Copy

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

My team and I are finishing our second week of the 2022 Legislative Short Session. We have been busy moving my priorities forward and engaging with my committee work. With a newly elected Speaker of the House and Majority Leader, we are full of optimism and energy to work on important policy for all Oregonians. Read on for an update on my session priorities, about my next town hall, the upcoming tax season information, and more. 

 

Table of Contents

Please note that if your phone clips emails automatically, you will need to click "View entire message" at the bottom of your screen for the table of contents to work.

 

Apply to Join the Tri-County Planning Body 

The supportive housing services Tri-County Planning Body is now accepting applications. The goal of this group is to support regional alignment of local implementation plans to help them provide housing services in a coordinated way. Read more about what the committee is charged with and how to apply. Consider attending a Q&A on Monday, February 14 from noon to 1 p.m. if you have questions. Applications will be accepted through February 18, 2022.

CPO 7 (Community Participation Organization) Virtual Meeting 

When: Monday February 14, 2022, 7 p.m. 

Link to Meeting here:  Join the meeting via Zoom or phone in at 1-253-215-8782. Use meeting ID: 812 5798 6643. 

Can’t make the meeting? ​​Join them on YouTube! Meetings are recorded and available for viewing after the meeting. 

Main Agenda Topics
Steven Sparks, Executive Director for Long Range Planning, Beaverton School District, will provide information on the proposed bond measure on the May 2022 ballot. Steven will also answer questions, such as:

  1. How much will the proposed bond cost taxpayers?

  2. How were proposed bond projects selected?

  3. What improvements are planned for my student’s school?

  4. When will the Beaverton School District take real steps to address large school sizes and overcrowding in schools north of Hwy 26?

Link to the full agenda can be found here

Constituent Events

My hope is that we can get together in person soon, but I will continue to hold virtual events for the foreseeable future.  If you have additional thoughts on how I can engage your community, please let me know. The best way to reach me is through my email: Rep.MaxineDexter@oregonlegislature.gov. If you would like to speak with me individually, my office can help set up a time for meeting. 

Zoom Town Halls

My February Town Hall is coming up next week on Wednesday, February 16th  at 7 p.m. I will be joined by my colleagues Representative Ken Helm (HD-34) and Senator Elizabeth Steiner Hayward (SD-17). We will discuss what has happened in the short session thus far and what we are still hoping to accomplish. If you have questions that you want answered, please reach out in advance via email: rep.maxinedexter@oregonlegislature.gov.

February Town Hall

“There should be a law for that”

Some of the best ideas we get for policy come from my constituents and people who care and think deeply about issues of concern to them. Thank you to all those who have submitted an idea! We look forward to following up with you. Please submit here. No idea is too big or too small! We look forward to dreaming big together to help make sure we all have the ability to live healthy lives, in a healthy community, on a healthy planet.

2022 Short Session Update

We are nearly two weeks into the 2022 Legislative Short Session. With only five weeks total, it is moving quickly. As a reminder, you can watch committees live and recorded. Check out this video for help on how to do this. Read on below for updates on my bill, HB 4150, and others that for which I am Chief Sponsor, as well the investments I am pushing the state to make in our executive agencies. 

House Bill 4150 - Community Information Exchange

Access to healthcare is critical, of course, but social determinants of health such as living environment, air quality, economic security, and access to food also affect an individual’s quality of life. Unfortunately, Oregon healthcare systems are not effectively integrated with social services, despite the important role they play in our health. We need to begin the process of connecting medical and social services within a statewide electronic record system to improve  coordinated care for all Oregonians. Imagine if a doctor could refer patients to a local social worker, to get outpatient therapy, or to get food stamps, all on one platform!

The first legislative step towards this vision is House bill 4150. HB 4150 will request legislative recommendations from the OHA’s Community Information Exchange Workgroup, which is tasked with determining how a statewide system can be best designed to fit the needs of Oregonians. On 2/1, HB 4150 had a public hearing and on 2/8 HB 4150 passed unanimously out of the House Committee on Human Services. Today the bill passed the House floor and is headed to the Senate President, where he will assign it to a committee. If all goes according to plan, the next time you tune into this newsletter, this bill will be heading to the Governor’s desk for signature!

Senate Bill 1567 - Central Energy Infrastructure Bill

The Central Energy Infrastructure Hub is a topic of great importance to me and to many of you as neighbors in HD 33. The CEI Hub contains nearly 90% of the state’s liquid fuel supply and is a critical piece of statewide infrastructure. Many of us who live nearby hear work happening, smell the fumes and see the particulate matter from the air that settles on our porches.  Precariously, the hub sits within the Cascadia Subduction Zone, built on river fill that will liquify in an eight or higher magnitude earthquake. Should that happen, it is estimated that over half of the active tanks could release between 50-100% of their contents. If we fail to take decisive action, it is anticipated that 94 to 194 millions gallons of fuel and oil would be released into the ground and the Willamette river, rivaling the largest marine oil spill in history, the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. 

Senate bill 1567 will give the DEQ authority to require fuel storage facilities to assess their seismic vulnerability and implement mitigation plans to reduce risks. Newer tanks mean significantly less storage failure. This bill would also require the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) to develop an Energy Security Plan that recommends steps to improve community resilience by increasing geographic diversity of fuel storage capacity. SB 1567 will cover terminals with a combined capacity of two million gallons or more that are located throughout the state; that includes Portland and Eugene storage facilities. I testified during the public hearing for this bill on 2/7. It will have a work session in the Senate Committee on Energy & Environment on 2/14. I am grateful that this bill was introduced this session and am proud to be a Chief Sponsor.

Additional Chief Sponsored Bills 

  1. HB 4147 Voting Rights Restoration

    1. Currently, Oregonians in prison do not have the right to vote. This bill would allow persons convicted of felony to register to vote, update their voter registration and vote in elections while incarcerated. Their voter registration would be established based on their previous residence. This bill is currently in the House Committee on Rules.

  2. HCR 203 Outdoor Workers Climate Hazards

    1. Climate change is increasingly creating dangerous conditions for workers, such as excessive heat or poor air quality due to fires in the summertime. This bill establishes the need for the legislature to recognize and address risks from climate change and hazards on workers. This bill is currently in the House Committee on Rules.

  3. SB 1554 After-Action Report

    1. This bill directs the Oregon Health Authority to contract with a third-party consultant to study and report on Oregon’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. There was a public hearing held on 2/7 and a work session 2/7 where it passed out of the Senate Committee on Health Care. The bill has been referred to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. 

  4. HB 4122 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) Grants

    1. This bill directs the Department of Human Services (DHS) to award recipients of DACA status a one time grant for DACA renewal costs. DHS would be appropriated $7,000,000 for this program. There was a public hearing on 2/1 and a work session on 2/8 where the bill was referred to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means.

My Investment Priorities

  1. Department of Corrections Ombudsman - $500,000

    1. Adults in custody, by Oregon State Law, are entitled to have access to an independent individual to advocate on their behalf. I am asking for funds to fill the DOC Ombudsman role. This will help the Legislature fulfill our obligation to keep those whom we put into custody safe. This position, if fully empowered, will lead to greater transparency and accountability for the current state and operations of the DOC. Additionally, this role will have the capacity to collect data independently, allowing legislators to create more informed and beneficial policy that impacts adults in custody.  

  2. DEQ Non-Road Diesel Reporting Program - $100,000

    1. In order to effectively address air quality and climate change in our community, we must improve Oregon’s understanding of the sources of diesel emissions in our communities. I am asking for funds to allow DEQ to develop a nonroad diesel construction equipment registration program for Oregon, which is permissible under DEQ’s existing authority. This would be simply collecting information on emissions and would not be a regulatory program. DEQ will be able to support Oregon’s construction industry by streamlining the process to identify and verify the emissions profile of nonroad diesel equipment as they work with new clean air contracting standards.

My next newsletter will be published on Friday, February 25th after all the session deadlines have passed. I will have more news on what bills will become law and what the legislature was able to accomplish during that time. 

COVID Update

If you have questions about COVID 19 in Oregon, I encourage you to watch the discussions we had in the most recent meeting of the House Special Committee on COVID 19 Response.. Please click on this link to watch. This committee met on Monday, February 7th and will continue to meet weekly on Mondays from 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. for the remainder of the 2022 Legislative Session. It is an honor to chair this important committee.

As announced by the state health officials, Oregon will remove general mask requirements for indoor public places no later than March 31.

However, state health officials say Oregon needs to keep mask requirements in place for now as COVID-19 hospitalizations crest and Oregon’s health care system strains to treat high numbers of severely ill patients. By late March, health scientists expect that about 400 or fewer Oregonians would be hospitalized with COVID-19, the level of hospitalizations the state experienced before the Omicron variant began to spread. 

Oregon has the third lowest cumulative COVID-19 case rate in the nation and the seventh lowest COVID-19 death rate since the start of the pandemic. Oregon’s comparatively strong compliance with mask rules and its high vaccination and booster rates have blunted the Omicron surge and – for now – prevented Oregon’s hospitals from breaking under the potentially hundreds more hospitalizations they could have faced so far. 

To date, COVID-19 hospitalizations have not topped the 1,178 high point of the Delta surge, despite initial projections that warned Omicron hospitalizations could more than double Delta’s zenith. If Oregon had the same per-capita hospitalization rate as the national average, Oregon would have seen a high of 1,543 hospitalizations at this time, according to OHSU’s data. As of 2/7, there were 1,072 people reported hospitalized with COVID-19. 

Current models show hospitalizations peaking at 1,169 and then beginning to decline throughout February and March as infections slow. However, health officials cautioned that the state’s emergence from the Omicron surge depends on Oregonians sustaining effective prevention measures in coming weeks. 

Once requirements are lifted, employers and businesses may continue to establish their own mask requirements to protect employees and customers. I urge you and your loved ones to continue making the personal decisions that are best for your health. 

All Oregonians ages 12 & up are eligible for booster doses of the vaccines. If you have questions about boosters and third doses, you might find it helpful to watch the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Q & A  here. You can visit this website to find a vaccination location near you, and many pharmacies are allowing walk-in vaccinations.

Looking for a booster? Click here.
Looking for a test? Click here.
Order 4 Tests Per Household from USPS

Oregon has a new Positive COVID Test website where people who test positive can find important information on isolation and other ways to keep themselves and those around them safe as they recover. In addition, reporting your positive test helps the Oregon Health Authority monitor the spread of COVID in our state. Positive COVID Test website and COVID-19 Case Support Hotline, 866-917-8881.

Local Business Highlight

Harlow 

Harlow is a great vegan spot on NW 23rd Avenue that offers brunch options as well as lunch and dinner. They have a great selection of juices and in the spring, their outdoor seating right on 23rd is an excellent spot to spend an afternoon. 

Address: 505 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210

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.

It's Time for Taxes

The IRS and DOR will begin accepting e-file tax returns on January 24. The tax filing deadline this year is April 18. Make sure your information is current at Revenue Online and see the IRS and DOR websites for tax filing tips. This year there is a tax surplus credit, or kicker, for the 2021 tax year that will be returned to taxpayers through a credit on their 2021 state personal income tax returns filed in 2022.

For more information about the Earned Income Tax Credit and eligibility, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov. For details on the Oregon Earned Income Credit, visit the DOR website. Even taxpayers who aren’t required to file taxes could be eligible for both credits. You can visit www.oregon.gov/dor to get forms, check the status of your refund, or make payments. Call 503-378-4988 or 800-356-4222 (toll-free) or email to questions.dor@oregon.gov for additional assistance. For TTY for hearing- or speech-impaired, call 800-886-7204.

Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program

Emergency rental assistance still available

The Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program (OERAP) is still accepting new applications, and Washington County’s local Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program continues to help folks through existing local pathways. 

Tenants in need now should reach out to local organizations for assistance. Community Action Agencies receive resources from the state to prevent eviction and were granted additional funds in the December Special Session's eviction prevention package to keep Oregonians in their homes. More information about local jurisdictions with ERA funds available to renters can be found here.
Homeowner Assistance Fund

Congress established the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF), resulting in $90 M to prevent Oregon homeowners from losing their homes. This program will open in phases and currently are accepting applications from homeowners in Phase 1 to target those at most risk for foreclosure. You can view the application guide or the plan that was submitted to the U.S. Treasury Department for more information.

Landlord Guarantee Program

The effects of the pandemic have affected not only tenants but landlords as well. If you are a landlord and you have tenants with rent owed, the Oregon Landlord Guarantee Program can help. Oregon Landlord Guarantee Program reimburses landlords for eligible non-payment costs such as rent and late fees incurred during the “safe harbor” period. You may qualify for funds if your tenant provided you with documentation they received from a rent assistance provider showing that they applied for rent assistance and you: 1) Delayed delivering a Termination Notice for Non-payment or 2) Delayed initiating or continuing an action for possession based on a termination notice for non-payment. If you have questions, feel free to reference the FAQ or reach out to the LGP Team.

Stay in Touch!

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 as we work towards healthy lives, in a healthy community, on a healthy planet.

Photo credit: Jenny Downer of She Saw Things http://shesawthings.com

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)
  • Oregon Partnership 24 Hour Youth Helpline | 1-877-553-TEEN (8336)
  • NAMI Oregon | 503-230-8009 or 800-343-6264, email namioregon@namior.org - Live support from 9am - 5pm, M-F.
  • The Trevor Project | 1-866-488-7386 - 24/7 suicide prevention for LGBTQ.
  • Senior Loneliness Line | 503-200-1633 or 800-282-7035 - For Oregonians 55+ years old. Get ongoing support, resources, and listening sessions.
  • Veteran Crisis Line | 1-800-273-8255 - Call, chat, or text options, with deaf and hard of hearing support available.
  • Virtual Learning Assistance for Washington County Library members. (English resources) (Spanish Resources
  • 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 Housing Fund focuses on providing affordable housing and works on community projects.
  • Housing assistance: Community Action helps pay rent and help to get people in need of housing. 
  • Housing assistance: Salvation Army Female Emergency Shelter serves women in the community who are experiencing homelessness. 
  • 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.
  • 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. 
  • Utility assistance: Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board provides equitable, affordable, and reliable utility services. 
  • Utility assistance: EnergyTrust helps people save money and energy. 
  • Disability assistance: Plan For Work services help individuals with disabilities and provide different services to those in need. 
  • Youth assistance: New Avenues for Youth provides meals, showers, laundry, respite from the streets, engagement activities, and legal counsel. 
  • Community assistance: Oregon Solutions solves community problems using a problem-solving system. 
  • Transportation assistance: Trimet has a reduced fare for low-income rider and seniors age 65+. 
  • 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.   
  • Food assistance: Mercy Corps Northwest provides assistance for community members returning from prison. 
  • Food assistance, housing assistance, utility assistance, disability assistance: Department of County Human Services ensures that everyone can reach their potential and contribute to communities. 
Follow Representative Dexter on social media to stay connected!
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
Our Legislative Mailing Address:
900 Court St. NE, H-493
Salem, Oregon 97301
Phone: 503-986-1433
Copyright © 2022 Maxine for Oregon, All rights reserved.


Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp