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Friends and neighbors,

Happy new year!

Last week we completed our January legislative days, where we got a preview of the bills we’ll be seeing during the upcoming short legislative session beginning February 1st.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, both the legislature and my office will continue with virtual meetings and engagement to preserve public health while empowering Oregonians around the state to participate in our legislative process without the burden of traveling to Salem.

You can make your voice heard this legislative session by consulting the information below. If you have any trouble, please reach out to my office for assistance.
* My Legislative Website ([link removed])
* How To Testify ([link removed])
* How To Submit Testimony ([link removed])
* How To Find Bills on the Oregon Legislature Website ([link removed])

Town Hall: 1/26 at 6:30pm


Please join me on January 26th at 6:30pm for a pre-session town hall with Senator Rob Wagner and Representative Andrea Salinas. We will speak about our priorities for the 2022 short session, which I also shared withWest Linn Tidings ([link removed]) andhttps://www.thelundreport.org/content/lawmakers-seek-coverage-people-kicked-oregon-health-planThe Lund Report ([link removed]) .

You can register here. ([link removed])

I look forward to hearing from you next week and throughout the 2022 session.
Reflecting on MLK Day

During these difficult times, it is important for us to take a moment to remember to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy in our work, in our professions, and in our communities. Many recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a day of service, encouraging citizens to follow King's words: "Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve." Volunteers across the nation work on projects in their communities to honor King’s dedication to community service.

I’m fortunate to work in a profession that is built on the value of service to others. Nursing is the work of uplifting humanity, honoring the inherent value of each life, being in service for the common good, and removing barriers to equitable access to human rights such as health care. I ran for office because I believed nurses belong at every table and that our commitment to service can transcend from the bedside.

It is because of this, and in celebration of Dr. King’s life and legacy, that earlier this week I joined his family in calling for federal action on voting rights - the most foundational right we have. I am incredibly disappointed the U.S. Senate failed to even debate the bill, but I will continue to work to make sure that we have strong voting rights in Oregon. On MLK Day, I recommit to my service by continuing to fight so ALL people can access healthcare and the ballot box.
COVID Update
Free Tests

Federal government taking orders for free at-home COVID-19 tests. The federal government has launched a new website ([link removed]) 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 via first-class mail.Click here
([link removed]) for more information on the federal government’s plans to make COVID-19 testing accessible
to everyone.

Reimagining Healthcare

There has never been a more urgent moment to reimagine public health than the one we are in now. Two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, people continue to get sick (due to the Omicron variant) and stay sick (with long COVID). Yet we continue to lack the federal direction to allow our public health system to take a leadership role in combating the virus. A more urgent and coordinated response to the pandemic could have prevented a lot of suffering.

The medical workforce is increasingly depleted by COVID, particularly in long term care facilities. Half of my patients are once again isolated with their families and loved ones unable to visit. As their primary care provider I am frequently the only person they see from the outside world - it is both heartbreaking and preventable.

When we knew Omicron was coming, the federal government should have implemented vaccine boosters in long term care facilities like they did for the initial two doses. The state doesn’t have the resources to facilitate a booster program and hospitals and facilities haven’t done it on their own in a timely manner.

And while a robust booster program could have mitigated dangers healthcare workers faced due to Omicron, we also continue to see people wearing cloth and procedure masks even though we know N95 masks provide the best protection.

Local and state public health agencies have been left to determine and implement safety measures with low resources and limited federal direction. The lack of federal response has left communities vulnerable as the virus continues to spread and mutate. I will continue advocating for booster clinics and appropriate mask requirements as we face this new variant and I ask that you continue to wear the most protective mask available to you, get vaccinated, and get boosted.

Slow the spread, wear a high-quality mask

After two years of fighting COVID-19, we’ve learned that good, snug masks can significantly slow the virus’ spread. Last week the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its masking recommendations ([link removed]) to recommend N95 and KN95 masks over other types of masks. And this week, the White House announced that it will be sending 400 million masks to pharmacies and health centers around the country for people to pick up free of charge.

The virus that causes COVID-19 travels in the air on droplets and particles that we release when we breathe, talk, cough or sneeze. High-quality respirator masks like N95s and KN95s are the most effective at blocking the smallest of those airborne particles. For the best protection, these masks must be worn properly.

You should wear a mask when:
* In public indoor spaces (Oregon law currently mandates this)
* You test positive for COVID-19 and are around other people
* Someone in your home tests positive for COVID-19
* You’ve been exposed to someone who tests positive for COVID-19 and are around other people

Tips for using a mask
* Test the mask seal after you put on the mask. To do this, place both hands over the mask, take a quick inhale to check whether the mask seals tightly to the face. Then, place both hands completely over the mask and exhale. If you feel air escaping, adjust the nose piece or tightness of the straps and try again. If that still does not work, you might need a better fitting mask.
* When removing the mask, try not to touch the front of it because there might be virus-filled particles there.
* These masks might not be leak-proof, so exercise extra caution especially when around someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
* Do not wear a mask with a ventilator. The ventilator allows particles to flow in and out when you breathe, defeating the purpose of the mask.

Reusing masks
* N95 and KN95 masks can be worn for several hours a day for about a week, or until soiled or they no longer fit snugly. Between uses, store these masks in a dry place, like in a paper bag. Leaving them in the sun can help decontaminate them.

N95 masks
* Position the mask over your nose and mouth with the nose piece at your fingertips.
* With your other hand, pull the straps over your head. The bottom strap goes below the ears, around the neck. The top goes at the top-back of your head.
* Press the nose piece down on both sides to mold it to the shape of your nose.

KN95 masks

KN95 masks are similar to N95 masks and are the most widely available masks that meet international regulations.
* Position the mask over your nose and mouth with the nose piece at your fingertips.
* Put the side straps over each ear.

Surgical masks
* Surgical masks are loose-fitting, disposable masks that should be worn only once. Because of their fit, surgical masks do not always block all the small particles that are released in the air when someone talks, coughs, or sneezes. For better protection, wear a cloth mask over a surgical mask.
* Put the surgical mask on first, then the cloth mask.
* Do not layer two surgical masks together.
* Make sure that the mask combination results in a snug fit to the face.

Masks for children

There are currently no N95 masks made in child sizes, but some KN95 masks come in smaller sizes. Kid sizes are easily found in disposable and cloth masks, and any mask is better than no mask. Make sure any mask your child wears fits snugly around the nose and mouth with no gaps. Children under two should not wear any masks.

2022 Tax Season

The 2022 tax filing season is coming up. Employers are required to send W2 forms by January 31, but the IRS and Oregon Department of Revenue will begin accepting efiled returns on January 24. The filing deadline this year is April 18. Returns will be processed in the order they are received, but DOR won’t issue refunds until mid-February.

DOR encourages taxpayers to organize their tax records and check on the following items before filing their 2021 tax return to ensure that it is a complete and accurate tax return:
* Make sure your information is current atRevenue Online ([link removed]) .
* If you don’t have a Revenue Online account, they encourage you to set one up.
* See theIRS ([link removed]) andDOR ([link removed]) websites for tax filing tips.
* Assemble your W-2 from your employer(s), 1099 forms and other documents you will need to file.
* Check the amount of any Child Tax Credit payments you received. Advance payments were sent automatically by the IRS to those eligible. Families who received advance payments need to file a 2021 tax return and compare the advance payments they received in 2021 with the amount of the Child Tax Credit they can properly claim on their 2021 federal tax return.
* Choose a reputable tax preparer. TheOregon Board of Tax Practitioners ([link removed]) offers a License Lookup website and there is more information from the IRS website.

A kicker will be issued for the 2021 tax year through a credit on your tax return. You're eligible to claim the kicker if you filed a 2020 tax return and had tax due before credits. Even if you don't have a filing obligation for 2021, you still must file a 2021 tax return to claim your kicker credit. There will be detailed information on how to claim your kicker credit in the 2021 Oregon personal income tax return instructions: Form OR-40 for full-year Oregon residents, Form OR-40-P for part-year residents, and Form OR-40-N for nonresidents. Use theWhat’s My Kicker calculator ([link removed]) to determine what your credit amount will be.

Local Issue: Ridwell

Thousands of people in our community have signed up for Ridwell to help reduce the amount of waste sent to our landfills. Ridwell accepts hard to recycle materials, making it easier to recycle common household items like batteries, light bulbs, and plastic film in a responsible manner. Many neighbors on my street have Ridwell containers, and when I looked into getting one myself I learned about the yearlong fight to keep Ridwell operating in counties and cities surrounding Portland.

Many of you have reached out to ask that I act to allow Ridwell’s services. Those writing in believe Ridwell is providing an important waste reduction service that traditional garbage haulers do not provide. I support new and innovative approaches to waste reduction that benefit our environment, which is why I supported SB 582 which will work to expand the list of items accepted by recycling facilities.

The continued operation of Ridwell isn't an issue we have taken up in the Legislature, but I will connect with the elected officials of West Linn and Tualatin, as well as our county commissioners, to speak about ways we can reduce the amount of waste sent to our landfills.

Read up on the issue and let me know what you think:
* Who's Afraid of a Ridwell Box? ([link removed])
* Ridwell Pauses Memberships in Unincorporated Clackamas County After Months of Pressure ([link removed])
* Readers Respond to Ridwell's Arrival on Portland Trash Haulers' Turf ([link removed])
* Willamette Week: The rift over Ridwell in Portland trash hauling | KATU ([link removed])
* Recycling collector Ridwell bows to DEQ on material recovery permit - Portland Business Journal ([link removed])

Covid-19 Resources:
Oregon Information and Resources ([link removed])
Oregon Health Authority Updates ([link removed])
Federal Government Response ([link removed])
Senator Merkley’s Response Page ([link removed])
SEIU Worker Resource Page ([link removed])
Oregon Unemployment ([link removed])

Thank you for reading and stay safe.

Sincerely,
Rachel Prusak

============================================================
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Your support of Rachel Prusak for State Representative is important, as is your privacy!

We will not share any of your information.

Our mailing address is:
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1980 willamette falls drive
Suite #120 - PMB#135
West Linn, Or 97068
USA
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