In the Newsletter: Information on a 'Reopening Oregon Town Hall', Unemployment information, the West Linn Rotary Fundraiser, and more...

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Hello friends and neighbors,

The question on everyone's minds right now is what needs to happen in order for the state to begin reopening. On Thursday, April 30th our State Health Officer & State Epidemiologist, Dr. Dean Sidelinger, and someone from the governor's office will join Rep. Salinas and me to discuss the science and data that will determine Oregon's process for reopening. I'm looking forward to the conversation and I hope to see you there!

Date: Thursday, April 30th

Time: 6-7 pm

How to Register:
Please register in advance here ([link removed]) . Upon registering, you will receive an email confirmation with information on how to join the meeting.

Asking Questions: Please email questions in advance to [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

Accessing Zoom: This meeting will be hosted on Zoom. You can participate in Thursday’s town hall in several ways:
* On your computer: You can access Zoom on your web browser or through the desktop application. To download the desktop application for free, visit Zoom.us. I recommend downloading it in advance. When it comes time for the event on Thursday, press “Click Here to Join” on your registration confirmation, and you will automatically be directed to the application. If you do not want to download the application, you can access the meeting from your browser by following the same link. If accessing Zoom through your browser, Google Chrome is recommended.
* On your cell phone: Zoom also has mobile applications available for free in the Apple and Google Play Store. Downloading this app will allow you to take part in the town hall from your phone.
* By telephone: If you don’t want to use the video platform, you can access the meeting on your telephone. Your registration confirmation will include a teleconferencing and meeting ID number. Simply dial the teleconferencing number and, when prompted, enter the meeting ID number using the dial pad followed by #. Though you will be able to hear everything being said, you will be unable to see any of the visual presentations.

Sincerely,

Rachel Prusak

More on Reopening Oregon

Governor Brown announced last week that restrictions on non-emergency medical procedures will loosen on May 1, as long as medical providers meet certain requirements for COVID-19 safety and preparedness. This is the beginning of our reopening.

Medical providers must demonstrate they have the ability to:
* Minimize the risk of coronavirus transmission to patients and health care workers.
* Maintain adequate hospital capacity in the event of a surge in COVID-19 cases.
* Support the health care workforce in safely resuming activities.
* Have an adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers and continue to report PPE daily levels to the OHA.
* Have adequate coronavirus testing capacity when needed, including the ability to screen patients before non-urgent procedures.

You can read the Governor’s full release here ([link removed]) .

I continue to hear stories from fellow nurses and other front line workers who still do not have the equipment they need to properly cope with this pandemic. I am committed to protecting them, and reopening carefully. We will be living with this virus in our lives for some time to come, and our front line workers must have what they need.

In my last newsletter, I laid out the key framework for slowly opening up the strict social distancing restrictions: testing capacity, more personal protective equipment, personnel for contact tracing, a plan for isolating positive cases, and strong strategies to protect our hardest hit and vulnerable populations, like nursing homes and people experiencing homelessness. All these things are needed before opening up. Without them, we are risking another spike in cases.

The Governor’s next steps to opening up Oregon in a slow, safe way are:
1. Solicit input on framework for Reopening Oregon from local leaders
2. Consult with most-affected industries, including restaurants and personal services
3. Complete metrics for reopening and operational plans for test/trace/isolate
4. Finalize discrete steps and guidelines for Step-by-Step Reopening of Oregon
5. Ongoing coordination with West Coast states

As you can see, there is still a lot of work to be done. As mentioned above, I am currently planning a town hall with a representative from the Governor’s office who can directly answer your questions. Please sign up here ([link removed]) .

State and Federal Updates

On Thursday, April 23rd Oregon’s legislative Emergency Board met and took action to help our state respond to the COVID-19 crisis. Some highlights of the state funds appropriated are:
* Safe Shelter and Rent Assistance - $12 million
+ $3.5 million for safe shelter/social distancing alternatives for vulnerable populations, such as individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness and farmworkers.
+ $8.5 million for rent assistance for individuals who have lost income due to the pandemic.

* Small Business Assistance - $10 million*
+ Grants or loans through community lenders for small businesses with no more than 25 employees that are impacted by the pandemic restrictions and have not received support from the federal CARES Act. *The $10 million is made up of $5 million from the Emergency Fund matched with $5 million from existing funds in the Oregon Business Development Department.

* Oregon Worker Relief Fund - $10 million
+ Community-based wage assistance program for laid off workers who do not qualify for unemployment benefits due to immigration status or other factors.

* Domestic Violence Housing Support - $2 million
+ Emergency housing for victims of domestic and sexual violence.

* Long-Term Care Worker Training and Testing - $3.35 million
+ Coronavirus training and testing resources for workers serving very vulnerable Oregonians. This allocation may be replaced by federal response dollars.

These funds are meant to complement the federal dollars coming to our state. I have heard from many workers, business owners, and families hurting during this crisis and I’m hoping this is the first step towards stabilizing both our families and our economy.

At the Federal level, Congress passed the Paycheck Protection Program & Health Care Enhancement Act:
* $310 billion will be used to replenish the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
* $60 billion in economic disaster relief for small businesses with $50 billion to fund Economic Injury Disaster Loans and $10 billion in Economic Injury Disaster grants. Eligibility for these loans have been expanded to include farms and agriculture businesses.
* $75 billion in funding for hospitals and health care providers.
* $25 billion for COVID-19 testing, research, and administration of tests.

Update on Unemployment Insurance

Over 333,000 initial claims have been filed since the beginning of this crisis, with 36,700 initial claims received during the week of April 12 to April 18. As of this week, 520 employees are now dedicated to taking unemployment claims, and planning is underway to add contact center facilities.

Oregonians who are already eligible for regular unemployment benefits and eligible for Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation will receive two weekly payments: one for regular unemployment, and an additional $600 payment. Individuals will be receiving FPUC benefits using the same payment method as their regular benefits for the week. FPUC payments will be paid for each week someone is eligible from March 29, 2020 through the week ending July 25, 2020. The $600 payments will be retroactive for those eligible for payments.

The Employment Department is close to launching the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. They are currently testing the system and training staff and the program should be up and running very soon.

The PUA program will provide self-employed, contract workers, and gig workers not eligible for traditional unemployment benefits, along with those not usually eligible due to too few hours or earnings, and those who were going to start work but could not, with benefits never before available.

If you are wondering if you qualify for financial relief provided by the CARES Act, you can look to the Oregon Employment Department’s COVID-19 page ([link removed]) or their CARES Act page ([link removed]) .
[link removed]

Quick update on Small Business Help

I have been speaking weekly with business owners, families, and education leaders in our community and those conversations have guided my participation on a bi partisan business work group examining ways the state can assist businesses impacted by COVID-19.

Business Oregon created a tool for small businesses owners to help them navigate available resources. You can find the website here ([link removed]) or, if you prefer, you can reach them at 833-604-0880.

As mentioned above, the most recent Paycheck Protection Program & Health Care Enhancement Act provided an additional $310 billion. If you applied and were denied because funds had previously run out you should check with your lender to ensure your application is still active. If you have not yet applied, consider doing so quickly.

Finally, please continue to share your stories and experiences, they are helpful as I continue advocating for targeted relief for our small businesses.

How to Help in Our Community

During this scary time, I am inspired by the way our community has come together to support each other and I want to highlight one of these organizations here:
* The West Linn Rotary has created the COVID Virtual Fundraiser. The Rotary Club of West Linn and its Foundation will completely match the total donations up to a maximum of $3,000. All donations are made online at their website, [link removed]. When donating, you can choose to donate money to essential service workers in our community, or to the West Linn Food Pantry, The Father’s heart, and the Clackamas Service Center.

HD 37 local elected leaders

When Covid 19 changed our world six weeks ago I started hosting a conference call with local leaders and representatives from our community every Friday evening. Typically, calls include members from our school districts and ESD, city councilors and mayors, county commissioners, our local Metro councilor, and representatives from Senator Wyden’s staff. We also frequently host local advocates who update us on their work and needs.

The time we spend connecting and coordinating is invaluable to ensure we are all pulling in the same direction, sharing resources, solutions, and stories. Being able to get your experiences to both leaders in Washington DC as well as our local community allows officials to make policy that realistically addresses your needs.

The emails and calls I get from constituents are key when I am thinking about how to best support, and advocate for, our community. Please continue to share your experiences.

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Rachel for State Representative . 1980 willamette falls drive . Suite #120 - PMB#135 . West Linn, Or 97068 . USA

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