Grants Pass, Ore. – This morning at approximately 6:00 AM Grans Pass Police units responded to the rear parking lot of a church on NE Savage Street regarding a call from a female stating she had shot someone. Arriving officers found Scott Allen Harris, a 46-year-old male, deceased from an apparent gunshot wound. Further investigation by Grants Pass Police Detectives discovered the gunshot may have been the result of domestic violence. The involved female was questioned and released. The case has been referred to the Josephine County District Attorney for review. 

Anyone having further information related to this investigation is asked to contact the Grants Pass Police Department at 541-450-6260. Further media inquiries should be directed to the Josephine County District Attorney.

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June 24, 2022

The next Housing Stability Council meeting will be from 9 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Friday, July 1, 2022. The meeting will be held electronically due to the current COVID-19 health crisis. You can find all meeting materials on our website.

Webinar Meeting Only

Register in advance for this webinar:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0gaTLc20SYSFgConBPN2kw 

AGENDA:

9:00: Meeting Called to Order - Roll Call 

9:05: Public Comment

9:30: Report of the Chair

9:45: Report of the Director

10:00: Affordable Rental Housing Division (pg. 05)

             Natasha Detweiler-Daby, interim director, Affordable Rental Housing

• MF Housing Transaction Recommendations: Tai Dunson-Strane, Production Manager
  • 25th and Lincoln
  • 5020 N Interstate
  • Nestucca Ocean Apartments
• Champion Park: Preservation Recommendation: Martin Jarvis, State Tax Credit Program Analyst
• Market Cost Offset: Affordability Term Alignment: Natasha Detweiler-Daby, Interim Director Affordable Rental Housing 
• CARE Initiative; Co-Location of Affordable Rental with Early Learning: Rick Ruzicka, Interim Assistant Director Planning and Policy 
• ANOAH Pilot: Acquisition of Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing Funds: Mitch Hannoosh, Senior Operations and Policy Analyst; Trinity Kerr, Operations and Policy Analyst 
• 4% LIHTC and Private Activity Bond Framework Introduction:  Roberto Franco, Assistant Director Development Resources & Production; Natasha Detweiler-Daby, Interim Director Affordable Rental Housing
• Reference memo in packet (not prioritized for discussion): 
  • Market Cost Offset Fund  

11:30: 15 min break

11:45: Homeownership Division (pg. 49) 

             Emese Perfecto, director, Homeownership

• Homeownership Market Cost Offset Fund: Emese Perfecto, Director, Talia Kahn-Kravis, Operations & Policy Analyst

12:15: 2023 DRAFT Legislative Agenda (pg. 54)

• Updates & Stakeholder Survey Results: Nicole Stingh, Assistant Director of Government Relations, Chelsea Bunch, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer

1:15: Housing Stabilization Division (pg. 70)

            Jill Smith, Interim Director, Housing Stabilization

• Rent Assistance for Youth Pilot program: Jill Smith, Interim Director, Housing Stabilization, Lauren Dressen, Interim Manager of Housing Retention Programs

1:30: Central Services Division (pg. 75) 

            Sarah Roth, Central Services Administrator

• Reference memo in packet (not prioritized for discussion):
  •  HR Report on Staffing Demographics                   

1:45: Meeting Adjourned

 Media Hotline: 800-570-5838 

Pacific Power is preparing for summer’s heat 

PORTLAND (June 24, 2022) – As temperatures approach triple digits across parts of the Pacific Northwest this upcoming weekend, Pacific Power is preparing to face higher demands on the grid from both record temperatures and increased customer need.  

“We’ve taken steps for grid hardening, in particular since last summer, to prevent overloading at the substation level,” said Erik Brookhouse, vice president of operations for Pacific Power. “We are confident about our network’s readiness for this summer.” 

Pacific Power takes steps each day to keep electric service reliable for its customers by monitoring which substations and circuits have the highest use, identifying any potential trouble spots and implementing solutions within a day.  

“Understanding the climate and customer needs help us provide reliable electricity during this season,” Brookhouse said. 

At the end of each summer, Pacific Power reviews how the electrical system performed, and last year identified 49 projects that were completed prior to the 2022 summer season. Examples of projects include: 

• Increasing system and distribution capacity; 
• Installing new equipment such as switches, voltage regulators and transformers; 
• Balancing and reconfiguring the electrical pathways serving customers in specific areas. 

Engineers and power system operators keep a close eye on area weather forecasts as well. Electric systems are sensitive to temperature, so the conditions that impact the electric system the most come during consecutive days when 100-degree highs are coupled with nighttime temperatures that do not cool below 70 degrees. “Customers can also take steps to manage their energy use during the summer peak season,” said Brookhouse. “We have simple tips, programs and incentives for customers to increase their energy efficiency at home and in the workplace, particularly during the summer months.” 

Customers can also take steps to manage their energy use during the summer. To see a full list of energy-saving tips, visit the company’s website. Among the top energy-saving recommendations for summer are: 
 

• Keep curtains and blinds closed during the day. 
• Open windows during cooler evening hours. 
• Operate the clothes dryer and dishwasher at night. 
• If you have air conditioning, set it to maintain an interior temperature of 78 degrees, higher when you are away from home. 

More electric energy information is available on Pacific Power’s website at: www.pacificpower.net.  

About Pacific Power  

Pacific Power provides electric service to more than 770,000 customers in Oregon, Washington, and California. It is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, providing 2 million customers with value for their energy dollar through safe, reliable electricity. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net.  

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June 24, 2022

Media contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@state.or.us

Oregon Cannabis Commission's Patient Equity and Governance Frame Working subcommittees meet via Zoom June 27

What: A combined Zoom meeting for the Oregon Cannabis Commission’s Patient Equity and Governance Frame Working subcommittees.

Agenda: The full agenda will be available at www.healthoregon.org/cannabiscommission.

When: Monday, June 27, 10 a.m. to noon.

Where: Zoom Meeting. Members of the public may join remotely by phone at 1-669-254-5252; Meeting ID: 161 867 6690 Passcode: 981896

Background: The Oregon Cannabis Commission was established in the 2017 legislative session through HB 2198. The commission consists of the state health officer or designee and an eight member-panel appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the senate. The commission provides advice to Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission regarding Oregon Administrative Rules that govern medical cannabis as well as retail cannabis as it pertains to patients and caregivers.  Additionally, the commission is tasked with developing a long-term strategic plan for ensuring that cannabis will remain a therapeutic and affordable option for patients and monitoring federal laws, regulations, and policies regarding cannabis.

Visit www.Healthoregon.org/cannabiscommission for more information.

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters
• Written material in other languages
• Braille
• Large print
• Audio and other formats

If you need help or have questions, please contact Megan Lockwood at 971-673-0620, 711 TTY or .lockwood@dhsoha.state.or.us">megan.r.lockwood@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

On June 24, 2022 at approximately 12:35 AM, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 97 near milepost 267.  

Preliminary investigation revealed that a southbound GMC Truck, operated by Erika Delrio (36) of Yuba City, CA, and a northbound white Nissan Xterra, operated by Cybil Nelson (35) of Bend, collided head-on. Both vehicles were destroyed by fire due to the crash. OSP Reconstruction members are investigating the crash.    

Erika Delrio was transported via life-flight to St. Charles Medical Center with critical injuries. A passenger, Martha Carriedo (60) of Yuba City, CA sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. Additional passengers, Magdalena Delrio (21) of Yuba City, CA and two male children, aged 1 and 2, were transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Nelson sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.  

OSP was assisted by Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, Klamath County Fire District 1 and ODOT. 

Hwy 97 was closed for approximately 5 hours.  

Any witnesses to the collision who were not already interviewed by investigators or those with information related to the crash are asked to call OSP Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888. Reference Case #SP22-155016.  

Lo que debe saber

• La mayoría de los habitantes de Oregon que reciben beneficios de alimentos de SNAP continuarán recibiendo los beneficios adicionales temporales de emergencia en julio
• Aproximadamente 422,000 hogares que reciben SNAP recibirán aproximadamente $68 millones en beneficios de alimentos adicionales además de sus beneficios regulares de SNAP
• Estos beneficios de emergencia son un apoyo temporal que Oregon puede dar debido a la emergencia de salud pública federal por el COVID-19
• Encuentre recursos para cubrir sus necesidades básicas: marque al 2-1-1 o envíe un mensaje de texto con su código postal al 898-21, www.211info.org 
• Centro de ayuda para el COVID-19 del Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Oregon

(Salem) – La mayoría de los habitantes de Oregon que reciben beneficios de alimentos del Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria (SNAP) recibirán pagos de emergencia en julio.

El gobierno federal ha aprobado pagos de emergencia todos los meses desde marzo del 2020. Esto da a los beneficiarios de SNAP apoyo adicional durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Estos beneficios de emergencia son un apoyo temporal que Oregon puede dar debido a la emergencia de salud pública federal por el COVID-19.

Debido a que el gobierno federal aprobó estos beneficios de emergencia para julio, Oregon también podrá darlos en agosto. Sin embargo, se espera que los beneficios de emergencia terminen cuando la emergencia de salud pública federal llegue a su fin.

En julio, aproximadamente 422,000 hogares que reciben SNAP recibirán aproximadamente $68 millones en beneficios de alimentos adicionales además de sus beneficios regulares de SNAP.

“Sabemos que muchos dependen de estos beneficios adicionales de alimentos de emergencia para tener suficientes alimentos saludables para ellos y sus familias”, dijo Claire Seguin, subdirectora de Programas de Autosuficiencia del Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Oregon (ODHS). “También sabemos que muchos habitantes de Oregon todavía tienen dificultades para cubrir sus necesidades básicas y los alentamos a que se comuniquen con nuestros socios en el 211 y el Banco de Alimentos de Oregon para recibir apoyo durante este momento difícil”.

Los hogares que actualmente reciben SNAP recibirán el pago de emergencia el 12 de julio. Los hogares que no recibieron beneficios en ese primer depósito mensual recibirán el pago de emergencia el 29 de julio o el 2 de agosto.

Las personas que reciben SNAP no tienen que tomar ninguna acción para recibir estos beneficios adicionales ya que se depositarán directamente en sus tarjetas EBT.

Más información sobre los pagos de emergencia en https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/ASSISTANCE/FOOD-BENEFITS/Pages/Emergency-Allotments.aspx.

Si tiene preguntas sobre sus beneficios de alimentos de SNAP comuníquese con el Centro de Servicio al Cliente de ONE al 1-800-699-9075.

Si su hogar recibe SNAP y sus ingresos o la cantidad de personas que viven en su hogar ha cambiado, eso podría afectar sus beneficios. Es importante asegurar que ODHS tenga su información más reciente.

Puede notificar cualquier cambio en sus ingresos o en su hogar de muchas maneras:

• En línea: ONE.Oregon.gov
• Por correo: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309
• Por fax: 503-378-5628
• Por teléfono: 1-800-699-9075 or TTY 711

Recursos para ayudar a cubrir sus necesidades básicas

• Encuentre una despensa de alimentos: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org
• Infórmese sobre programas del gobierno y recursos en la comunidad para adultos mayores y personas con discapacidades: Conexión para Recursos de Envejecimiento y Discapacidad de Oregon al 1-855-673-2372 o www.adrcoforegon.org.
• Marque 2-1-1, mande un mesaje de texto con su código postal al 898-211, www.211info.org 
• Encuentre recursos locales y apoyo comunicándose con su Agencia de Acción Comunitaria local: www.caporegon.org/find-services/ 
• Centro de ayuda para el COVID-19 del Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Oregon

Administrado por ODHS, SNAP es un programa federal que brinda asistencia de alimentos a aproximadamente 1 millón de familias y personas elegibles de bajos ingresos en Oregon, incluyendo muchos adultos mayores y personas con discapacidades. Los habitantes de Oregon que lo necesiten pueden pedir beneficios como SNAP, cuidado infantil, asistencia en efectivo y Medicaid. Obtenga más información en https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/benefits/Pages/index.aspx.

Para información sobre recursos locales en su área, como alimentos o refugio, llame al 2-1-1 o comuníquese con la Conexión para Recursos de Envejecimiento y Discapacidad (ADRC por sus siglas en inglés) del estado al 1-855-ORE-ADRC o al 1-855-673-2372 .

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Oregon Homeowner Assistance Fund expands mortgage support to include more traditionally underserved homeowners

Phase 3 now open to eligible applicants

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services announced that the Oregon Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) program is open to applicants eligible for Phase 3. The program is a federal temporary COVID-19 emergency mortgage relief program intended to support homeowners who have experienced severe financial hardships due to the pandemic. It provides funding for past-due mortgages and other housing expenses to a limited number of homeowners with low incomes. 

OHCS is working to assist homeowners at risk of losing their home in a phased approach. During Phases 1 and 2, it focused on homeowners who were most at-risk of foreclosure or who had the fewest options. Program staff will continue to process applications already submitted in Phases 1 and 2. Eligibility information for the different phases is available on the HAF website. 

While continuing to serve homeowners eligible for Phases 1 and 2, Phase 3 expands HAF support to homeowners traditionally underserved or less able to recover, including those who are: 

• Over the age of 62 years
• Living with a disability (with proof of benefits) 
• Rural, as determined by ZIP Code
• Socially disadvantaged individuals (defined by the U.S. Department of the Treasury), including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, as well as members of federally recognized Tribes 
• Limited English proficiency (English is not the applicant’s primary language)
• Recovering property damage or destruction caused by a natural disaster (with proof of benefits)
• Homeowners with mortgages where the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is the named beneficiary. This is a very rare situation, where HUD has taken over a loan that is in default. Homeowners should speak with a housing counselor to determine if this is their loan. 

Homeowners who have not applied and are eligible may now find a new application link on the oregonhomeownerassistance.org website. Homeowners eligible for Phases 1 or 2 may now apply using the same link if they have not previously submitted an application. If homeowners need assistance with their application, the HAF website lists the program’s application intake assistance partners who can help homeowners with online, paper, in-person, or limited English proficiency applications. Homeowners with additional questions about HAF can visit the website or call 833-604-0879.

Phase 4, which will apply to all other eligible applicants if funding is still available, will open at a date to be determined. 

HAF funding is limited. The state is prioritizing Oregon households that are at the highest risk of foreclosure. Once the $90 million of funding granted by the U.S. Treasury is gone, the program will close. Even if homeowners are eligible, there is no guarantee their application will be funded.

Other mortgage relief programs are available if homeowners do not meet the HAF eligibility criteria. Homeowners should contact a housing counselor, mortgage servicer or 211 for more options. 

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(Springfield, Ore.) June 24, 2022— PacificSource Health Plans announces that long-standing president and CEO Ken Provencher will retire on March 31, 2023. Provencher has served as PacificSource’s president and CEO for 21 years, and is only the fifth PacificSource CEO since the company’s inception in 1933. Upon his retirement he will leave behind more than 38 years of experience in the healthcare industry, with 28 of those years committed to PacificSource. The PacificSource board of directors will conduct a nationwide search for his replacement.

“I have been very fortunate and blessed to have worked with all of my PacificSource colleagues and our board during my tenure here,” said Ken Provencher, president and CEO of PacificSource. “I am extremely proud of how we have approached our work and that we have done so as an independent, not-for-profit community health plan. I also appreciate our many provider and community partners who have collaborated with us and worked diligently over the years to provide greater access to care and improve community health.”

“It has been a pleasure working with Ken in his tireless pursuit of building PacificSource into an admired organization with a focus on the health of our communities,” said PacificSource Board Chair Rick Wright. “The entire Board of Directors is happy Ken finally gets to enjoy retirement and we would like to thank him for preparing us for a bright future.”

During his tenure with PacificSource, Provencher has overseen the organization’s exponential growth in the Northwest as the company expanded its reach throughout Oregon and into Idaho, Montana, and Washington. In 2016, he oversaw the implementation of a strategic partnership with Legacy Health, resulting in an integrated approach that has elevated the quality of care to members and patients, and allowed PacificSource to serve as the health insurance provider for Legacy’s benefit-eligible employees and their families. He also led the company’s biggest Medicaid membership expansion in 2020, adding more than 200,000 members and bringing the organization’s total membership to over 600,000 individuals to date. 

Provencher joined PacificSource in 1995 as provider contracting director, was promoted to vice president operations in 1996, and then served as interim CEO in 2000 before being officially appointed to president and CEO in 2001. Prior to joining PacificSource, he served as vice president of VHA Upstate New York, a 15-hospital healthcare system. He also served as administrative director for United Health Services Network and director of finance and operations for HMO of North Carolina, a Blue Cross/Blue Shield subsidiary.

About PacificSource Health Plans:

PacificSource Health Plans is an independent, not-for-profit community health plan serving the Northwest. Founded in 1933, PacificSource has local offices throughout Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Washington. The PacificSource family of companies employs more than 1,600 people and serves over 600,000 individuals throughout the Greater Northwest. For more information, visit PacificSource.com.

Today, the Supreme Court overturned nearly 50 years of precedent and eliminated the constitutional right to abortion, stripping people of the right to control their own bodies.

Planned Parenthood leaders in Oregon will hold a virtual press conference in response to this decision at 1pm today. To RSVP please email kristi.scdoris@ppcw.org.

By overturning Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court has now officially given politicians permission to control what we do with our bodies, deciding that we can no longer be trusted to determine the course for our own lives. This dangerous and chilling decision will have devastating consequences across the country, forcing people to travel hundreds, sometimes thousands, of miles for care or remain pregnant. 

But make no mistake: This decision goes beyond abortion. This wrongful ruling is about who has power over you, who has the authority to make decisions for you and who can control how your future is going to be. This is the first time the Supreme Court has gone back on an individual right it previously established. It is a dark day for our country, but this is far from over. We will not compromise on our bodies, our dignity or our freedom.

The court’s decision goes against the will of the American people, 80% of whom support legal abortion. In Oregon, voters have opposed every ballot measure to restrict access to abortion; the most recent attempt, 2018’s Ballot Measure 106, was defeated 64.5% to 35.6%.

While the right to an abortion is safeguarded in state statute, Oregonians will be directly affected by the end of Roe vs. Wade. A study by The Guttmacher Institute indicates that Oregon health centers could experience a 234% increase in out-of-state patients from states like Idaho where abortion will be immediately outlawed. An analysis in The New York Times indicates that Eastern Oregonians could see a 35% reduction in abortion access, forced to drive hundreds of miles to the nearest provider in Bend. 

The consequences of this devastating decision will fall largely on people who already face the greatest barriers to health care because of this country’s legacy of racism and discrimination, including Black, Latinx and Indigenous communities; people with low incomes; LGBTQ+ people; immigrants; and people living in rural areas.

Abortion is still legal in Oregon. Planned Parenthood health centers — with supportive  doctors, nurses and expert staff — continue to provide the care and resources you’ve come to rely on. We believe all people should have the right to control their own body, life and future — no matter where they live. Every day in every way, we’ll stop at nothing to make sure people have access to the essential health care they need.

Even with today’s devastating decision, abortion is still legal in many parts of the country. People who need care should go to abortionfinder.org.

June 24, 2022

Media Contacts: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@odhsoha.oregon.gov 

Abortion remains legal, accessible in Oregon in wake of Supreme Court ruling

Decision has no effect on Oregon’s Reproductive Health Equity Act that guarantees right to receive abortion, health care providers’ right to provide it

PORTLAND, Ore. — Following a U.S. Supreme Court decision today that overturns Roe vs. Wade, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is reminding people that abortion remains legal in the state.

The Reproductive Health Equity Act (RHEA) was established in 2017 after the Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 3391. The landmark legislation contained multiple provisions to both protect and expand access to the full scope of reproductive health services, including abortion, for all people in Oregon. RHEA enshrined into state law an individual’s right to receive an abortion, as well as a health care provider’s right to provide an abortion.

“The decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe vs. Wade does not change the fact that people in Oregon are guaranteed the right to receive abortion services, which remain legal in this state,” said OHA Director Patrick Allen. “OHA will continue to implement and promote RHEA to ensure that people in Oregon have access to essential reproductive health services, including abortion, sterilization and contraceptives, without any barriers.”

This includes a legal right for anyone who comes to Oregon for an abortion, not just Oregon residents.

While the abortion rate has declined across the country in the last 30 years, the need for abortion care has recently been on the rise, according to Guttmacher Institute, which found the abortion rate increased by 7% from 2017 to 2020. In Oregon, the abortion rate declined by 21% during this time.

Oregon is one of 16 states and the District of Columbia that has laws that protect the right to abortion, and is just one of four states and the District of Columbia that has ensured the right to abortion without any restrictions or state interference. Oregon also is one of only seven states that funds abortions, using state general funds under the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), the state’s Medicaid program, without any restrictions.

In 2017, RHEA further expands access to abortion by requiring health benefit plans regulated by the state of Oregon to cover abortion services without any cost sharing to its members. It also provides coverage for abortion services for people not eligible for the Oregon Health Plan because of their immigration status, including those with DACA status, those with no documentation, and people with legal permanent resident status who have not met the five-year waiting period for OHP eligibility.

And abortion access will continue to expand with the Oregon Legislature’s passage earlier this year of House Bill 5202, which allocates $15 million in state general funds to advancing reproductive health equity. The funds will be distributed by OHA to Seeding Justice, a grant-making organization, to establish the Reproductive Health Equity Fund, which will invest in culturally specific health outreach and education programs around the state that benefit patients, health care providers and community advocates.

Individuals can access free or low-cost reproductive health services at local health departments, Planned Parenthood clinics, federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics across the state. To find a clinic, visit: healthoregon.org/rhclinics, dial 211, or text HEALTH to 898211.

On Thursday, June 23, 2022, the Oregon State Police (OSP) Southwest Region (SWR) Drug Enforcement Section (DES) team, assisted by the Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET), served an illegal marijuana search warrant in the 600 block of Pinewood Way, Cave Junction, Josephine County. 

As a result, 3,944 illegal marijuana plants contained in seven (7) large, industrial sized greenhouses, were located, seized, and ultimately destroyed. Additionally, the property is subject to multiple code violations through Josephine County Code Enforcement, for unpermitted structures, multiple unpermitted electrical installations, and unpermitted excavation. Josephine County will move forward with legal action against the property owner which could result in closure of the property for one calendar year (illegal drug cultivation) and possible civil forfeiture.

The investigation is on-going and no further information is available at this time.

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Mercedes “Bow” Dunnington, age 16, a child in foster care who went missing from Sunriver on June 23, 2022. She is believed to be in danger.

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Bow and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see her.

Bow is believed to be traveling to Bend and is known to spend time at the local parks, gas stations and homeless encampments in Bend. She also goes by the name Katie. 

Name: Mercedes “Bow” Dunnington
Pronouns: She/her
Date of birth: Jan. 10, 2006
Height: 5-foot-6
Weight: 187 pounds
Hair: Dyed blond 
Eye color: Green
Other identifying information: Bow was last seen wearing a fleece red and black button up jacket with a hood.
Sunriver Police Department Case #2022-00003269
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #1453942

A small number of children in foster care may be in significant danger when they run away or have gone missing. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and ensure their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).  This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. 

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A joint message from:  the Oregon Student Association; the Oregon Community College Association representing Oregon's 17 community colleges; the Oregon Council of Presidents representing Oregon's eight public universities; and the Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities representing 13 Oregon independent non-profit colleges and universities.

June 23, 2022, Marks the 50^th Anniversary of the Federal Pell Grant. The Oregon Opportunity Grant enjoyed its 50^th Anniversary in 2021.  

A campaign to #DoublePell is underway. It has bipartisan public support and will help more students earn a degree, get good-paying jobs, and graduate with less debt. At a press conference held today to commemorate the event, Oregon State Treasurer Tobias Read said, “Funding financial aid for students creates opportunities and is really important for the Oregon economy. Pell Grants are the federal government’s main tool for helping lower-income students and families access high education. Unfortunately, the funding levels have not kept up with costs. If I’ve learned anything in my work as Treasurer, it’s that there is no better investment than in the potential of rising young people.”

With the help of a Pell Grant and other student aid, Nicole Paredes-Cisneros recently graduated debt-free from the University of Oregon with two undergraduate degrees. Paredes-Cisneros is a first-generation student and stated that the Pell grant for her provided a sense of relief, sending her the message that “we’ve got it covered, just go and make us proud.” She urged Congress to double the amount of Pell Grants that are transformational and create opportunity for all students. She described the grants  as “a light, a light that’s motivated students to reach for the sky, day-by-day”.  

Chemeketa Community College student McKinzie McBride said, “The Pell Grant and scholarships that I have received widened the door of possibilities for me and my family. As a full-time mother, employee, and now student, completing college will be one of my greatest accomplishments in life and I am so thankful for having some of the financial burden relieved. The Pell Grant has helped make my dreams come true.”

“The Pell Grant has made college more affordable and will help me graduate without the burden of significant student loan debt,” said Ian Curtis, a senior at Willamette University. “As the costs associated with attending college increase, the Pell Grant must increase as well. The Pell Grant program is a strategic investment in the future of our nation. It is time to double the Pell Grant and invest in a program that will yield strong returns in the years to come.” 

A video of today’s press conference can be seen here.​

Need to know

• Most Oregonians who receive SNAP benefits will continue to receive temporarily increased emergency food benefits in July
• Approximately 422,000 SNAP households will receive approximately $68 million in extra food benefits in addition to their regular SNAP benefits
• These emergency benefits are a temporary support that Oregon can provide because of the federal COVID-19 public health emergency
• Find resources to meet your basic needs: Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org 
• Oregon Department of Human Services COVID-19 help center 

(Salem) – Most Oregonians who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will receive emergency allotments in July.

The federal government has approved emergency allotments every month since March 2020. This gives SNAP recipients additional support during the COVID-19 pandemic. These emergency benefits are a temporary support that Oregon can provide because of the federal COVID-19 public health emergency.

Because the federal government approved these emergency benefits for July, Oregon will also be able to issue them in August. However, the emergency benefits are expected to end when the federal public health emergency ends.

In July, approximately 422,000 SNAP households will receive approximately $68 million in extra food benefits in addition to their regular SNAP benefits.

“We know that many rely on these additional emergency food benefits to get enough healthy food for themselves and their families,” said Claire Seguin, deputy director of the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Self-Sufficiency Programs. “We also know that many Oregonians are still struggling to meet their basic needs and we encourage them to contact our partners at 211 and the Oregon Food Bank for support during this difficult time.”

Current SNAP households will receive emergency allotments on July 12. Emergency allotments will be issued July 29 or Aug. 2 for households who did not receive benefits in the first monthly issuance.

SNAP recipients do not have to take any action to receive these supplemental benefits as they will be issued directly on their EBT cards. 

More information about emergency allotments is available at https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/ASSISTANCE/FOOD-BENEFITS/Pages/Emergency-Allotments.aspx.

Questions about your SNAP benefits should be directed to the ONE Customer Service Center at 1-800-699-9075.

If your household receives SNAP and your income or the number of people in your household has changed, it could impact your benefits. It is important to make sure ODHS has the most up-to-date information. 

You can report any changes to your income or household in many ways: 

• Online at: ONE.Oregon.gov
• By mail at: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309
• By fax at: 503-378-5628
• By phone at: 1-800-699-9075 or TTY 711

Resources to help meet basic needs

• Find a food pantry: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org
• Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or www.adrcoforegon.org.
• Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org 
• Find local resources and support by contacting your local Community Action Agency: www.caporegon.org/find-services/ 
• Oregon Department of Human Services COVID-19 help center 

Administered by ODHS, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1 million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Oregon, including many older adults and people with disabilities. Oregonians in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP, child care, cash assistance and Medicaid. Learn more at https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/benefits/Pages/index.aspx . For local resources in your area, such as food or shelter, please call 2-1-1 or reach out to the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 1-855-ORE-ADRC or 1-855-673-2372.

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Grants Pass, Ore. - On Monday, 06-20-22, the Grants Pass Police Department responded to a reported sex offense that occurred at the Grants Pass YMCA.  The complainant reported her 6-year-old daughter had been subjected to sexual touching while swimming at the pool.  Management at the YMCA was advised of the incident and assisted law enforcement with the investigation.  Through the assistance of the YMCA, the individual involved in the incident with the child was identified as 66-year-old Rex McCurdy, a registered sex offender from California.  The YMCA staff advised law enforcement when McCurdy arrived back at the facility on Wednesday, 06-22-22.  McCurdy was subsequently arrested by Grants Pass Police Detectives and lodged at the Josephine County Jail for two counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree.

Due to the nature of this incident, the Grants Pass Police Department is concerned there may be other children who may have had inappropriate contact from McCurdy, who frequented the facility with a male friend.  Therefore, we are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying any additional victims.  Anyone with information regarding McCurdy or his associate is encouraged to call Detective Heather Yerrick at 541-450-6344.

We also want to ensure the public that the YMCA does run federal and state background checks on individuals requesting membership at their facility and has been proactive in denying membership when there are concerns about an applicant.  Unfortunately, due to restrictions in place during COVID, McCurdy’s sex offender status, as well as that of his male companion, was not accessible during the background check conducted by the YMCA.  The YMCA has been provided additional resources to prevent this from occurring in the future until all public records are appropriately updated from the COVID backlog.  The Grants Pass Police Department wants to thank the YMCA for their assistance with this investigation and the brave child who came forward in this case.  

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On June 22, 2022 at approximately 10:10 p.m. officers from the Ashland Police Department responded to the area of The Plaza in the heart of downtown Ashland, for a report of a fight involving a knife. APD was assisted in this response by officers from the Talent and Phoenix Police Departments, as well as deputies from the Jackson County Sherriff’s Office.

The investigation revealed that one of the involved parties had been stabbed in the chest. Witnesses gave a description and direction of travel for the suspect, who was quickly located and detained by officers.

The victim was transported by Ashland Fire & Rescue to Rogue Regional Medical Center where he remains in stable condition.

Officers arrested Francisco Valenzuela, 41 years, a Grants Pass resident, for Assault 2^nd Degree. Valenzuela was lodged at the Jackson County Jail where he remains on $100,000 bail. 

Detectives with the APD are continuing to investigate this case and anyone with additional info is asked to contact Detective Lindsey Rochon-Evertt at the Ashland Police Department.

IVFD wanted to thank the Oregon State Fire Marshal's office for awarding the Illinois Valley Fire District $35,000.00 for the "Wildfire Season Supplemental Staffing Grant." This will bring on additional staffing during the 2022 wildfire season.

We will start the staffing on Monday, June 27, 2022 and the shift times will vary, depending on weather conditions and incident responses within the Fire District.

This is an exciting opportunity from the state legislature funding through Senate Bill 762 to help boost capacity through equipment upgrades and people.

Again, thank you OSFM!

On Wednesday, June 22, 2022, the Oregon State Police (OSP) Southwest Region (SWR) Drug Enforcement Section (DES) team, assisted by the Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) of the Medford Police Department and Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, served an illegal marijuana search warrant in the 11000 block of East Antelope Rd. Eagle Point, Jackson County.

As a result, 2,864 illegal marijuana plants contained in ten (10) greenhouses, were seized. Also located and seized were 209 pounds of processed marijuana bud packaged for sale on the black market, eight (8) firearms, body armor and over $10,000.00 in US Currency. Two (2) individuals were detained, identified, and interviewed.

Jackson County Code Enforcement also responded to the property for multiple code violations. A total of $66,000.00 in fines were levied on the property owner for violations of unapproved greenhouse structures, multiple unapproved electrical installations, unapproved marijuana production, prohibited camping within a marijuana grow site and solid waste.

The investigation is on-going and no further information is available at this time. 

June 23, 2022

Media contact: Timothy Heider, 971-599-0459,

timothy.heider@dhsoha.state.or.us

Measure 110 Oversight and Accountability Council has approved BHRNs in more than half of all county regions for drug treatment and recovery services

The Measure 110 Oversight and Accountability Council (OAC) approved one additional Behavioral Health Resource Network (BHRN) on Wednesday, June 22, for Wallowa County with an investment of $750,000. The OAC has now approved 19 out of 36 counties.

The funds for the 19 approved BHRNs now total nearly $72 million. To date, nearly $114 million has been allocated in support of Measure 110, including Access to Care (ATC) grant funding.

OHA has developed a statewide map visualization that shows the BHRNS that have been approved for funding; (in orange) along with those that have been selected by the OAC (in blue) and are in negotiations for funding approval.

See OHA’s robust new dashboard showing the BHRN approval and funding progress being made to date. OHA will continue to provide frequent updates on the funding process.

Other M110 funds to be disbursed

A three-month extension was offered to ATC grantees through Sept. 30, 2022.

Twenty-eight of the original 66 recipients received first-round extensions for a total of $5,725,054.93. Fifty-four of the original 66 recipients requested second-round extensions, and of those, 41 were found eligible for additional funds, totaling $4,356,343.

The additional funds are in the process of being disbursed, bringing the total ATC funds to be disbursed to approximately $41.6million. 

These funds will prevent a lapse of funding or interruption of service for grantees while the OAC continues to review and approve applications. 

ATC grantees comprise 70 substance use treatment programs that provide treatment, housing, vocational training and other life-changing support services. 

Read more about Measure 110

Background: In November 2020, Oregon voters passed Measure 110, the Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act of 2020, which became effective on Dec. 4, 2020, to better serve people actively using substances or diagnosed with a substance use disorder. In July 2021, the legislature passed SB 755, which amended the act and made it more feasible to implement.

People who provide drug treatment and recovery services and advocates for criminal justice reform wrote Measure 110 in response to the high rate of drug addiction and overdoses in Oregon, and the disproportionate impact of those outcomes on Oregon’s communities of color.

Their goal was to establish a more equitable and effective approach to substance use disorder. OHA is working with the Measure 110 Oversight and Accountability Council to develop a first-in-the-nation health-based approach to substance use and overdose prevention system, which is more helpful, caring and cost-effective than punishing and criminalizing people who need help.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 22, 2022

MEDIA CONTACT: Gail Krumenauer
State Employment Economist 
(971) 301-3771 

May 2022 Employment and Unemployment in Oregon’s Counties

In May, unemployment rates declined in 33 of Oregon’s 36 counties. Unemployment rates in three counties did not decline, but held steady over the month. Thirteen counties had unemployment rates at or below the statewide and nationwide rate of 3.6% in May.

Klamath County had Oregon’s highest seasonally adjusted unemployment rate (5.3%) in May. Other counties with relatively high unemployment rates were Grant (5.2%), Curry (4.9%), and Lincoln (4.9%). Benton, Hood River, and Wheeler counties registered the lowest unemployment rates in May, at 2.9% each. Other counties with some of the lowest unemployment rates in May included Washington (3.0%), Sherman (3.1%), and Gilliam (3.2%).
Between May 2021 and May 2022, total nonfarm employment rose in each of the six broad regions across Oregon. The Willamette Valley region experienced the fastest job growth over the year at 4.1%. Employment also grew at a relatively fast pace in the five Portland-metro counties (3.7%) and Central Oregon region (3.3%). Growth occurred at a slower pace along the Coast (1.3%), in Eastern Oregon (0.8%), and in Southern Oregon (0.7%).

Next News Releases
The Oregon Employment Department will release statewide unemployment rate and industry employment data for June 2022 on Wednesday, July 20, 2022. The June 2022 county and metropolitan area unemployment rates will be released on Tuesday, July 26, 2022.

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The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. Everyone has a right to use OED programs and services. OED provides free help. Some examples are sign language and spoken language interpreters, written materials in other languages, braille, large print, audio and other formats. If you need help, please call 971-673-6400. TTY users call 711. You can also ask for help at OED_Communications@employ.oregon.gov.

Correction: The vote closes June 23, not July 23. 

NURSE PRESS CONFERENCE: 

Thursday, June 23

1 p.m.  PT

Oregon Nurses Association – Third Floor Conference Room

18765 SW Boones Ferry Rd. 

Tualatin, OR 97062 

Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) nurse leaders from Providence St. Vincent Medical Center and other Portland-area Providence hospitals will announce vote results from Providence St. Vincent’s Tentative Agreement ratification vote and answer media questions about next steps. We will also stream the conference live on our main Facebook page. Please contact Scott Palmer or Myrna Jensen to attend the press conference in person or to ask a virtual question. 

(Portland, OR) - ONA nurses at Providence St. Vincent are currently voting on a tentative contract agreement with Providence. The vote closes Thursday, June 23. Nurses will announce the vote results during Thursday’s press conference at the ONA offices at 1 p.m. 

If nurses at Providence St. Vincent vote to ratify the tentative contract agreement it will take effect immediately and avert a strike at St. Vincent. If nurses vote not to ratify, the ONA nurse bargaining team at Providence St. Vincent may return to negotiations or move towards a strike. 

The 1,600 frontline nurses working at Providence St. Vincent are represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA). 

In May, ONA nurses at Providence St. Vincent voted nearly unanimously to authorize a strike against Providence to protest Providence’s illegal unfair labor practices (ULPs) and demand a fair contract that improves patient care, raises nurse staffing standards, makes health care more affordable and addresses Providence’s growing staffing crisis. ONA nurses at Providence Milwaukie Hospital and Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center in Oregon City have also authorized unfair labor practice strikes against Providence–Oregon’s largest health care system and one of the state’s largest employers. 

The results of the vote at Providence St. Vincent does not impact nurse contracts or strike preparations at the other two Providence hospitals. If strikes are called at any ONA-represented hospital, nurses will provide Providence with a 10-day notice to allow Providence’s management adequate time to cease admissions and transfer patients or to reach a fair agreement with nurses and avert a work stoppage. 

ONA represents more than 4,000 frontline nurses working in 10 Providence Health System facilities from Portland to Medford including multiple Oregon hospitals where Providence has allowed nurse contracts to expire, including Providence St. Vincent, Providence Milwaukie, Providence Willamette Falls, and Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital. 

ONA nurses have volunteered their time to meet with paid Providence managers more than 50 times over the last eight months to bargain multiple contracts at Providence's Oregon hospitals. ONA frontline nurses throughout Oregon are asking Providence for basic safety standards and common-sense proposals to protect our patients, our coworkers and our families including stronger patient safety standards, safe nurse staffing, affordable health care, paid leave, and a fair compensation package that enables the hospital to recruit and retain the skilled frontline caregivers our communities need to stay healthy and safe. 

BACKGROUND: 

Providence St. Vincent Medical Center is one of the largest hospitals in Oregon and is the most profitable hospital in Providence St. Joseph’s vast multistate, multi-billion dollar health system. Nurses’ vote on the tentative agreement at Providence St. Vincent follows historic strike votes by nurses and one of the largest informational pickets in recent Oregon history. On March 15, more than 700 frontline nurses who work at multiple locations within the Providence Health System led an informational picket outside Providence St. Vincent Medical Center about raising health care standards for nurses, patients, and our communities. Supporters included nurses and other health care professionals, along with labor, religious and community leaders, and elected officials including Oregon gubernatorial candidate Tina Kotek, Multnomah County Commissioner Sharon Meieran, MD, and multiple Oregon state representatives.

• Click here for photos from ONA Nurses’ Informational Picket at Providence St. Vincent https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/zyj8jt15cgm8v81hakjy4/h?dl=0&rlkey=jia1alng0en9g2x2le2dczahw

ONA nurses continue to bargain multiple open contracts with Providence St. Joseph–the multi-state, multi-billion dollar health care giant. On May 4, ONA nurses at Providence St. Vincent voted nearly unanimously to authorize a strike at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center—one of Oregon’s largest and most profitable hospitals. 

On June 3, frontline nurses at Providence Milwaukie Hospital in Milwaukie and Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center in Oregon City voted overwhelmingly to authorize strikes against Providence. Providence has never faced a strike in Oregon. The unprecedented strike votes are to protest Providence’s illegal unfair labor practices (ULPs) and demand fair contracts which improve patient care, raise nurse staffing standards, make health care more affordable and address Providence’s growing staffing crisis.

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) is the state’s largest and most influential nursing organization. We are a professional association and labor union which represents more than 15,000 nurses and allied health workers throughout Oregon. ONA’s mission is to advocate for nursing, quality health care and healthy communities. For more information visit: www.OregonRN.org.

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Red Cross sees about a 21% decline in blood and platelet donations during holiday weeks

Portland, Ore (June 22, 2022) — As summer officially begins and people gather for holiday celebrations, the American Red Cross reminds communities that patients are counting now on the generosity of blood and platelet donors, especially around the Fourth of July. 

The Red Cross sees about a 21% decline in blood and platelet donations during holiday weeks, including Independence Day. When blood donations drop, so does the blood supply, making it extremely challenging to ensure blood is available when hospitals and patients, like 4-year-old Olivia Enders of West Linn, need it.

Olivia was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) in August 2021. She has received 20 blood transfusions as part of her treatment.

“We often think of transfusions for emergencies but forget about the need for blood transfusion for people and children battling long term diseases and cancers. Every transfusion gives Olivia another chance at life and continued success at battling her cancer and being a kid again,” says Olivia’s mother, Sarah Enders.

By scheduling and keeping appointments in July, donors can help provide for those in immediate need of lifesaving care. To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). 

As a thank-you for helping, all those who come to give June 30-July 10 will receive an exclusive Red Cross recycled cotton tote bag, while supplies last. 

A few upcoming blood donation opportunities July 1-15:

July 1

• Portland Blood Donation Center, 3131 N. Vancouver Ave., Portland, OR, 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
• The Grove, 3955 Outward Rd. SE, Salem, OR, 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

July 5

• Portland Playhouse, 602 NE Prescott St., Portland, OR, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Vancouver Mall Macy’s, 8700 NE Vancouver Mall Dr, Vancouver, WA, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Medford Blood Donation Center, 1174 Progress Dr, Suite 102, Medford, OR, 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

July 6

• Topgolf, 5505 NE Huffman St., Hillsboro, OR, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Salem Blood Donation Center, 1860 Hawthorne Ave. NE, Salem, OR, 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

July 8

• The Grotto, 8840 NE Skidmore St., Portland, OR, 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Vancouver Blood Donation Center, 5109 NE 82^nd Ave., Vancouver, WA, 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

July 12

• Springfield Elks, 1701 Centennial Blvd., Springfield, OR, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter your zip code to find additional blood donation opportunities near you.

Click here for b-roll of people giving blood. Additional images of Olivia and her mom, Sarah, are attached.

Health insights for donors 

At a time when health information has never been more important, the Red Cross is screening all blood, platelet and plasma donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait. This additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease. Blood transfusion is an essential treatment for those with sickle cell disease, and blood donations from individuals of the same race, ethnicity and blood type have a unique ability to help patients fighting sickle cell disease.    

Donors can expect to receive sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.  

Blood drive safety 

The Red Cross follows a high standard of safety and infection control. The Red Cross will continue to socially distance wherever possible at blood drives, donation centers and facilities. While donors are no longer required to wear a face mask, individuals may choose to continue to wear a mask for any reason. The Red Cross will also adhere to more stringent face mask requirements per state and/or local guidance, or at the request of blood drive sponsors. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at a drive.  

Oregon and Washington still require face masks be worn at all blood drives and donation sites.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass^® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

# # #

As directed by the Oregon Legislature through House Bill 4157, the Oregon Department of Revenue will begin distributing One-Time Assistance Payments of $600 to more than 236,000 qualifying households later this week. Payments will be received by direct deposit or by check by July 1, 2022.

To qualify households must have received the Earned Income Tax Credit on their 2020 tax filing and lived in Oregon the last six months of 2020. 

The One-Time Assistance Payments will be deposited directly to the bank accounts of 136,640 recipients and checks will be mailed to 99,647 recipients. Households that receive a direct deposit will also be mailed a letter explaining the payment. Households that receive a paper check will include information about the payment on their check stub.

A total of nearly $141.8 million is expected to be distributed to 236,287 qualifying recipients.

As directed by the Oregon Legislature through House Bill 4157, the Oregon Department of Revenue will begin distributing One-Time Assistance Payments of $600 to more than 236,000 qualifying households later this week. Payments will be received by direct deposit or by check by July 1, 2022.

To qualify households must have received the Earned Income Tax Credit on their 2020 tax filing and lived in Oregon the last six months of 2020. 

The One-Time Assistance Payments will be deposited directly to the bank accounts of 136,640 recipients and checks will be mailed to 99,647 recipients. Households that receive a direct deposit will also be mailed a letter explaining the payment. Households that receive a paper check will include information about the payment on their check stub.

A total of nearly $141.8 million is expected to be distributed to 236,287 qualifying recipients.

Current information on payments being delivered and paid amounts

Eligible households                         236,287                                                           $141,772,200

Payments by direct deposit            136,640                                                            $81,984,000

Payments by paper check               99,647                                                            $59,788,200

For more questions, access our frequently asked questions on Revenue’s OTAP webpage or you can email onetime.assistancepayment@dor.oregon.gov

- 30 -

Northeast Oregon Water Association Oregon Association of Nurseries Oregon Cattlemen’s Association Oregon Dairy Farmers Association Oregon Farm Bureau Oregon Water Resources Congress Water for Life, Inc.

Agricultural Water Alliance Forms Amid Persistent Drought to Tackle State Water Issues

Decades of insufficient investment in infrastructure and ongoing regulatory uncertainty have imperiled Oregon’s food and water supply

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 22, 2022
Contact:Greg Addington
eg@addingtonconsulting.net">greg@addingtonconsulting.net
541-892-1409

SALEM, OR – Today, several agricultural organizations announced the emergence of a new alliance to focus on strategic water investments and common-sense policies that will promote water and agricultural sustainability. This comes as much of Oregon continues to face historic drought conditions and as supply chain issues and global food insecurity concerns grow.

Members of the newly formed Oregon Agricultural Water Alliance (OAWA) include the Oregon Farm Bureau, Oregon Cattleman’s Association, Oregon Association of Nurseries, Oregon Dairy Farmers Association, Oregon Water Resources Congress, Northeast Oregon Water Association, and Water for Life Inc.

The alliance formed a steering committee and contracted with a consultant, Greg Addington, from Oregon’s Klamath Basin, who has experience in organizational operations and state water policy. Priorities identified by the alliance include shifting state water policy to focus on an adequate, safe, and affordable food supply and growing other environmentally beneficial agricultural products; creating more water storage (above and below ground); building drought resiliency; interstate cooperation in water supply and management; demanding more agency accountability; and reducing costly and unnecessary litigation.

Addington, who spent a decade working on Klamath Basin water issues, cited the newly formed group’s recognition that a more coordinated approach from the agricultural community is needed.

“Agricultural producers and water suppliers are struggling with extreme and reoccurring drought, labor shortages, and exponentially rising costs. These challenges are exacerbated by regulatory uncertainty and a lack of investment in storage capacity to safeguard our most basic need—water,” said Addington.

Additional goals established by the coalition include educating policymakers on the importance of forward-looking water policy, advocating for investment in water supply, creating viable pathways to water project implementation, conducting educational tours for legislators and agency staff, and informing the public about the importance of irrigated agriculture to the state’s health and prosperity.

Across the State of Oregon, farmers and ranchers produce over 240 commodities that supply Oregon, the United States, and beyond with critical elements of the agri-food chain. Collectively the OAWA members represent a broad spectrum of individuals and entities including water delivery districts that serve nearly 600,000 acres and over 14,000 producers of food and fiber in Oregon.

(Salem) – Recently the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Office of Training, Investigations and Safety (OTIS) proposed changes to Administrative Rule 407-044-0310, regarding OTIS investigations into allegations of abuse at child-caring agencies, schools, daycares or by a third party.

ODHS is committed to transparency and recognizes the role transparency plays in identifying and preventing the abuse of children. 

“Unfortunately, our previous statements and communication about this proposed rule change were inaccurate,” said ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht. “This caused confusion about our intentions and many have expressed concern during the public comment period for this proposed rule change. We apologize for the confusion our previous communications have caused and we want to make certain that everyone understands this proposed rule change and why we have proposed it.”

Current ODHS practice related to OTIS investigations of child abuse
Currently ODHS maintains confidentiality of records related to open OTIS investigations. This protects the integrity of open investigations. 

Records related to completed OTIS investigations are available through public records requests. 

Impact of the proposed rule change
The proposed rule does not change current ODHS practice. 

The proposed rule change formalizes current ODHS practice by prohibiting the disclosure of records related to an open investigation of child abuse conducted by OTIS. 

This proposed rule change will not impact the disclosure of completed OTIS investigations and completed investigations will continue to be available through public records requests.

Intent of the proposed rule change
ODHS’ intent behind this proposed rule is to provide clarity and transparency to the public that records related to open OTIS investigations cannot be disclosed until an investigation is completed. This rule change may prevent a potential loss of federal funding due to the current lack of clarity on protecting confidential information while an OTIS investigation is still open.

Status of the proposed rule change
ODHS is committed to seeking and considering feedback from all interested members of the public about this proposed rule change. The public comment period for this proposed rule change as been extended to July 11 at 5 p.m. The public can share their concerns or feedback on this proposed rule change in writing by emailing Michelle.h.pfeiffer@dhsoha.state.or.us. 

Once the public comment period has ended ODHS will thoroughly consider all public comment submitted, and will share this feedback with the Oregon Legislature. ODHS’ intention is to ensure that it is following their direction and intent when in regards to the transparency of OTIS investigations. 

About the Oregon Department of Human Services
The mission of the Oregon Department of Human Services is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity. 

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SALEM, Ore. — June 22, 2022 — Following a wet and cool spring, Oregonians are eager to get outside this summer to hike, camp, boat and explore. Several state agencies and organizations are sharing best practices on how to keep the adventures safe, for people and Oregon’s scenic landscape. 

Search and Rescue 

State Search and Rescue (SAR) Coordinator Scott Lucas emphasized the need for people to be prepared and equipped before they head outdoors. “Our SAR teams have rescued many folks who have a certain idea of the outdoors based on what they’ve seen on reality TV,” said Lucas. “While eager to explore and adventure, these folks are often inexperienced, overconfident and unprepared for the reality of the situation. In the summer months, we find people who set out for a hike wearing flip flops and shorts and carrying no water. They might take an unmarked trail or get disoriented, and they could be lost for days.” 

Lucas stressed the importance of checking the basics like weather and road conditions, packing the proper gear, and confirming the destination is open before heading out. “Many of the trails and parks people are familiar with are closed from wildfire or flood damages or from recent weather including high mountain snow,” he said. “Others haven’t been maintained for the last two years due to the pandemic. People need to respect these closures and stay out. Climbing over barriers or going past boundaries puts them at risk.” 

He added that every SAR mission takes away resources – including SAR teams, volunteers, gear and time – from the next rescue. “Know before you go may seem like obvious advice, but it makes a big difference when it comes to staying safe.” 

Oregon State Marine Board 

Sunshine and warmer weather leads many people to the water. The Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) is advocating preparation and planning through its online tools and resources that let people check water levels, obstructions, tide information, local regulations and boating access before they head out. 

“Playing in and around the water is a lot of fun but it comes with risks,” said OSMB Public Information Officer Ashley Massey. “Most incidents and fatalities are caused by falling overboard or capsizing into cold water without a life jacket or the necessary skills for self-rescue. People need to always scout ahead, mind the tide, decide on the safest route and expect the unexpected.” 

Oregon Department of Forestry 

With more than half of the state under extreme drought conditions, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) said the number one precaution recreationists can take this summer is to follow posted fire restrictions. The agency offers a searchable map of public fire restrictions on its website. 

“As we move further into fire season, campfire bans and restrictions will likely be in place, and these need to be observed to avoid starting new wildfires,” said ODF Public Affairs Specialist Jason Cox. “If a site does allow for a campfire, people need to build them in identified rings or fire pits and make sure the fire is fully out—drown, stir, and repeat until ashes are cool to the touch—before they leave.” 

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department 

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) encourages explorers to first check Oregon’s Interagency Recreation Site Status Map to confirm their destination is open, learn about any fire restrictions and make sure they have the proper permits. 

OPRD Associate Director Chris Havel encouraged anyone visiting the outdoors get to know and follow the seven principals of Leave No Trace, a set of actions that can minimize impacts on plants, animals, other people and entire ecosystems. “These seven guidelines boil down to protecting the resources, the things that call the parks home, and all the other people that hope to come and recreate behind you and have that same sense of discovery and excitement.”

Oregon Office of Emergency Management

“We want to make sure Oregonians have the information they need to make decisions for themselves and their families to safely enjoy all the incredible outdoor activities our state has to offer,” said Oregon Office of Emergency Management Director Andrew Phelps. 

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You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, email public.info@mil.state.or.us. We accept all relay calls, or you can dial 711.

Photo Captions

Search and Rescue volunteers assist an injured person in Deschutes County (Oregon State Search and Rescue)

The Oregon State Marine Board's annual Surface Water Rescue Training offers 40 hours of on the water training, including personal survival skills, river safety, swimming in currents, throw bags techniques and shallow water crossing. (Oregon State Marine Board)

Two hikers dress appropriately as they explore Oregon's Humbug Mountain. (Oregon Parks and Recreation Department)

A mountain biker takes advantage of the trails in an Oregon forest. (Oregon Department of Forestry)

A woman and two young boys safely enjoy a campfire in Oregon's Beverly Beach State Park. (Oregon Parks and Recreation Department)

Three prepared hikers enjoy an ocean view as they hike Ecola State Park. (Oregon Parks and Recreation Department)

The Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities, Oregon Community College Association, Oregon Council of Presidents, and Oregon Student Association are sponsoring a press conference at 10am on Thursday, June 23, to celebrate the 50^th anniversaries of the Oregon Opportunity Grant and the Pell Grant. Speakers will include State Treasurer Tobias Read and students attending Oregon’s Community Colleges, Public Universities and Independent, Nonprofit Universities who benefit from these important grants.

Students will share their experiences as recipients of these need-based grants and the importance of broadening this support for future generations of students. Academic research shows additional grant aid increases enrollment and has a demonstrable impact on students’ ability to stay in school.

WHAT:  50^th Anniversary of the Oregon Opportunity Grant and Pell Grant Media Availability

WHEN:  Thursday, June 23, 10 am to 10:30 am

WHERE:  Willamette University’s Ford Hall - Lobby, 900 State St. Salem, OR 97301. Link to campus map: https://willamette.edu/about/visit/pdf/campus-map.pdf.

WHO:  Oregon State Treasurer Tobias Read and students attending Oregon’s Community Colleges, Public Universities, and Independent, Nonprofit Universities who benefit from these important grants.

Increasing funding for the OOG is one of the most important actions legislators can take to provide marginalized communities with a realistic possibility of social mobility. Student financial aid programs disproportionately support BIPOC students, and we often hear from lower-income, LGBTQ+, BIPOC, rural, and students from other historically marginalized backgrounds the greatest challenge they face is financing their education. 

Doubling the Pell Grant is also good policy. It has bipartisan public support, and will help more students earn a degree, get good-paying jobs, and graduate with less debt. Investing in the Pell Grant not only increases access to opportunity, it’s a proven strategy to improve student success and retention efforts. Since its inception, 2,386,279 Oregon students have benefited from $6,187,642,682 in grant funding.

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The Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities (“The Alliance”) is comprised of 13 private, nonprofit, independent colleges and universities in the state of Oregon. These institutions deliver high-quality experiential learning with high-impact teaching strategies. The Alliance is the collective voice of Oregon’s independent, nonprofit higher education sector. For more information, visit www.oaicu.org.

The Oregon Community College Association (OCCA) represents the seventeen publicly chartered community colleges and their locally elected board members. Founded in 1962, OCCA is an association whose purpose is to support the colleges before policy-makers and partners whose actions affect the well-being of community colleges across the state.

The Oregon Council of Presidents (OCOP) is a voluntary association comprised of the Presidents of Oregon’s eight public universities. OCOP was formed in 2016 to foster coordination and collaboration among the Oregon public university presidents and other university officials.

The Oregon Student Association is a statewide, student-led advocacy and organizing nonprofit. OSA was established in 1975 to represent, serve, and protect the collective interests of students in post-secondary education in Oregon. We represent over 80,000 students and work to make a quality education more affordable and accessible for all Oregonians.

MEDFORD, Ore.—A Eugene, Oregon man who formerly resided in Southern Oregon was sentenced in federal court today for violating the Lacey Act by illegally importing and exporting hundreds of live scorpions.

Darren Dennis Drake, 39, was sentenced to two years’ federal probation, 250 hours of community service, and a $5,000 fine payable to the Lacey Act Reward Fund.

According to court documents, between September 4, 2017 and March 21, 2018, Drake imported and exported dozens of live scorpions from and to contacts in Germany without first obtaining an import-export license from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). On one parcel intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Drake falsely labeled the package contents as “chocolates.” Drake also mailed or received several hundred live scorpions from other U.S. states, including Michigan and Texas, in violation of federal mailing laws. 

On February 23, 2022, Drake was charged by criminal information with conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act. On March 14, 2022, he waived indictment and pleaded guilty to the single charge.

U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the FWS Office of Law Enforcement with assistance from CBP and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. It was prosecuted by John C. Brassell, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible for protecting America’s wildlife from poaching, illegal commercialization, and other kinds of wildlife crime. If you have information related to a wildlife crime, please call 1-844-FWS-TIPS (1-844-397-8477) or email fws_tips@fws.gov.

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On Tuesday, June 21st, 2022, 25 year old Alejandro Guadalupe Martinez was arrested and lodged at the Douglas County Jail regarding a previous investigation by detectives with the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT).  

In January of this year, detectives served a search warrant at Martinez's residence in the 600 block of Gross Loop in Canyonville.  During the search, detectives found approximately 546 pounds of processed marijuana packaged in 1 pound bags, and stored in boxes, ready for shipment.  Also found was a small number of growing marijuana plants, an undisclosed amount of cash, as well as other evidence of drug trafficking.  

The residence was unoccupied at the time of the search warrant, as Martinez had been taken into custody earlier that morning by police in Fresno County, California on unrelated charges.  Martinez was later released from custody in California in March after posting $100,000 bond.  Additionally, Martinez is on parole in the state of California, and a condition of his parole is that he is not allowed to leave the State of California.    

On Tuesday, June 21st, DINT detectives learned Martinez was back in the area, and notified deputies of the information. At approximately 3:00 PM, a Douglas County Sheriff's Deputy found Martinez broke down on the side of I-5 south of Canyonville.  Martinez was taken into custody without incident and lodged at the Douglas County Jail on charges of Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, Unlawful Manufacture of Marijuana, Laundering a Monetary Instrument, and Attempt to Commit Class B Felony.  

SALEM, Ore. – “Keep it legal, keep it safe” is the message from the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM). The 2022 fireworks retail sales season begins June 23rd and runs through July 6^th in Oregon. The OSFM would like everyone to know which fireworks are legal, where they can be used, and how to use them safely.

To reduce the risk of starting a wildfire, some local governments in Oregon have put in place regulations, perhaps including bans, on the sale or use of fireworks. It is important to check your local regulations and follow them where you live or may be traveling to celebrate the 4^th of July holiday.

“We ask that those using fireworks be responsible when using them,” Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal Assistant Chief Deputy Mark Johnston said. “Every year, we see fires started because of improper use or use of illegal fireworks. Our message is to keep it legal and keep it safe as people celebrate the holiday.”

Consumer legal fireworks can only be purchased from permitted fireworks retailers and stands. State regulations also limit where those fireworks may be used. People who plan to visit public lands and parks are asked to leave all fireworks at home. The possession and use of fireworks are prohibited in national parks and forests, on Bureau of Land Management lands, U.S. Fish and Wildlife properties, state beaches, state parks, and in-state campgrounds. The use of fireworks is also prohibited on many private lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry.

For residents who purchase legal fireworks, fire officials encourage everyone to practice the four Bs of safe fireworks use:

• Be prepared before lighting fireworks: keep water available by using a garden hose or bucket.
• Be safe when lighting fireworks: keep children and pets away from fireworks. Never use fireworks near or on dry grass or vegetation.
• Be responsible after lighting fireworks: never relight a dud. Please wait for 15 to 20 minutes, then soak it in a bucket of water before disposal.
• Be aware: use only legal fireworks and use them only in legal places.

Oregon law prohibits the possession, use, or sale of any firework that flies into the air, explodes, or travels more than 12 feet horizontally on the ground without a permit issued by the OSFM. Fireworks, commonly called bottle rockets, Roman candles, and firecrackers, are illegal in Oregon without a permit. Officials may seize illegal fireworks and charge offenders with a class B misdemeanor, which could result in a fine of up to $2,500. Those who misuse fireworks or allow fireworks to cause damage are liable and may be required to pay fire suppression costs or other damages. Parents are also liable for fireworks damage caused by their children.

The OSFM has published FAQs for commonly answered questions about the sale and legal use of consumer fireworks, permits for the retail sale of fireworks, and state rules for their use and enforcement activities. OSFM’s fireworks education materials for sharing on social media also can be found on its website.

PORTLAND, Ore.—An Indiana man was sentenced to federal prison today for repeatedly and intentionally jeopardizing the lives of police officers, destroying public property, and encouraging others to commit violence during protests that occurred in Portland in 2020.

Malik Fard Muhammad, 25, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison and three years’ supervised release.

“In the summer of 2020, a historic protest movement in Portland was marred by violent rioters taking advantage of the momentum built by thousands of peaceful demonstrators. Sadly, this violence drastically changed the narrative around these protests and what they accomplished. In the lead up to and during protests, federal law enforcement is focused on doing everything we can to support the First Amendment rights of individuals while keeping all demonstrators, other community members, and law enforcement officers safe. Holding accountable those individuals whose sole focus is violence and destruction, like Mr. Muhammad, is central to our ongoing effort to support the rights of all Oregonians,” said Scott Erik Asphaug, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

“Malik Fard Muhammad intentionally planned and committed acts of violence that threatened other protestors, members of the public, and law enforcement officers. This type of violence has no place in our community,” said FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Kieran Ramsey. “The FBI is committed to apprehending and charging violent instigators who plan, promote, and commit acts of violence and destruction. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect the peaceful expression of free speech throughout Oregon.”

“The right to protest peacefully is absolute,” said ATF Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan T. McPherson. “But it is clear Mr. Muhammad didn’t come to exercise his rights. He came from out-of-state to bring violence to our community. This sentence should send a clear message to those who want to engage in violence that it will not be tolerated, and ATF will investigate these acts whenever they occur.”

“The risk of a law enforcement officer or community member being seriously hurt or killed by the actions of this individual was very real,” said Portland Police Chief Chuck Lovell. “I’m gratified to know that he is being held accountable for the danger his criminal actions caused. I want to extend my sincere thanks to the investigators and prosecutors whose diligent, meticulous work made this sentence possible, as well as the members of PPB and other agencies who put themselves at risk to protect our city against violence and destruction during this period of time.”

According to court documents, in late summer 2020, Muhammad traveled to Portland with his girlfriend from their home in Indianapolis to violently engage in area riots. On September 5, 2020, during a large civil disturbance in east Portland, demonstrators threw dangerous objects at police, including commercial grade fireworks, Molotov cocktails, and bottles. Muhammad later pleaded guilty in Multnomah County Circuit Court to seriously burning a demonstrator by throwing a Molotov cocktail and providing baseball bats to members of the crowd.

Following Muhammad’s arrest in October 2020, law enforcement seized his cell phone and found messages where he bragged about providing the baseball bats to other rioters. The cell phone also contained a shopping list including common supplies used to make a Molotov cocktail. The day after the demonstration, police located a discarded baseball bat with a Goodwill price tag in the area where the event occurred. Police found the Goodwill store where the bat was purchased and obtained surveillance footage showing Muhammad and his girlfriend buying the bats and several “growler” bottles.

On September 21, 2020, during a large demonstration near the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Penumbra Kelly Building, law enforcement observed an individual light on fire and throw an object toward the building. One officer observed the burning object flying through the air toward his vehicle, landing approximately 15 feet from a police sound truck. Officers recovered the unexploded device. It consisted of a yellow glass growler with a Goodwill sticker on the bottom, a cloth wick, and an ignitable liquid. It was later determined that the growler was one of the items purchased at Goodwill by Muhammad and his girlfriend. A DNA analysis also linked the growler to Muhammad.

On September 23, 2020, protesters set fire to and broke windows at the Multnomah County Justice Center. When officers advanced toward the crowd, an individual threw a Molotov cocktail in a large yellow growler that landed in front of the officers, shattered, and exploded into a large fireball. While some officers were able to move out of the way, one officer’s leg caught fire. Several videos obtained by law enforcement show Muhammad throwing the explosive device.

On October 11, 2020, police were monitoring a protest involving approximately 250 people in downtown Portland. Members of the group began heavily vandalizing various buildings and parks including the Oregon Historical Society, Portland State University, a Starbucks coffee shop, and a Bank of America branch, among others. Law enforcement observed Muhammad in the crowed dressed in black. Portland Police officers reported observing Muhammad using a metal baton to smash the windows of several buildings and arrested him after a short chase. Muhammad possessed a loaded handgun magazine in his pocket. A loaded handgun matching the magazine found on Muhammad’s person was found discarded near the location of his arrest.

Muhammad’s trip to Portland does not appear to be an isolated event. Investigators obtained evidence that he traveled to Louisville, Kentucky in August 2020 to meet with anti-government and anti-authority violent extremist groups to conduct firearms and tactical training. Investigators also obtained several public social media posts by Muhammad promoting violence toward law enforcement in other cities including Kenosha, Wisconsin, and Chicago.

On May 28, 2021, Muhammad was charged by criminal complaint with possession of unregistered destructive devices, engaging in civil disorder and obstructing law enforcement, and using explosives to commit a felony. Later, on June 15, 2021, a federal grand jury in Portland indicted Muhammad on the same charges. On May 28, 2022, he pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing unregistered destructive devices.

As part of his sentencing, Muhammad forfeited or abandoned his interest in a 12-gauge shotgun, an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, a second rifle, a pistol, assorted ammunition, and all seized Molotov cocktail components and ingredients.

Muhammad’s federal sentence will run concurrently with a 10-year sentence recently imposed in Multnomah County Circuit Court. Muhmmad will serve his sentence in Oregon state prison.

U.S. Attorney Asphaug, Special Agent in Charge Ramsey, and Chief Lovell made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the Portland Police Bureau, FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam E. Delph.

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Salem – Oregon insurers failed to fully comply with the Reproductive Health Equity Act (RHEA) in several areas, the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation concluded in a report the division released today. RHEA requires health insurers to cover certain reproductive health, sexual health, and other health care services – including contraception and abortion – without imposing cost sharing.

The report, which summarizes marketwide findings, came after the division discovered variations in coverage on RHEA claims and indications of potential widespread noncompliance with the law – specifically the inappropriate application of cost sharing for some services covered by RHEA. This prompted the division to conduct an audit – called a market conduct examination – on RHEA coverage and the insurers’ application of the law.

Generally, violations included failure to implement claims adjudication processes that identify services covered, failure to pay claims according to the requirements of the law, misinterpretation of cost-share requirements, improper application of medical management during claims adjudication, failure to update claims adjudication systems resulting in improper consumer cost share for RHEA services, and outdated consumer and provider complaint handling practices. Not every violation was found at every insurer. 

Some insurers failed to provide coverage of certain benefits until 2020 or later, including preventive services covered by the Affordable Care Act. Examinations also determined that specified services required to be covered without cost share by RHEA were being violated. Those violations included abortion, anemia screening, contraception, pregnancy screening, sterilization, and sexually transmitted infection screening.

The division is finalizing insurer-level reports for public release. As part of that process, the Insurance Code requires the division to provide an opportunity for insurers to review and comment on findings in a hearing with the division. Once finalized, the individual insurer reports will be published and made available to the public. In the interest of transparency, the division is releasing this anonymized, aggregate report while individual reports are being collated. 

In 2017, the Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 3391 – known as the Reproductive Health Equity Act. Some services required to be covered by RHEA are also required without cost sharing as a preventive service under the Affordable Care Act. Health benefit plans, such as individual, small group, and large group, are subject to RHEA. Other plans, such as those offered by a self-insured employers and Medicare, and plans that provide limited benefits, are not subject to RHEA. The enacted provisions of RHEA were applicable to commercial health insurance plans issued, renewed, modified, or extended on or after Jan. 1, 2019.

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The Division of Financial Regulation is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Salem, OR- The Electronic Government Portal Advisory Board (EPAB) will meet at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, June 28, 2022. The meeting will take place remotely via the internet on Microsoft Teams and is open to the public. The agenda and handouts will be posted on the advisory board’s website: https://www.oregon.gov/epab/Pages/Meeting-Documents.aspx.

What:        Meeting of the Electronic Government Portal Advisory Board  

When:       Tuesday, June 28, 2022, 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Where:      Microsoft Teams (Click here to join the meeting)

Call Toll free: 1-503-446-4951 | Participant pin code: 373080414#

Who:         Members of the Electronic Government Portal Advisory Board 

The Legislature established the advisory board with enactment of ORS 276A.270-276. The board will advise the State Chief Information Officer (CIO) on key decisions and strategic choices about how the state CIO manages and operates the state’s web portal services.

The Oregon.gov portal is the connection point for citizens to access state agency services and information on the internet. The board provides oversight to specific websites, services and online payments where agencies choose to utilize the State Chief Information Officer’s E-Government Program as their service provider.

With the board’s advice, the state CIO wants to make the Oregon web portal services and their operation as effective as they can be for Oregonians to interact with state government.  

On Monday, June 20, 2022 at approximately 7:43 AM, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a singled vehicle crash on Hwy 130 at milepost 3. 

Preliminary investigation revealed a westbound silver Volvo, operated John Newman (58) of Pacific City, left the roadway, collided with a utility pole and rolled off the roadway into the river. Speed and lane use are being investigated as a contributing factors. 

Hwy 130 was affected for approximately 6 hours while the scene was investigated. 

OSP was assisted by Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office, Nestucca Rural Fire, Tillamook Peoples Utility Department and ODOT. 

(Salem) – Child care reimbursement rates are increasing for providers caring for children of families who receive support with child care expenses through the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS). 

ODHS pays child care providers for child care provided to families receiving child care assistance through the Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs. 

The new child care reimbursement rates are effective June 1, 2022 and increasing due to the passage of House Bill 4005 of the 2022 Legislative Session.

The average monthly reimbursement rates for full-time care are increasing by:

• 18% for family, friend and neighbor care
• Between 6 and 20% for child care centers 
• Between 11 and 25% for licensed home-based care

“For many families the cost of child care can be a barrier to meeting their goals and entering and staying in the workforce,” said Claire Seguin, deputy director of the ODHS Self-Sufficiency Programs. “These reimbursement rate increases will ensure families have equal access to quality child care.” 

“As our child care system continues to struggle with staffing shortages and lack of child care supply, this is an important first step to ensure our child care providers are paid a fair wage,” said Oregon Early Learning System Director Alyssa Chatterjee. “I appreciate the Legislature’s investment in our system and what this will mean for Oregon families who receive support for their child care expenses.” 

Actual child care reimbursement rates vary depending on provider type, child age and what community the provider is in. A complete list of reimbursement rates can be found online at https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/ASSISTANCE/CHILD-CARE/Pages/Rates.aspx.

ERDC helps eligible families pay for work-related child care expenses, including registration and enrollment fees. ERDC is a subsidy program, which means some families, depending on their income, may be required to pay a copay. 

TANF supports individuals engaged in the Job Opportunity and Basic Skills (JOBS) program in attaining their goals by providing direct child care payments to providers as well as assistance with enrollment fees.

Oregonians can apply online for ERDC, TANF and other government supports online at One.Oregon.Gov or by phone at 1-800-699-9075 or TTY 711.

Resources to help meet basic needs

• Find a food pantry: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org
• Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211 for help finding local resources and supports, including child care in your community. 
• Visit www.211info.org for help finding local resources and supports, including child care in your community.
• Oregon Department of Human Services Resources  

The Oregon Department of Human Services, Self-Sufficiency Programs operates the Employment Related Day Care program. The Employment Related Day Care program helps working families pay for child care, including registration and enrollment fees. It also works with partners statewide, including the Early Learning Division, to help families find quality child care.

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Salem – Debido a que la regla que aborda las protecciones contra los peligros de exposición potencial al humo causado por incendios forestales entrará en vigencia el 1 de julio, Oregon OSHA impulsa a los empleadores y trabajadores a usar los nuevos recursos desarrollados por la división para ayudar a comprender y cumplir con la regla.

Los siguientes recursos gratuitos están disponibles en línea: 

• Curso en línea sobre el humo causado por incendios forestales: Este curso en línea está diseñado para satisfacer requisitos de capacitación que se encuentran en la regla de humo causado por incendios forestales, el curso aborda temas como mediciones de la calidad del aire, posibles efectos y síntomas en la salud, el uso adecuado de las mascarillas respiratorias con filtro y otras medidas de seguridad.

• Disponible en Inglés y Español 

• Hoja informativa sobre los requisitos clave para la protección contra humo causado por incendios forestales: Este documento de seis páginas destaca los requisitos generales clave  de la regla, ofreciendo un resumen fácil de leer acerca de lo que los empleadores y los trabajadores deben saber sobre la regla.

• Disponible en English y Español  

“Estos nuevos recursos reflejan nuestro compromiso continuo de anticipadamente proveer a los empleadores recursos que les ayuden a cumplir con la regla y a proteger a sus trabajadores de los potenciales peligros de los incendios forestales”, dijo Renee Stapleton, administradora interina de Oregon OSHA.  

Oregon OSHA adoptó las reglas del calor y humo causado por los incendios forestales en Mayo. Ambas reglas abarcan medidas de protección iniciales para trabajadores que dependen de vivienda proporcionada por el empleador, incluida como parte de las operaciones agrícolas. La regla del calor entró en vigencia el 15 de junio. Los Recursos para ayudar a comprender y cumplir con la regla del calor están disponibles, incluyendo el recientemente ofrecido plan para la prevención de enfermedades causadas por el calor y para descansos y aclimatación 

Ambas reglas se propusieron en febrero, luego de un proceso de desarrollo que incluyó sesiones para escuchar a los trabajadores y partes interesadas de la comunidad, aportes y revisión por parte de comités asesores de reglas, aportes de empleadores y partes interesadas del sector laboral. Las reglas se basan en requisitos de emergencia temporales que se adoptaron en el verano del 2021 luego de varios meses de participación de las partes interesadas y la comunidad.

La regla del humo causado por los incendios forestales incluye una variedad de evaluaciones y controles de exposición, capacitación y medidas de comunicación. La regla del calor aborda el acceso a la sombra y al agua fresca, las pausas preventivas para refrescarse y los planes de prevención, información y capacitación.

Tenemos más recursos disponibles:

• El derecho del trabajador a un lugar de trabajo seguro y saludable
• Servicios de asesoría gratuitos de Oregon OSHA para que los empleadores mejoren sus programas de seguridad y salud en el lugar de trabajo -- sin culpa, sin citaciones, y sin sanciones.
• ¿Tiene preguntas sobre cómo aplicar las reglas en su lugar de trabajo? Comuníquese con los especialistas de Oregon OSHA
• Índice de temas de la A a la Z, que incluye páginas para la prevención de enfermedades causadas por el calor y el humo causado por los incendios forestales
• El Programa de Comunicaciones Multiculturales del Departamento de Servicios para Consumidores y Negocios de Oregon (el mismo que incluye la división de Oregon OSHA), brinda alcance a las comunidades con dominio limitado del inglés. El número gratuito en español es: 800-843-8086
• La Oficina del Programa de Defensores del Pueblo para los Trabajadores de Oregon (Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers), Tiene representantes independientes para ayudar a los trabajadores a comprender sus derechos de seguridad y salud en el lugar de trabajo y de compensación para trabajadores. El número gratuito es: 800-927-1271

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Oregon OSHA es una división del Departamento de Servicios para Consumidores y Negocios que se encarga de hacer cumplir las leyes de salud y seguridad en el lugar de trabajo. Oregon OSHA trabaja para mejorar la salud y seguridad en el lugar de trabajo para todos los trabajadores de Oregon. Para más información visite osha.oregon.gov.

El Departamento de Servicios para Consumidores y Negocios es la agencia más grande del estado en cuanto a regulación de negocios y protección a los trabajadores y consumidores de Oregon. Para más información visite: www.dcbs.oregon.gov.

Salem – As a rule addressing protections for workers against potential exposure to wildfire smoke is set to take effect July 1, Oregon OSHA encourages employers and workers to use new resources developed by the division to help understand and comply with the rule.

The following free resources are now available online:

• Wildfire smoke online course: Designed to satisfy certain training requirements found in the wildfire smoke rule, the course addresses such topics as air quality measurements, health effects and symptoms, the proper use of filtering facepiece respirators, and other safety measures.
  • Available in English and Spanish
• Fact sheet about the key requirements of the wildfire smoke rule: This six-page document highlights the rule’s key overall requirements, offering a reader-friendly summary of what employers and workers need to know about the rule. 
  • Available in English and Spanish

“These new tools underscore our ongoing commitment to provide employers with resources in advance to help them comply with the rule and protect their workers from the potential dangers of wildfire smoke,” said Renee Stapleton, acting administrator for Oregon OSHA.  

Oregon OSHA adopted wildfire smoke and heat rules in May. Both rules encompass initial protective measures for workers who rely on employer-provided housing, including as part of farm operations. The heat rule took effect June 15. Resources to help understand and comply with the heat rule are available, including the recently released sample plan for the heat illness prevention plan and sample plans for rest breaks and acclimatization. 

Both rules were proposed in February, following a development process that included worker and community stakeholder listening sessions, input and review by rule advisory committees, and input from employer and labor stakeholders. The rules build on temporary emergency requirements that were adopted in summer 2021 following several months of stakeholder and community engagement.

The wildfire smoke rule addresses an array of exposure assessments and controls, and training and communication measures. The heat rule requires access to shade and cool water, preventive cool-down breaks, and prevention plans and training.

More resources are available:

• A worker’s right to a safe and healthy workplace.
• Free Oregon OSHA consultations for employers to improve workplace safety and health programs – no fault, no citations, no penalties.
• Questions about how to apply rules to your workplace? Contact Oregon OSHA specialists.
• A-to-Z topic index, including updated pages for wildfire smoke and heat illness prevention.
• Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (includes Oregon OSHA as a division) Multicultural Communications Program, providing outreach to communities with limited English proficiency. Toll-free number: 800-843-8086.
• Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers for help understanding workplace safety and health rights, and workers’ compensation rights. Toll-free number: 800-927-1271

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Oregon OSHA, a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, enforces the state's workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. For more information, go to osha.oregon.gov.

The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon's largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, go to www.oregon.gov/dcbs/.

Jackson County Sheriff's Office is providing media availability to capture interviews and footage of this week's Marine Law Enforcement Annual Drift Boat Training. For interested media outlets we will provide a boat shuttle to the training location. For the Water Rescue training, meet on Tuesday, June 21 at 1:30 p.m. at the Rogue River Dodge Bridge Boat Launch. For the Drift Boat training meet on Friday, June 24 at 9 a.m. at the Cole Rivers Hatchery Boat Launch. 

If you have any questions, call PIO Aaron Lewis at (541) 531-8203 or Sgt. Shawn Richards at (541) 591-1843

Training Information from Oregon State Marine Board:

During the week of June 21 through 25, Marine Law Enforcement officers from around the state will be learning and perfecting their drift boating skills on the Rogue River. Students will learn to swim in whitewater, study hydrodynamics, practice rescue techniques, navigate Class III whitewater, and operate in remote environments from drift boats, rafts, and catarafts.

Running whitewater is a perishable skill and requires constant training and practice so law enforcement can respond to emergencies quickly and confidently. 

“There’s no training like it anywhere else in the country, says Eddie Persichetti, Law Enforcement Training Coordinator for the Marine Board. “Experienced instructors from around the state help guide the way for the less experienced students.” Each day the students drift various river sections. Persichetti adds, “Day one we begin with classroom instruction, self-rescue techniques in the water, rope rescue techniques, and dewatering drills. On days two through five, we focus students’ attention on reading white water. It’s incredibly important to see the whole run vs. the next ten feet in front of the boat. As the week progresses, instructors build on the skills from the day before and then move on to more advanced skills with more difficult rapids throughout the week. The key is to develop the skillsets and confidence in officers so they can safely patrol Oregon’s waterways and assist boaters in distress. The safety of everyone recreating on the water is our top priority,” Persichetti explains.   

The training and experience the officers gain during this event provide a strong foundation for when they return to their waterways to patrol. “We also practice scenarios where students encounter boaters and guides who are not in compliance with existing laws,” Persichetti adds. “Oregon’s waterways seem to become more crowded every year and it’s imperative that law enforcement focuses on those boaters who are not in compliance and more so, boaters who are not being safe on the water.” Persichetti adds, “When the law enforcement students leave this training, they have a new respect and understanding for safety on the river, the people who run it, and who play by the rules.”

Recreational boaters can expect to see law enforcement officers drifting on the Upper Rogue from Lost Creek Reservoir to Touvelle Park from June 21st through June 24th and the Middle Rogue from Ennis Riffle to Argo Canyon on June 25^th. 

For more information about boating laws and regulations, visit Boat.Oregon.gov.

Edward Persichetti 
Marine Law Enforcement Training Coordinator 
Oregon State Marine Board 
503-877-8304 
d.persichetti@boat.oregon.gov">edward.persichetti@boat.oregon.gov

From May 6–16, 2022, the Oregon Values and Beliefs Center conducted a statewide survey of Oregonians’ attitudes toward tourism. The question numbers in this document correspond with the survey questionnaire (Q21–Q28B).  

Oregon’s Natural Beauty Brings Tourism

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When Oregonians think of tourism, images of the state’s natural beauty are top of mind. Two-thirds of residents believe scenic destinations are the top draw for tourists (65%) (Q23).  

Oregonians unsurprisingly believe people come to visit the state for scenery. Specific mentions included each of Oregon’s Seven Wonders (Mt. Hood, the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon beaches, the Wallowa Mountains, Crater Lake, Smith Rock, and the Painted Hills), as well as wine country (Q21).  

After natural beauty, residents say that restaurants, breweries, and shopping are the second-largest draw (37%) (Q23). For this category, residents point to urban attractions—including urban greenspaces—such as restaurants and food carts in downtown Portland, people visiting for an event at the Oregon Convention Center, the Portland Japanese Garden, and the International Rose Test Garden (Q21).  

“Being able to go from coastal beaches to snow-capped mountains to expansive forests to flat desert, all within a few hours of each other in the same state.”  

Woman, age 30–44, Lane County, Black or African American 

“Eating at all the different food carts in Portland, going downtown and checking out the Rose Garden, Shanghai tunnels, etc.”  

Man, age 30–44, Clackamas County, white 

Not all residents are thrilled with tourism in Oregon, which can make it more difficult for in-state residents to hike, bike, fish, camp, and enjoy the state’s natural resources (Q21).  

“Crater lake and all the other wilderness areas that get trashed or overcrowded by out of state visitors each summer.”  

Woman, age 30–44, Klamath County, Native American, American Indian, or Alaska Native 

Some residents in the Portland region are embarrassed tourists will see a visible and significant homeless crisis, alongside lots of illegally dumped trash (Q21).

“Portland used to be attractive for tourists. Now I feel it’s best to avoid the city and focus on the excursions into nature instead. The homeless crisis and overall decay evident in the city is embarrassing.”  

Woman, age 45–54, Washington County, Asian 

The Positives and Negatives of Tourism

Most Oregonians say tourism has a lot or some impact on traffic congestion in their community (61%) (Q22a). Folks say tourism has a greater impact on congestion than any other issue (Q22a–g).  

These results are similar to 2021¹, when 63% of Oregonians said tourism contributed to traffic congestion.  While many residents do believe that tourism can drive up rents and exacerbate homelessness, these views are less common. About half say tourism has some or a lot of impact on Oregon’s lack of affordable housing (45%), while about one-third say tourism impacts the homelessness crisis (34%) (Q22c, Q22e).  

Oregonians also recognize the benefits that tourism brings to the state, especially when it comes to a strong economy (Q22b).  Two-thirds of Oregonians say tourism contributes to a strong economy (67%). This result is unchanged from 2021 (68%).  Fewer believe tourism contributes to funding for public services (51%), a high quality of life for residents (48%), or well-paying jobs (48%) (Q22d, Q22f, Q22g).  

A scant 50% of Oregonians support charging tourists an extra fee during peak times, with revenues invested back into the community. Support is not strong (Q24).  While many residents complained about tourists in their open-ended remarks, most recognized the benefits they bring to the state as well. That could explain why a plurality of residents say they lean toward supporting the idea of a fee (31%), and one in five say they squarely support one (19%).  

What Covid Precautions Do Oregonians Want in Place this Summer?

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For indoor events this summer, residents in Oregon are nearly split as to whether masks or vaccinations should be required, or whether no COVID precautions are necessary. No single approach is supported by a majority of residents.  

While 40% of Oregonians say masks should be required for indoor events this tourist season, nearly as many (35%) say no precautions at all are needed. Some feel that proof of vaccination is the better requirement (37%) (people could choose several answers). (Q25).

Most Oregonians don’t see a need for COVID precautions at events taking place outdoors this summer (57%).  When it comes to outdoor events, those who feel precautions are warranted are most likely to support a requirement for proof of vaccination (23%). (Q25)

Oregonians are Excited About a Lively Summer

Oregonians generally believe increased tourism this summer will be a good thing for local communities (71%). They are eager to pump more dollars into businesses and to enjoy activities that have been cancelled previously due to COVID (Q26–Q27a).  Eight in ten Oregonians say tourism in their area will pick back up this year (82%) (Q26). (This is a big jump from 2021, when Oregonians demonstrated they were not sure how travel choices would impact their local communities, with only 41% predicting tourism would pick up that year with more people choosing to stay in Oregon for vacation.)  

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Of those folks, 71% say they feel positively about more people visiting their community (as compared to 75% in 2021). They say that visitors will generate more income for local businesses and may even create more jobs. People are also hungry for a sense of normalcy and a way to connect as a community (Q27, Q27a).  

“A lot of the wineries, breweries, shops, etc. are locally/family owned, so the more tourists we get, the more money they make. Traffic flow and construction will contribute to a lot of headaches this summer, though.”  

Woman, age 18–29, Yamhill County, white 

“We so need to gather again, sharing food, live music, arts & communion!”  

Nonbinary or gender nonconforming, age 65–74, Lane County, Native American, American Indian, or Alaska Native 

Some Residents Fear Negative Effects

Not all residents are thrilled about more visitors as some feel they already bear the brunt of overcrowding and tourism to out-of-town home buyers who drive up prices (Q28b).  

“We are having to pay increased property taxes to maintain and increase infrastructure. Out of town residents are buying second homes here and increasing prices so they can visit and recreate. Tourism creates lower-paying jobs and isn’t as stimulating to the economy.”  

Woman, age 75+, Deschutes County, white 

“The people with money who own all the vacation rentals don’t care about the community. It’s a horrible place to try and survive. The jobs pay minimum wage barely.”  

Man, age 30–44, Lincoln County, white 

Demographic Trends

Identifying what unites us, understanding what divides us.

Reported below are statistically significant subgroup differences between BIPOC and white Oregonians, urban and rural Oregonians, and age groups.  Many of these differences are not major and are presented to inform public education and communications initiatives.   

Does Tourism Create a Strong Economy?

Older Oregonians are more likely to draw a connection between tourism in the state and a strong economy (Q22b).  More than eight in ten residents over the age of 75 in Oregon say that tourism contributes some or a lot to a strong economy (82%). That figure falls steadily across age groups, down to 58% for people 18–29. Those under 45 are more likely to be unsure (13–14%).  

Residents statewide agree tourism can boost the economy, but urban residents are more likely to say tourism supports good jobs and a high quality of life (Q22b, Q22d, Q22f).  

Both rural and urban residents say that tourism contributes a lot or somewhat to a strong economy (65%, 69%) (Q22b). Yet urban residents are nearly 20 percentage points more likely to say tourism contributes a lot or some to well-paying jobs than rural residents (58% to 39%) (Q22d).  Urban residents are also more likely than rural residents to attribute a high quality of life to the impacts of tourism (55% to 46%) (Q22f).  

Oregonians under 30 are the group most likely to say that tourism contributes to the state’s lack of affordable housing (56%) (Q22c).  

Half or fewer residents in other age groups believe that tourism a contributing factor to the housing crisis (34–50%) (Q22c).  Residents under 30 are also more likely to link tourism to homelessness with 46% in agreement on this, and belief diminishing with age down to 21% of those 65 or older (Q22e).  

When comparing BIPOC and white Oregonians, differences are similar, which may be due in large part to the fact that more BIPOC residents are younger. Among BIPOC, 51% associate tourism with higher housing prices (Q22c) and 43% associate tourism with homelessness, compared to 43% and 31% for white residents (Q22e). 

Should Tourism Fees be Implemented?

Nearly one-third of Oregonians say legalized marijuana is the top tourist draw (29%) (Q23). Oregonians under 30 are most likely say this is true (44%, and reducing with age to 15% for those 75 or older).  

Oregonians under 45 are the most likely demographic group to support a fee on tourists to support community investment (Q24).  

Between 54% and 55% of Oregonians under the age of 45 support a tourist fee for peak times, while 42% and 50% of older Oregonians would support such a fee.  

Vaccine Requirements for Indoors and Outdoors

As tourists flock to Oregon for the summer, vaccination requirements and masks are most preferred by urban residents—although a majority of residents say no precautions are needed outdoors (Q25).  

Among urban residents 31% hope for a proof of vaccination requirement at outdoor events this season, compared to 12% of rural residents.  For indoor events, 47% of urban residents would prefer a mask mandate, compared to 29% of rural residents.  

BIPOC residents are generally more supportive of precautions for outdoor events than white residents, but those differences dissipate for indoor events (Q25).   

BIPOC residents are more likely than white residents to support vaccination requirements at outdoor events (29% to 21%), and they are significant more likely to support masks and proof of boosters for outdoor events (18% and 16%, compared to 11% and 11%).  

However, for indoor events, the only significant difference between BIPOC and white Oregonians is support for a negative COVID test (21% BIPOC to 16% white).  

Older residents are more likely to favor masks and booster shots for indoor events (Q25).  

Nearly half of Oregonians 75 and older—among those most at risk for serious illness—say masks should be required at indoor events this summer (49% to 35–44% for other age groups).  

There are few differences by age group for a vaccination requirement (32–42%), but people 75 and older are more likely to prefer booster requirements (26% to 15–22% for other age groups).  

Feelings that an influx in tourism this summer will be a good thing for the community are higher among older Oregonians (Q27).   

Most people think that more tourism this summer will be positive, and those figures rise with age from 60% for people under 30 to 84% for people 75 and older. 

Methodology: The online survey consisted of 1,674 Oregon residents ages 18+ and took approximately 15 minutes to complete. Respondents were contacted by using professionally maintained online panels. In gathering responses, a variety of quality control measures were employed, including questionnaire pre-testing, validation, and real-time monitoring of responses. To ensure a representative sample, demographic quotas were set, and data weighted by area of the state, gender, age, and education. 

Statement of Limitations: Based on a 95% confidence interval, this survey’s margin of error for the full sample is ±2.4%. Due to rounding or multiple answer questions, response percentages may not add up to 100%. 

Salem – Oregon’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) will hold its inaugural meeting on Thursday, June 23. The meeting, which is open to the public, is from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. via Zoom.

Oregon’s PDAB was created under Senate Bill 844 during the 2021 legislative session with the charge of protecting residents of Oregon, state and local governments, commercial health plans, health care providers, pharmacies licensed in this state, and other stakeholders within the health care system in Oregon from the high costs of prescription drugs. 

The inaugural meeting will include adoption of board polices, the election of a chairperson and vice chairperson, as well as temporary procedural rules relating to rulemaking and records requests. The board will also go into executive session, which is closed to the public, where members will receive legal advice from the Oregon Department of Justice.

“The inaugural meeting is the result of a tremendous amount of work and dedication that went into establishing the PDAB by many advocates and legislators,” said Ralph Magrish, PDAB executive director. “The meeting will lay the foundation for the important work ahead of us in promoting meaningful change for Oregonians in the months and years to come.”

In the coming months, the PDAB will begin studying the entire prescription drug payment and distribution system and policy levers to lower the list price of prescription drugs. The board will make recommendations to the legislature and conduct drug affordability reviews on drug and insulin products that create affordability challenges for the health care system or high out-of-pocket costs for Oregonians.

The PDAB will meet in accordance with all Oregon public meeting and records laws. Registration for the Zoom meeting and meeting materials are available on the PDAB website.          

###

The Division of Financial Regulation is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.  

Welcome to this week’s FBI Portland Tech Tuesday segment, I’m Dixon Land with the FBI. Today’s Topic: Safeguarding you and your loved ones from elder fraud schemes. 

You’re entering the final season in your life, and you’ve worked hard over the years to earn enough to live comfortably. But your nest egg could be just tempting enough to be the target of scammers looking to take it from you. The FBI, alongside other federal law enforcement and protection agencies is warning elder Americans – beware of scammers. This message also applies to those looking out for elders – many times we take care of our elders, including managing finances. 

Seniors can be especially vulnerable targets to attackers – the usually have financial savings, own a home, have good credit – just to name a few. They also may be less inclined to report fraud because they are either ashamed at having been scammed or might not know how. 

Some of the most common elder fraud schemes committed, include romance scams – where an elder may be looking for love online and is convinced to give money to someone they’ve never met in person. Another big scam is the so-called, “Grandparent scam” where criminals pose as a relative – usually a child or grandchild and claiming to be in immediate financial need. 

Tech support scams targeting elders also make up a significant number of reports compiled by the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Other common elder fraud schemes can include government impersonation scams, fake sweepstakes and lottery scams, home repair scams and caregiver scams. 

It’s important that both elders and caregivers know how to spot elder scams and ways to mitigate the risk of falling victim to one. For example, be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings and door-to-door service offers. Never give out any personally identifiable information, either over the phone, online, or in person, to people or businesses you don’t know. 

In addition, resist the urge to act quickly. Many times, a scammer will try to create a sense of urgency to produce fear and lure you into immediate action. Call police immediately if you feel there is danger to yourself or a loved one.

Online, there’s a few other steps you can take, like ensuring all computer anti-virus and malware protection software is up to date. Make sure to use reputable anti-virus software or have a trusted family member or friend help you set it up. Be careful what you download. Never open an email attachment from someone you don’t know and be wary of email attachments forwarded to you. 

If you have become a victim or have a loved one that is, report that fraud immediately to your financial institutions and have them place temporary protections and monitoring on your account for suspicious activity. You should also report the scheme to the FBI via the Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. When reporting, include as many details as possible, such as the name of the scammer or company, dates of contact, and communications made, any payments made, and so on. And remember to preserve any original documentation or communication with the scammer. 

Scammers will continue to try to take advantage of you. Make sure you’re doing all you can to protect yourself from becoming a victim. I’m Dixon Land with the FBI and this has been your Tech Tuesday. 

_________________________________ 

Sourcing: 

https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/elder-fraud

Small Businesses Act with Sense of Urgency, Ready for Significant Changes 

• 73% rank inflation as a top concern
• 90% impacted by soaring costs of goods

Middle Market Companies Zero-in on Impacts of Labor Shortage, Cybersecurity 

• 72% having difficulty finding talent
• 45% have been target of cyber-fraud last 12 months

PORTLAND, Ore., June 21, 2022 – Umpqua Bank, a subsidiary of Umpqua Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: UMPQ), today released its annual 2022 Business Barometer, an in-depth study into the mood, mindset, and strategic priorities of leaders at small and middle market companies across the United States. This year’s report finds small and middle market businesses pivoting from recent pandemic-era strategies as they face mounting pressures that now include rising inflation and interest rates, in addition to accelerating challenges associated with supply chain disruption and workforce transformation. 

Introduced in 2019, Umpqua Bank’s Business Barometer report provides insight into how business leaders have navigated an unprecedented period that includes the pre-COVID economy, the pandemic’s onset and initial recovery, and the current environment of rising inflation and interest rates. Within that context, Umpqua Bank’s 2022 Business Barometer reveals important differences from previous years. This year finds more small companies are ready than ever before to make significant changes to their business in response to inflation’s growing impact. Meanwhile, after two years of making larger-scale business changes in response to the pandemic, middle market companies are now tackling the compounding impacts and higher costs of workforce transformation and cybersecurity threats.

“The past few years represent a remarkable period of disruption and resilience for U.S. businesses,” said Umpqua Bank President Tory Nixon. “The pre-pandemic economic environment of low-inflation, low-cost capital, and high growth has shifted, and we find ourselves in a period of rising costs for goods, talent and capital. As this new reality sets in, small and middle market companies alike are applying lessons learned over the past couple years and adjusting their strategic focus to ensure they emerge on the other side stronger and more competitive.”

Key findings and highlights from Umpqua Bank’s 2022 report include:

After Two Years of Successful Pivots, Middle Market Zeros-In on Workforce Transformation

Middle market companies represent just 3% of all U.S. businesses but account for $6 trillion in GDP and 44 million jobs. After major strategic changes over the past two years, leaders of these businesses anticipate less need to address previous areas of focus, including: pricing models (-15 percentage points), products and services (-16), acquiring (-16) or merging (-12), financing expansion (-12), and digitizing for efficiency (-5). 

Instead, middle market companies are shifting focus to address workplace transformation and its accompanying labor shortage, which continue to accelerate. Nearly three-quarters (72%) report difficulty finding qualified employees, a 17 percentage-point increase over last year, with an emerging impact on growth for 33% of businesses (+16 percentage points). More than 30% are also having difficulty retaining employees, up 18 points. In response, leaders plan to be even more aggressive than last year in terms of offering more flexibility with remote options (+16), giving bonuses or other incentives (+15), supporting working parents (+14), increasing pay or benefits (+11), and finding ways to automate repetitive manual tasks (+8). 

“Middle market companies have done a tremendous job of pivoting their businesses to adapt to supply chain and other challenges to become even more efficient and competitive over the past couple years,” said Richard Cabrera, Umpqua’s Head of Middle Market Banking. “They’re now looking to apply that same strategic focus and creative energy to the challenging workforce environment, which has the most immediate impact to their bottom line and is affecting growth.” 

Small Businesses Poised for Most Significant Changes to Business Since Pandemic 

Smaller companies often have fewer levers to pull in response to disruption than larger companies, and past Business Barometer reports have indicated more hesitation to embrace major changes. This year, that trend has reversed. For the first time, small enterprises are looking to make more significant changes to their business, especially compared with a year ago. Changes small businesses anticipate include: pricing models (+18 percentage points), products and services (+12), financing expansion (+7), digitizing for efficiency (+5), and acquiring (+4) or merging (+3).

In the face of continued workforce and supply chain disruption, more small businesses than last year report planning aggressive action to hire for new skills to build capabilities (+13),) increase worker pay and benefits (+12), allow remote work options (+2), find new suppliers (+12), and identify other partners to manage supply chain impacts (+4). 

“Increasingly, small businesses now feel a sense of urgency to make changes to their strategy and operations, especially in response to rising inflation, which has a more immediate impact the smaller the enterprise,” said Ashley Hayslip, Umpqua’s Head of Community & Business Banking, “That sense of urgency can be turned into a competitive advantage for those businesses that pivot quickly and strategically.” 

Economic Optimism Diminishes, but Expectations for Business Growth Remain Steady 

Last year’s economic optimism surged beyond pre-pandemic levels as businesses anticipated the recovery. In 2022, that optimism has diminished as concerns increase that rising inflation, which ranks as a top concern for both small (73%) and middle market (37%) businesses, and the evolving impacts of supply chain disruption and labor shortage, are here to stay. When it comes to economic conditions, businesses are split. Leaders surveyed this year are as likely to say current conditions are poor as they are excellent or good (34%). 

Leaders’ economic outlooks vary significantly based on business size and complexity. Nearly 46% of small businesses believe the economy will decline further, an almost 20-percentage-point increase over 2020 and 2021. However, more than eight in 10 middle market businesses believe the economy will improve (31%) or stay the same (50%), which is very similar to their pre-pandemic outlook. This expectation gap may explain a greater urgency on the part of small businesses this year to embrace significant changes.

It’s important to note that although leaders report more cautious views of the overall economy, that doesn’t equate to a lack of confidence in their ability to adapt and continue to grow their businesses. When asked about revenue growth and profitability, businesses expect levels of increase similar to previous years.

Cybersecurity Ranks as a Major Concern for Middle Market Companies

A noteworthy 45% of middle market companies report being a target of cybersecurity-related fraud in the past 12 months. Of all possible answers, cybersecurity ranks as the top area middle market businesses are most likely to invest in this year, and as the second most important area they need to address in the year ahead next to addressing workforce challenges. Middle market leaders also clearly see the need to protect working capital and financial assets. More than six in 10 are planning to invest in financial tools and infrastructure that safeguard and strengthen their payments systems.

Supply Chain Impacts Intensify for Small Businesses, Moderate for Middle Market

This year’s report shows the dramatic advances middle market companies have made in aggressively dealing with supply chain disruption. Over the past year, 60% are implementing new inventory management techniques (+24 percentage points), 54% are diversifying with new products (+14), and 51% have found new suppliers (+9). As a result, related impacts have improved, compared with 2021. Nearly 80% have been able to purchase essential goods as needed (+8), and, despite inflationary pressures, associated costs have risen less dramatically than a year ago.

In contrast, supply-chain impacts are intensifying for smaller businesses compared to last year, particularly in the cost of purchased goods, with 90% reporting price spikes, 75% experiencing longer delays (+16), and 61% needing to source materials differently (+15). Inflation ranks as a top concern for nearly three-quarters of small businesses, which are less able to absorb the rising costs of goods.

To read and download the survey in full, visit www.umpquabank.com/business-barometer.

Survey Methodology 

The Umpqua Bank 2022 Business Barometer, conducted annually, surveyed 1,210 owners, executives, and financial decision-makers from U.S. small and middle-market companies. The online survey was conducted in partnership with DHM Research, a public policy and business research firm, and targeted leaders at companies with $500,000 to $500 million in annual revenue. The survey has a 2.8% margin of error and was fielded from April 13 to April 26, 2022. 

About Umpqua Bank
Umpqua Bank, headquartered in Roseburg, Ore., is a subsidiary of Umpqua Holdings Corporation and operates in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Umpqua Bank has been recognized for its innovative customer experience and banking strategy by national publications including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, BusinessWeek, Fast Company and CNBC. The company has been recognized for eight years in a row on FORTUNE magazine's list of the country's "100 Best Companies to Work For," and was recently named by The Portland Business Journal the Most Admired Financial Services Company in Oregon for the 17th consecutive year. In addition to its retail banking presence, Umpqua Bank also owns Financial Pacific Leasing, Inc., a nationally recognized commercial finance company that provides equipment leases to businesses. 

On Friday, June 17, 2022, at approximately 4:30 a.m., OSP Fish & Wildlife Troopers received information that a young buck deer was shot at the Reedsport Public Boat Launch parking lot in the town of Reedsport. Investigation revealed that the deer was shot on-site with a handgun at approximately 3:00 a.m. The city was extra busy at this time, as a chainsaw carving competition and a rock and gem show were occurring over the weekend. Several people were camped nearby in campers and trailers.

OSP Fish & Wildlife Troopers are seeking public assistance identifying the subject in the attached pictures who is suspected to have shot the young buck and left it to waste. Reedsport Police Department and Reedsport Public Works are assisting with the investigation.

OSP Fish & Wildlife Division is urging anyone with information about this case to call the Oregon State Police Tip-line at 1-800-452-7888, OSP (677), or email at TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Please, reference case number SP22-147967

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program offers preference points or cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation, to a suspect, for the unlawful killing of wildlife, and or waste of big game. Cash rewards can also be awarded for turning in people who destroy habitat, illegally obtain licenses/tags, and for the unlawful lending/borrowing of big game tags. Learn more: https://www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx

PREFERENCE POINT REWARDS:

5 Points-Mountain Sheep

5 Points-Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points-Moose

5 Points-Wolf

4 Points-Elk

4 Points-Deer

4 Points-Antelope

4 Points-Bear

4 Points-Cougar

 Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) Cash Rewards:

$1,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, and Moose

$500 Elk, Deer, and Antelope

$300 Bear, Cougar, and Wolf

$300 Habitat Destruction

$200 - Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags

$200 - Unlawful Lending/Borrowing Big Game Tag(s)

$100 Upland Birds and Waterfowl

$100 Game Birds or Furbearers

$100 Game Fish and Shellfish

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:

Birds
$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey
All other protected avian species: see category below for listed species 

Mammals
$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox

Species listed as “threatened" or “endangered" under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish) 

$1,000 (e.g. wolf, wolverine, kit fox, red tree vole, Canada lynx, sea otter, Columbian white-tailed deer, California brown pelican, western snowy plover, California least tern, northern spotted owl, marbled murrelet, short-tailed albatross, streaked horned lark, yellow-billed cuckoo, leatherback sea turtle, olive ridley sea turtle, Oregon spotted frog, green sea turtle, loggerhead sea turtle)