Looking into the 2024 Session

The 2024 Legislative Session will begin on Monday, February 5^th, with the last day of the session (sine die), scheduled for March 10^th.  The legislative days we held last week gave us an opportunity to review proposed committee bills and introduce some of the individual bills that legislators are filing for this 5-week session.  The short session will emphasize building more housing for lower- and middle-income Oregonians, along with making needed changes around Measure 110.  The Senate will also review and vote on the Governor’s appointments to various boards and commissions, along with the recommended agency heads for the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs. 

In Senate Healthcare recently, we continued our conversations around the conglomeration and corporatization of healthcare, focusing this time on long-term care and hospice.  We had expert testimony from doctors at Weill Cornell Medical School who shared their research, and heard from others here in Oregon as well, on trends related to consolidation and private equity investment in these healthcare services.  If you would like to watch that hearing, you can find it at this link.

In Senate Labor and Business, we reviewed bills that will make some technical fixes to the Oregon Paid Family Leave Program to have it align with federal family leave laws and ensure its financial solvency with contingency planning. To date, the projections have been right on target, and this committee will be watching this closely.  In Senate Housing, we heard testimony related to planned committee bills on housing development, and in the General Government subcommittee of Ways and Means, we reviewed federal grant application proposals from a wide variety of agencies serving Oregonians.   These committee hearings, and all others held last week, are available to watch on the Oregon Legislative Information System. 

I hope you are fully recovered from the storms!  As the Salem Fire Department points out in their message below, NOW is the time to prepare for the next emergency.  You can also find more information through Marion County Emergency Management, Polk County Emergency Management, and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management.

Finally, I hope you will join Rep. Andersen and I at our Town Hall next Thursday, January 25^th from 5:00-6:00pm at Loucks Auditorium at the Salem Public Library.  Please stay in touch!

Warm regards,

Deb

Join us for a Joint Town Hall on January 25

Replacement SNAP Benefits for Food Lost During Winter Storm

SNAP recipients who lost food due to power outages during winter storms can request replacement benefits from the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS). 

If you lost food that you bought with SNAP benefits because of the winter storms, contact ODHS within 10 days of when the food was lost.

To submit a request, visit a local ODHS office near you, call 800-699-9075, or email oregon.benefits@odhsoha.oregon.gov. Click here to learn more.

Public Input on CareOregon and SCAN Business Deal

Public input is crucial to the Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA’s) review of the SCAN Group/CareOregon merger, which would move approximately $1 billion in Medicaid dollars (CareOregon’s reserves) from Oregon to California.

Your feedback will help the OHA understand how this business deal could help or harm people in Oregon.

To share your thoughts and feedback about this business deal, please email hcmo.info@oha.oregon.gov by January 26, 2023. In your email, include the word “CareOregon”, what you think, and whether you support or oppose the deal. Click here to learn more.

A Message from the Salem Fire Department

As we come out of the first storm of 2024, it is important to remember your survival kit essentials.

1. Water: At least one gallon per person daily for at least three days.
2. Non-perishable Food: A three-day supply for each person.
3. Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Radio: To stay updated on emergency broadcasts.
4. Flashlight: With extra batteries.
5. First Aid Kit: Including bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any necessary prescription medications.
6. Multi-Tool or Swiss Army Knife: Useful for various tasks.
7. Emergency Blankets: Compact, space-saving blankets for warmth. 
8. Personal Hygiene Items: Like soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and sanitary wipes.
9. Portable Charger: For keeping mobile devices powered.
10. Local Maps: In case digital navigation systems are unavailable.

Emergency Contacts

1. Local Emergency Services: Numbers for police, fire department, and ambulance.
2. Nearest Hospital: Address and contact number.
3. Family Emergency Contact: A designated person to communicate with during a crisis.
4. Utility Companies: Contact details for reporting outages or emergencies.

First Aid Essentials

1. Adhesive Bandages: Various sizes for minor cuts and scrapes.
2. Sterile Gauze Pads: For larger wounds.
3. Adhesive Tape: To secure bandages or gauze.
4. Antiseptic Solution or Wipes: To clean wounds.
5. Tweezers: For removing splinters or debris from wounds.
6. Scissors: For cutting tape, clothing, or bandages.
7. Thermal Blanket: To retain body heat in case of shock.
8. Pain Relievers: Such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
9. Gloves: Disposable gloves for hygiene during first aid.

Additional Considerations

• Special Needs Items: Like baby supplies, pet food, or medications.
• Cash: In small denominations, ATMs may not work.
• Essential Documents: Copies of IDs, insurance policies, and important contacts in a waterproof container.

Remember, the key to effective emergency preparedness is having these items and regularly checking and updating them as needed. It's also important to familiarize yourself with local emergency plans and evacuation routes.

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1710
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-411, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: Sen.DebPatterson@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/patterson