Representative Emerson Levy
House District 53

Coming Up: Town Hall in Redmond, OR

Town Hall Flyer

Where: The Redmond Grange, 707 SW Kalama Ave, Redmond, OR 97756

When: August 31st, 2023 at 4:00pm 

Who: You! All are welcome

Community Resources:

  • Paid Leave Oregon
  • COCC Scholarships

Paid Leave Oregon Will Start Accepting Applications August 14- Oregon employees who need to take time off work to care for important life events can begin applying for paid leave benefits starting August 14 through the state’s new paid family and medical leave program: Paid Leave Oregon. Paid Leave Oregon covers paid family leave, medical leave, and safe leave for working Oregonians.

Employees can apply for benefits online beginning August 14 through the Oregon Employment Department’s Frances Online system at bit.ly/OregonFrancesOnline.

Employees can apply for the following reasons:

  • To care for themselves or members of their family during the birth of a child, or to bond with a child after birth, adoption, or placement of a child in their home through foster care
  • To care for themselves during a serious health condition
  • To care for a family member when they have a serious health condition
  • If they or their child experience sexual assault, domestic violence, harassment, or stalking

Most workers will be able to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave annually through the program, although those who are pregnant, have given birth or have health issues related to childbirth, may be eligible for up to 14 weeks of paid leave. Employees will only be eligible to receive benefits for leave taken on or after September 3, and payments will begin going out in mid-September. The minimum weekly benefit an Oregon worker will receive through the program in fiscal year 2024 is $63.48 while the maximum is $1,523.63.

Learn more about Paid Leave Oregon at PaidLeave.oregon.gov, or attend an informational webinar hosted by Paid Leave Oregon. Webinars occur every Thursday through September 28. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UpDbDFjRRyKJD9Ow1NPpvA#/registration.

COCC Students Can Apply for Share of $1.9 Million in Foundation Scholarships [ PUT A PHOTO OF COCC]

The Central Oregon Community College (COCC) Foundation is awarding $1.9 million in scholarships for the coming 2023-24 academic year — marking an all-time high for the college’s scholarship fund. The application window closes Oct. 20; visit cocc.edu/foundation to learn more.

Annual COCC Foundation scholarships are awarded based on financial needs and a demonstrated commitment to educational goals. A full $5,000 scholarship is enough to cover an enrolled student’s tuition and fees for 12 credits per term for three terms. The Foundation is offering 400 scholarships for this year’s cycle. COCC’s fall term admissions deadline is Sept. 17 and classes begin Sept. 25.

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1453
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-486, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.EmersonLevy@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/levye​