The end of the 81st Oregon legislative session has come and gone, and though it was challenged throughout by COVID-related limitations, it was an extremely successful session. This is our wrap-up newsletter to give you a bit of insight into some of the many wonderful things we accomplished. You’ll also find news about in-district events, an update on COVID protocols and unemployment benefits, and more!
Thank You
None of what I was able to accomplish this session would have been possible without my legislative office team who worked tirelessly throughout the session as well as the guidance and partnership of my colleagues in the Capitol. I am grateful to all of these amazing people for their dedication and resilience through a session with unprecedented challenges.
Bill Updates
With the legislative session behind us, I want to highlight some of the significant bills passed this session. Please note that by no means is this a comprehensive list of all the bills passed, rather some of the bills that stood out as especially mention-worthy.
Directs the OHA to design an implementation plan for a public option health insurance plan. The -5 amendment comes from my proposed bill, HB 2810 and directs the Oregon Health Authority to make recommendations to the legislature for a regional, global budget, health care delivery model pilot by July 1st, 2022. I am grateful to Rep Salinas for her support in making this critical addition to the public option bill. Together these concepts will help Oregon healthcare move toward a more innovative, accessible and effective future.
HB 3073 (Addressing the Child Care Crisis) - Representative Power
Child care is essential infrastructure for an equitable economic recovery. HB 3073 will respond to the state’s child care crisis and provide immediate and long-term relief to the state’s most vulnerable families in need of child care by establishing the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) as an independent agency, incorporating and making reforms to the state’s child care subsidy program, the Employment Related Day Care (ERDC), to create more financial stability for providers and parents, including low-income and single parent families, BIPOC mothers and caregivers. This bill was passed with broad bipartisan support.
HB 3352 (Cover All People) - Representative Campos
Health care is a human right. Making sure all Oregonians are covered, regardless of immigration status, will drive down costs and give people the preventative care they need. Cover All People will make health care coverage available to people who are today only eligible for expensive, federally mandated emergency care: low-income Oregonians who are DACA recipients, legal permanent residents, young adults who age out of Cover All Kids, undocumented pregnant women and other adults. I am proud to have been a co-chief sponsor on the bill.
The bill will fund a new Healthy Homes Repair Fund at the Oregon Health Authority with $10 million to support home repairs that improve the health, safety, and energy efficiency of housing stock for low-income Oregonians. This bill was passed with broad bipartisan support.
SB 278 (Safe Harbor)
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 and that termination notices and eviction summons include notices regarding opportunity for delay. This will help address the backlog of applications for the Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program by allowing residents to submit a notice of application to their landlord for the months of July and August. The bill also requires the Housing and Community Services Department to award grants to a third party to compensate landlords for certain delays to termination notices or eviction proceedings under Act.
Mental and Behavioral Health Package
The House passed a slew of bills that will address our state’s growing mental health crisis. The past year—between the economic recession, housing crisis, and pandemic—has been traumatic and people urgently need support. This investment will diversify our mental health workforce pipeline and focus on retaining talent; provide accessible, affordable, culturally-specific and adequate care for all Oregonians and especially low-income and BIPOC communities; and give Oregonians the care they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives.
HB 2544 (Support for Unaccompanied & Unhoused Youth) - Representatives Smith Warner & Drazan
Our youth need to feel safe and secure. HB 2544 will add $3.6 million to support unaccompanied and unhoused youth services. This bill passed unanimously and creates two programs through the Department of Human Services (DHS) that will help fund community organizations providing unaccompanied and unhoused youth with resources and access to shelter, culturally-responsive services, mental health and substance use support, tutoring and nutrition services that will help youth earn a diploma.
This bill will help to create living wage jobs and target investments in community-based renewable energy projects as we transition to 100% clean energy by 2040. The focus is local. HB 2021 will fund and support small-scale, community-based energy projects through a Community Renewable Investment Fund of $50 million, that increases disaster resilience and prioritizes rural, coastal, low-income and BIPOC communities.
SB 762 (Wildfire Recovery)
SB 762 invests $188 million in wildfire response and recovery efforts, coordinates a comprehensive statewide response to plan for and mitigate wildfires with a focus on community preparedness and public health, and updates building codes and safety standards for fire-hardened infrastructure. The bill also forms a local Wildfire Programs Advisory Council to monitor and provide input on investments and planning. Since 2017 the state has spent over $1.4 billion in fighting fires.
Police Accountability Package
The House introduced a series of bills this Session to hold police and law enforcement accountable to the communities they serve, build trust, give communities more agency, and prioritize public safety above all.
A sample of bills from this session include:
HB 3355: Creates transparency by specifying what identification must be on a law enforcement officer’s uniform and gear during crowd management situations, such as protests.
HB 2936:Affirms anti-racist values for law enforcement, adding social media policies and standardizing background checks.
HB 3047: Anti-doxing legislation that creates cause to sue for damages if a person’s information is released without their consent
HB 3059: Keeps police from abusing powers by providing more clarity in how to manage “unlawful assemblies.”
HB 3265 (Sanctuary Promise Act) - Representatives Alonso Leon & Pham
Updates the Sanctuary Promise Act to protect immigrant and refugee communities and prioritize public safety, keeping local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities separate.
Requires gun owners to secure firearms with trigger or cable lock, in a locked container or in a gun room except in specified circumstances to reduce gun deaths.
Mike Nearman was expelled
I heard loudly and clearly from many of you that you wanted the legislature to hold former State Representative Mike Nearman accountable for his actions on December 21st when he literally opened the door to armed protestors with the intent to “occupy the Capitol”. In early June video evidence surfaced, showing his actions were part of a planned effort that he referred to as “operation hall pass”. This new evidence precipitated our taking a vote to expel him on June 10th. Though it was an extremely somber and emotional occasion, we came together as a chamber, voting 59 to 1 (the single vote against was Mike Nearman’s) for the first time in history to expel a member from the Oregon legislature.
American Rescue Plan Investments
HB 5006 is the bill that approved the community investments Representatives and Senators made with the federal funds we were allocated - $4 Million per Senator and $2M per Representative - through the American Rescue Plan Act. The Budget Report contains a breakdown of what projects are being funded and who is funding them starting on page 26. I specifically contributed to 5 projects:
The property acquisition fund for Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO) to purchase a building for a community center in Washington County,
To create a new Beaverton Homeless Shelter with a health clinic to provide care for houseless neighbors,
To the Beaverton Support Fund for Innovative Startups and Emerging Nonprofits,
To Central City Concern for a Clinical Respite Center in Portland,
To Washington County for additional public restrooms in THPRD parks.
The Washington County legislators coordinated our contributions and together funded over 21 projects in our districts. The Multnomah County legislators worked with city and county leaders to make sure we worked together to make the biggest impact possible with the funds we were allocated.
In-Person Constituent Events
After receiving great feedback from our poll about doing in-person events, I’m excited to host two types of in-person events this summer (see below). I will still be available over Zoom if you prefer, my office can help set up a time for that as well.
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!).
Session Wrap Up Joint Town Hall
Come chat with Senator Steiner Hayward, Representative Helm, and myself on Monday, July 19th from 5:30-6:30pm. You can register for the Zoom link through the button below. We will talk about the critical legislation that the House and Senate passed during the 2021 Session and to hear your questions and comments.
Do you have students in need of activity and interaction this summer? Portland Public Schools is offering FREE summer enrichment programming to provide students pre-K through grade 12 the opportunity to try new things while exploring and developing new interests outside of the classroom. Students may participate in camps, classes and workshops this summer, aimed at enriching their knowledge and growth. You can view the catalog here.
Young Leaders Summer Civics Camp
This is an annual residential summer program for high school students, focused on leadership, civics, and character development that emphasizes college and career readiness and is taking applications now. Program areas further focus student learning in any one of numerous domains, including: governance, business/commerce, law/jurisprudence, criminal justice, media/technology, journalism, and medicine. The camp is located at Aldersgate Retreat in Turner, near Salem, Oregon. To learn more and apply, click here.
COVID Update
Reopening and Risk Level Update
On 6/25, Governor Brown signed an executive order that will lift Oregon’s risk level framework, and all remaining COVID-19 health and safety restrictions that have been issued under Oregon’s emergency statutes, effective when we hit 70% of adults 18 and older with a first vaccine dose OR today, June 30th - whichever comes first. This executive order will continue the emergency declaration for the limited purpose of supporting the state’s recovery from the ongoing pandemic. This means you will be 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
Although there may not be updates regarding Oregon’s reopening status, this newsletter will continue to provide updates on COVID cases. 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.
Walk-In and Drive-Up Vaccinations
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! This is especially important for those who are 65 years old.
The final day for mass vaccination sites was June 25th. However, there are still plenty of vaccine doses available. To get more information you can contact your medical provider, call 211, email ORCOVID@211info.org, or text ORCOVID to 898211. Costco Pharmacies,Safeway/Albertsons Pharmacies, Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, Walmart, Bi-Mart, and OHSU also have direct vaccine appointment tools.
You Don’t Need Insurance
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!
Business Highlight
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 from my office.
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.
Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
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!
