Here is your update on what has been going on at the Capitol. You’ll also find an update on the COVID-19 subcommittee, the latest COVID-19 information, exciting news about in-district events, an update on unemployment benefits, and more!
Bill Updates
This week the legislature has been moving swiftly through the budgetary, also known as the Ways and Means process, to fund state agencies, programs, and the bills that have passed out of committee but require state funds to enact.
I am excited to share that two of my legislative proposals have moved out of the Joint Ways and Means committee as of 6/18. HB 3035 will be moving to the House floor with an amendment to create a task force to report on the status of current medical care, including processes for reporting grievances and the adoption of electronic health records; the concept also includes funding for navigators to assist adults in custody navigate the correctional health care system through the Oregon Health Authority’s 2022-2023 budget request. HB 2010, Representative Salinas’ public option for buying healthcare bill, was amended to add work that I have been doing with a remarkable workgroup of healthcare leaders. It is a requirement for the Oregon Health Authority to provide recommendations for a regional global budget health care delivery model pilot, continuing the work of HB 2810.
Bills of interest that have passed in the House since last update
Requires landlords and courts to delay termination of residential tenancies for nonpayment for 60 days if the tenant provides documentation of application for rental assistance. The bill ensures qualified landlords that apply to the Landlord Compensation Fund receive 100% of back rent accrued from 4/1/20 to 7/1/21 and allows grants to be distributed to assist landlords when a tenant is denied rental assistance and a nonpayment eviction is served.
Allows payment from Wage Security Fund to be made to employees for wages earned and unpaid in the event that the employer is unable or unwilling to.The Bureau of Labor and Industries then has the authority to pursue reimbursement from the employer for funds dispersed. The bill also exempts incentives used to get employees vaccinated such as time off and hiring/retention benefits from pay equity laws in the state.
Allows pharmacists to prescribe, dispense and administer anti-HIV/AIDs medication PrEP and PEP. This is a huge win for those with high risk of HIV/AIDs.
Creates a rebuttable presumption that any statement made by a minor during a custodial interview in connection with an investigation into certain acts is involuntary if an officer intentionally used false information to elicit a statement.
COVID-19 Subcommittee
On 6/17 the subcommittee received our final weekly briefing on the vaccine rollout, variant testing and tracing efforts from Oregon Health Authority Director Pat Allen. You can watch the full update here. This was our final meeting of the session, however, these newsletter updates will continue to contain the latest COVID-19 information.
Post Session Joint Town Hall
Please join me, Senator Steiner Hayward and Representative Helm on July 19th at 5:30pm for our next Virtual Town Hall where we will review the 2021 legislative session. I am so grateful for the ongoing input I am getting from many of you and I would be delighted If you would attend our Zoom Town Hall -- please RSVP below.
After receiving great feedback on our poll about doing in-person events, I’m excited to announce two types of events that I will be hosting this summer.
Forest Park Walks
Starting July 6th, I invite you all to join me on my morning walk every other Tuesday at 8 am (my work schedule permitting) meeting at the beginning of Leif Erikson trail (4099 NW Thurman St, Portland, OR 97210). We will walk and talk as we proceed up the main trail. Wear comfortable walking shoes and this is an out and back walk so that people can change the distance they wish to go as their fitness and calendar allows.
Morning Coffee
Join me on July 18th from 9 - 10:30am at The Fields Park in the Pearl (1099 NW Overton St, Portland, OR 97209) for a morning constituent get together. Feel free to bring a cup of joe or grab one nearby.
The following morning coffee will be on August 1st from 9 - 10:30am at Mill Park Pond in the Northwest Heights area. Right next to the park is Jim & Patty’s Coffee (2025 NW Miller Rd, Portland, OR 97229) where you can grab a cup of coffee and/or baked good (I highly recommend the coffee cake!).
Open Office Hours
Next Tuesday (6/22) from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm is the last Open Office Hours of the legislative session. This is nothing fancy or formal, just an open invitation to share your thoughts and feedback. Feel free to come for a few minutes or pop in just to say “hello.” This is the closest way we can emulate having you all come down to my office in the Capitol.
To help prevent Zoom-bombers, I do ask that you register with the button below. After your first registration, though, you can just save the Zoom login because it will work every week. Please feel free to share that registration link with your neighbors who may not be on this email list.
Congratulations to the resilient, hard-working 2021 graduates from House District 33! From the many university students who unexpectedly spent parts of their year at home with family to those finishing their studies at Lincoln High School, Sunset High School and St. Mary’s Academy (my daughter included!), congratulations on your great achievement. I know the road to graduation is rarely easy or linear, especially during a pandemic. Your determination and grit have paid off and I look forward to hearing from you and your families about your future endeavors.
Again, congratulations to the class of 2021!
COVID Update
COVID cases have now been declining for several weeks, however, there continues to be a concern that we may see further case increases with new variants present as we open up our communities. Oregon’s case rate is the third-lowest in the nation, which is a sign that all the work Oregonians have done is sustaining good results. Please note the new masking guidelines, below. Many guidelines will be lifted once 70% of Oregonians 18 years and older receive their first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. As of 6/17, 55,697 more Oregonians need to receive their first vaccine to reach that goal.
Vaccines Eligibility Expansion
All Oregonians 12 and older are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. This comes following the FDA’s authorization for emergency use of the Pfizer vaccine for children between 12 and 15. The previous EUA for the Pfizer vaccine included teenagers 16 and older.
Please make sure you and your loved ones get your vaccines as soon as you are eligible, especially those who are 65 years and over.
New Masking Guidelines
On 5/18 the Oregon Health Authority issued interim guidelines for mask mandates following the recent CDC guidance update stating that fully vaccinated individuals with proof of vaccination status are not required to wear masks or maintain social distancing except in:
Health care settings
Adult and youth correctional and detention facilities
U.S. transit hubs such as bus stations and airports as per federal guidance
Settings where owners or operators continue to apply and enforce mask guidance
Businesses are able to lift mask and social distancing requirements as long as they have a policy in place to verify vaccination status for each individual entering the premises. The decision to implement a verification system is up to the business, and I urge us all to respect their decisions as we navigate the new guidance.
This topic was also discussed at length in the COVID Subcommittee where Director Allen announced that masks for organized youth sports outdoors will no longer be required by the OHA. If you have questions, I would encourage you to watch the discussion here or explore the OHA website.
Walk-In and Drive-Up Vaccinations
The Oregon Convention Center offers walk-in vaccinations, no appointment needed. You can sign up for an appointment at the Oregon Convention Center directly through the All4Oregon website here. June 19 is the last day to receive a first dose vaccination at the Oregon Convention Center. $100 gift cards to Fred Meyer or Safeway will be given to those who get vaccines while supplies last at the Convention Center.
OHSU mass vaccination sites at the Portland Airport and Hillsboro Stadium are also offering drive-up vaccinations. You can simply show up at the PDX Airport Red Economy Parking Lot between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday or 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday to receive your shot, the last day for doses will be June 19. You can schedule an appointment at the Hillsboro Stadium clinic and find more information here, the last day for all doses will be June 25.
The Oregon Health Authority does not require an ID to receive a vaccine and the vaccine will be free. However, if you do have insurance, it is recommended that you bring your insurance information, as providers may charge your insurance an administration fee. You should not pay out of pocket for your vaccine.
Vaccine Side Effects
If you experience side effects after you receive the vaccine, the CDC recommends using their V-safe website to report that information. The most common side effects are tenderness around the injection site, headaches, tiredness, and chills. The website will also remind you when it is time to receive the second dose of the vaccine.
We are now seeing the supply of vaccines outpacing demand so it is much easier to get a jab!
COVID Risk Levels Update
In December, Governor Brown, alongside the Oregon Health Authority, introduced a new county-level approach to easing COVID restrictions based on a county’s risk level. In April, Governor Brown modified this approach: to be categorized as extreme risk, the state must have COVID-19 hospitalization rates of 15% or greater and 300 or more ICU beds occupied by COVID-19 patients. As of 6/4, Washington County and Multnomah County are at lower risk. Here, you can see your county’s risk level and what the guidance is for activities under that risk level.
Business Highlight
Cascadia Taphouse is a bar offering local northwest brews and wines and showcasing the work of local photographer Joe Simon. You can find their menu and order for take-out or delivery atwww.cascadiataphouse.com.
If you own or know someone who owns a small business in House District 33, fill out this form to possibly be highlighted in a future newsletter and/or social media post.
Unemployment Update
The requirement for individuals receiving unemployment benefits (traditional UI or PUEC) to be actively searching for employment was waived at the beginning of the pandemic but will be phasing back in soon. That means if you are receiving benefits, you will be required to register in the state’s iMatchSkills database and begin actively looking for work. The state will send a letter with your personal deadline for creating your iMatchSkills profile. For more information, click here.
OR Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Are you behind on rent or utility bills because of the pandemic? Oregon recently opened a new assistance program for those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit https://www.oregonrentalassistance.org/ to learn more, review the tenant check list, and apply for assistance online! For frequently asked questions, click here, or check back into the website in the coming weeks for the rollout of a staff chat tool to chat directly with the folks processing applications.
Landlord Compensation Fund
Are you an Owner or Legal Representative of an Owner with Residential Properties in Oregon?
The Landlord Compensation Fund Program provides relief to residential landlords who have been unable to collect tenant rent due to tenant financial hardships. Landlords can directly apply for these resources through an online application portal. Landlords whose applications are accepted and awarded will receive 80% of unpaid rent they are owed by qualified tenants from April 2020 through the application period. They will be required to forgive the remaining 20% of unpaid rent. The deadline has recently been extended to Wednesday, June 23 at 11:59pm.
Eligible Oregonians who receive their internet from Comcast or Ziply Fiber can apply to receive discounts of up to $50 a month and a $100 one-time discount for the purchase of a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer.
The program will end when the fund runs out of money, or six months after the Department of Health and Human Services declares an end to the COVID-19 health emergency, whichever is sooner.
The best way to stay informed and connect with my legislative work is through my Facebook page (State Representative Maxine Dexter), my Twitter account (@RepDexterOR), and my Instagram (@RepDexterOR). In addition, please feel free to reach out to my office at Rep.MaxineDexter@OregonLegislature.gov.
I am honored to represent you in Salem and look forward to continuing to serve you and this amazing community we share.
Gratefully,
Maxine Dexter, MD
Oregon State Representative
House District 33
Resources
Congressman Earl Blumenauer’s office has compiled an exhaustive list of COVID resources here.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline | 1-800-273-TALK (8255)- Crisis Text Line | Text HOME to 741741
Oregon Youthline | Call 877-968-8491 or text teen2teen to 839863 between 4pm - 10pm to text with another teen.
National Youth Crisis Hotline | 1-800-442-HOPE (4673)
Housing assistance: Family Promise of Beaverton is committed to helping children and their families affected by homelessness in the Beaverton area. (https://www.familypromiseofbeaverton.org/#homepage)
Housing assistance: Community Action helps pay rent and help to get people in need of housing. (https://caowash.org)
Housing assistance: Salvation Army Female Emergency Shelter serves women in the community who are experiencing homelessness. (https://safes.salvationarmy.org)
Housing assistance, utility assistance, food assistance: United Way of the Columbia-Willamette provides access to critical services like housing assistance and utility assistance and access to food. (https://www.unitedway-pdx.org)
Utility assistance: Oregon Energy Fund is a 30-year-old nonprofit that provides energy bill assistance to low-income Oregonians in support of household stability. (https://www.oregonenergyfund.org/about-us/)
Disability assistance: Plan For Work services help individuals with disabilities and provide different services to those in need. (https://www.droregon.org/plan-for-work)
Youth assistance: New Avenues for Youth provides meals, showers, laundry, respite from the streets, engagement activities, and legal counsel. (https://newavenues.org/our-services)
Food assistance, water bill assistance, and grants, utility assistance: Care To Share coordinates assistance to families and individuals who seek emergency food and other basic necessities. (http://www.caretosharehelp.org)
Food assistance: Mercy Corps Northwest provides assistance for community members returning from prison. (https://www.mercycorpsnw.org/work/)
Food assistance, housing assistance, utility assistance, disability assistance: Department of County Human Services ensures that everyone can reach their potential and contribute to communities. (https://multco.us/dchs)
Follow Representative Dexter on social media to stay connected!
