Take Action! Make your voice heard with your state legislators and advocate for policy priorities important to you and your business.

Bend Chamber of Commerce // March 27, 2020 // Legislative Update

By: Sara Odendahl – GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS CONTRACTOR

Over the few short weeks since the Oregon Legislature adjourned, much has transpired as the state, the nation and the world grapple with the coronavirus pandemic. While the immediate order to “Stay Home, Stay Safe” is the overarching directive to all Oregonians at this time, there is work being done at both the Oregon Legislature and the US Congress to address both the health and economic impacts of the virus.

Click here for more information to make your voice heard with your state legislators and advocate for policy priorities important to you and your business.

State Update

The Joint Special Committee on Coronavirus Response has met three times and discussed a wide range of issues to support the state’s response and recovery.  The Bend Chamber has weighed in to support enhanced unemployment insurance, delay of the Corporate Activities Tax, delay income tax filings to match the Federal tax filing date, address housing and food insecurity, and support small businesses via grants, no/low interest loans to allow employers flexibility for payroll and health insurance continuity.

The Governor is expected to call a special session of the Legislature early next week to address impending budget and tax issues, with additional special sessions to implement policy directives. Click here and learn more for a complete list of the Governor’s Executive Orders to date.

Federal Update

The US Congress has passed several bills to address the coronavirus pandemic, including the most recent $2 Trillion aid package to support employers and employees, enhance unemployment insurance, expand paid sick leave and family medical leave and provide direct stimulus payments to families. On March 27, the Senate passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act unanimously with the House set to follow suit by the end of the week. Click here to learn more for a comprehensive overview of the CARES Act from National Conference of State Legislatures.

Take Action Now

The Oregon State Chambers of Commerce, a statewide business advocacy organization, has an easy to use online platform to urge your lawmakers to support both employers and employees in the upcoming special session. Learn more to make your voice heard with your state legislators and advocate for policy priorities important to you and your business.