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OSCC Update on Monday's Special Session

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 23:01:03 GMT

Yesterday, the Oregon legislature met for a one-day special session to consider a handful of bills aimed at getting more state money for COVID relief and wildfire recovery. The legislature also considered a handful of policy bills, the primary bill being a major relief package for residential landlords combined with an extension of the eviction moratorium.

HB 4401 - Housing/Landlord Relief. Provides $150 million in grants directly to landlords on behalf of financially distressed tenants for up to 80 percent of unpaid rent between April 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021. Requires landlords to forgive the remaining unpaid rent for tenants who show inability to pay due to COVID. Distributes rent assistance to recipients of the CARES Act Emergency Solution Grants, which will make payments directly to landlords. Extends eviction moratorium until June 30, 2021.

HB 4402 - Liability Protections for Schools. Prohibits claims against schools from damages due to COVID-19 infections if the school is in compliance with the Governor’s Executive Orders during the COVID-19 emergency. In one of the surprises of the session, Rep Shelley Boshart Davis (R-Albany) won support for an amendment to include private schools with liability protections. The original version of HB 4402 excluded private schools.

SB 1801 - Cocktails-to-Go. Allows restaurants during the pandemic emergency to sell and deliver mixed drinks in sealed containers to-go. Rules will limit the sale to two drinks per substantial food item ordered. The bill also limits the fees that a third-party food platform (eg Grub Hub, etc.) may charge a restaurant to facilitate to-go orders.

SB 5731 - $800 million COVID/Wildfire Relief Appropriations. SB 5731 made five distinct appropriations - $100 million to the Emergency Board for appropriations, $400 million for the state’s response to the COVID-19 emergency, $100 million for wildfire recovery and prevention activities, $150 million for the housing relief fund created under HB 4401, and $50 million for Housing and Community Services Department for rental assistance programs.

One bill did fail in committee in the run-up to the special session: SB 1803 would have created medical liability protections for hospitals, HMO’s, health care providers and clinics for certain claims arising during the COVID-19 emergency period. This legislation was a negotiated product in a workgroup convened by Senator Floyd Prozanski (D-Eugene). However, 11^th hour demands from SEIU caused the bill to fail as House Democrats voted ‘no’ in committee and killed the bill.

OSCC Timely Information received yesterday regarding Facebook group "Open Oregon"

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 15:31:26 GMT

Last night, OSCC staff were made aware of an effort by the Facebook group ‘Open Oregon’ in response to the OR-OSHA Temporary COVID rules and enforcement activities. You may be aware, but this Facebook group has organized protests of 50-100 people at the homes of several OR-OSHA staff in response to enforcement action. Yesterday, Open Oregon asked their Facebook followers to generate complaints against businesses to flood the OR-OSHA complaint system, presumably to reduce the capacity for OR-OSHA to levy fines. Open Oregon leaders asked members to target big box stores and those that have supported the state regulations during COVID-19.

We realize that local businesses are at their breaking point and wanted to make you aware of this effort. OR-OSHA anticipates hundreds/ thousands of new anonymous complaints against businesses across Oregon, and these complaints could result in compliance letters being sent to your members by OR-OSHA. If you hear of this effort in your community or against any of your members, please feel free to reach out to OSCC staff, jenny@pacounsel.org. OSCC has voiced concerns about our members being subject to fraudulent complaints, and we are working with OR-OSHA to determine which complaints are legitimate vs. those that are the result of a call to action by Open Oregon. We are also working alongside other business trade associations in this effort.

Jessica Chambers

Oregon State Chamber of Commerce

OSCC: Economic shutdown will continue for 25 Oregon counties

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 22:32:58 GMT

Yesterday, Governor Brown announced updates to county risk levels under the state's new public health framework to reduce transmission of COVID-19. The framework uses four different risk levels for counties based on COVID-19 spread—Extreme Risk, High Risk, Moderate Risk, and Lower Risk—and assigns health and safety measures for each level.

Twenty-five counties will be in the Extreme Risk level, meaning they will continue with the economic shutdown currently in place. In addition, five counties will be High Risk, two counties will be Moderate Risk, and four counties will be Lower Risk. A complete list of counties and their associated risk levels is available here.

These measures will be in place beginning Thursday, December 3rd through December 17th. The Oregon Health Authority will examine and publish county data weekly. County risk levels will be reassigned every two weeks, with the next risk assignment levels taking effect on December 18th.

You can learn more about the risk levels and activity guidance here.

Read full press release.

OSCC: Oregon OSHA COVID-19-Related Rule Resources

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 22:30:05 GMT

Oregon OSHA has released a Fact Sheet for the COVID-19 Temporary Rule for All Workplaces as well as a question and answer document regarding the rule. It is important to understand these provisions and what your responsibilities are as an Oregon employer.

Oregon OSHA’s temporary rule for COVID-19 (OAR 437-001-0744) requires all employers to develop and implement an infection control plan. This plan builds upon each employer’s exposure risk assessment, which the rule also requires, and aims to eliminate or otherwise minimize worker exposure to COVID-19. The exposure risk assessment and infection control plan need to be completed in writing for those employers with more than 10 employees by December 7th.

Below are several resources regarding COVID-19-related rule updates.

You can find additional materials on Oregon OSHA's website.

Infection Control Plan (Fill-in Word document or Print version)

COVID-19 Hazards Poster English / Spanish

Exposure Risk Assessment Form (Fill-in Word document or Print version)

Temporary Rule 437-001-0744 and Appendix Addressing COVID-19 Workplace Risks

Overview Table for Oregon OSHA COVID-19 Temporary Rule

Model Policy for Notification of Employees when COVID-19 Exposure Occurs (PDF) (Spanish - PDF and Word document)
Questions and Answers

OSCC Legislative Update: November 19, 2020

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 23:12:39 GMT

Three significant issues that need to be brought to your attention:.

1. State Revenue Forecast. The quarterly revenue forecast issued Wednesday morning provided a little bit of good news for legislators - the state now has $97 million more in its coffers since the last quarterly forecast in September. This completes a near-unbelievable total comeback from the $2+ billion revenue loss that was forecast in the midst of the pandemic in May.

A cautious note was struck by the state economist, however, as these projections were finalized before Governor Brown’s 2-week economic “pause” that will largely close restaurants, gyms and other businesses through December 2^nd. The economists predicted that the “pause” would largely be felt through declines in lottery revenues, but would only amount to about $26 million in losses if the restaurant closures were limited to only two weeks.

2. House Speaker Tina Kotek (D-Portland) calls for emergency special session in December. The Speaker called out the unlikelihood of a Federal relief package in 2020 and indicated that she would like to spend state reserve funds to assist businesses and the unemployed. Specifically, she called out her desire to spend $100 million “to keep Oregonians housed and stabilize the rental market” as her primary objective.

We are not surprised at the prospect of another special session prior to 2021. Before the Speaker’s announcement, we believed a special session was likely next week. We will keep you apprised as we gain more information on a prospective December session.

3. Legislative Election Results are now finalized. The last race to be called was House District 52 which saw Democrat incumbent Anna Williams hold off challenger Jeff Helfrich by 84 votes. The race was in doubt until yesterday’s final numbers at 4pm.

The final count in the Senate: 18 Democrats, 12 Republicans. No change.

The final count in the House: 37 Democrats, 23 Republicans. Republicans gained one seat, but Democrats retained their “supermajority.”

The last bit of intrigue will come from a fight for the Speakership of the House. Representative Janelle Bynum (D-Clackamas) is looking to forge a coalition to unseat current House Speaker Tina Kotek.

Although Kotek won a majority of support from her caucus for a 4^th term as Speaker, the challenge will spill out onto the House floor on the first day of the 2021 session when the entire House, including 23 Republicans, will cast their vote for Speaker. 31 votes are needed to secure the position of House Speaker.

OSCC:$75 Million in Financial Grants to Oregon Small Business Coming Available

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 00:59:56 GMT

The Oregon legislature and Governor Brown approved $20 million more to Business Oregon’s Emergency Business Assistance Grant Fund. The application for this new round of funds will be available beginning this Thursday on Business Oregon's website. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come first-served basis.

The grants are available to small businesses that have seen lost revenue due to the pandemic, and that meet a minimal set of requirements.

Businesses are eligible to receive up to $200,000 in grant funding as detailed in the grant application. To be eligible, a business must show it was prohibited from operations by the Governor’s Executive Order 20-12, or demonstrate a 25% reduction in sales over a 30-day period in 2020 compared to a comparable period in 2019.

This Thursday, the application form and additional details will be found on Business Oregon’s website in multiple languages. Grants will be reviewed on a first-come first-served basis, and will be allocated so that there is an equitable geographic distribution of funds as dictated by the Oregon Legislature.

Visit Business Oregon's website here for more information.

Governor Brown also announced that the state will commit $55 million in financial assistance to support Oregon businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. These funds will be allocated to counties to distribute to businesses who have been financially impacted, with a priority for the hospitality industry, businesses impacted by the freeze, small businesses, and women, Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and Tribal-owned businesses.

The $55 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds will be allocated to counties, with each county receiving a base of $500,000 plus a per capita allocation of the remainder of the funds. The counties will be responsible for deciding how businesses apply to receive funds and communicating the application process to businesses.

The Governor’s Office anticipates that funds will be distributed to counties within the next several weeks. Businesses who are interested in applying should contact their county for more information.

Read full press release here.

OSCC: Governor Brown announces statewide two-week freeze

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 22:51:22 GMT

In a press conference today, Governor Brown announced a statewide two-week freeze to help curb the rise in COVID-19 cases.

The freeze will be in effect November 18th - December 2nd.

Businesses

Work-from-home to the greatest extent possible and close offices to the public
Restaurants are delivery and take-out only
Grocery stores and pharmacies are limited to 75% capacity and should encourage curbside pick up
Retail stores and malls (indoor and outdoor) are limited to 75% capacity and should encourage curbside pick up

Must Close

Gyms and fitness organizations
Indoor recreational facilities, museums, indoor entertainment activities, and indoor pools and sports courts
Zoos, gardens, aquariums, outdoor entertainment activities, and outdoor pools
Venues that host or facilitate indoor or outdoor events

Social Gatherings

Limited to no more than 6 people total, from no more than 2 households – indoor and outdoor
Limited faith-based organizations to a maximum of 25 people indoors or 50 people outdoors
No Indoor visitation in long-term care facilities

The Two-Week Freeze does not apply to or change current health and safety protocols for:

Personal services (such as barber shops, hair salons, and non-medical massage therapy)
congregate homeless sheltering
outdoor recreation and sports
youth programs
childcare
K-12 schools
K-12 sports currently allowed
current Division 1 and professional athletics exemptions, and
higher education

— all of which can continue operating under previous guidance issued by the Oregon Health Authority.

Alert from Oregon Chamber of Commerce - new OSHA COVID-19 rules go into effect on Monday the 16th

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 21:28:19 GMT

The new Oregon OSHA Temporary COVID-19 rules require that businesses establish a notification process that provides notice within 24-hours if an employee has been exposed to someone confirmed to have tested positive for COVID-19. This requirement goes into effect on Monday, November 16th.

OR-OSHA has just released the model notification, which you can view here.

The COVID-19 infection notification process includes:

Employers must establish a process to notify exposed employees that they had a work-related contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19, as well as to notify affected employees that an individual who was present in the facility has confirmed COVID-19.

Exposed employees include:

Those who were within 6 feet of a confirmed COVID-19 individual for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more, regardless of whether one or both of them were wearing source control

Those who worked in the same facility or in the same well-defined portion of the facility such as a particular floor

This excludes settings where patients are hospitalized on the basis that they are known or suspected to be infected with COVID-19.

The notification process must include the following elements:

A mechanism for notifying both exposed and affected employees within 24 hours of the employer being made aware that an individual with COVID-19 was present in the workplace while infectious or otherwise may have had work-related contact with its employee(s) while infectious; and

This notification process must be established and implemented in accordance with all applicable federal and Oregon laws and regulations. Note: Employers can satisfy this requirement by adopting the model procedure to be published by Oregon OSHA before the effective date of the rule.

Note: OAR 333-018-0016 requires such cases to be reported by healthcare providers and laboratories within 24 hours of identification.

ACTION ALERT

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 00:45:11 GMT

Amidst the chaos of the global pandemic, OR-OSHA is moving forward with proposed changes to two administrative rules that would stack the deck against employers: OR-OSHA’s Proposed Amendments in General Administrative Rules to Clarify Employer’s Responsibilities and OR-OSHA’s Proposed Increase of Certain Minimum and Maximum Penalties for Alleged Violations.

These rule changes are about agency convenience in contested cases, NOT about employee safety.

Oregon law says that for an employer to be liable for a serious violation, OR-OSHA must prove that the employer knew, or with the “exercise of reasonable diligence” could have known, of the violation. Recently, the Oregon Supreme Court made clear that the burden is on OR-OSHA to prove what is "reasonable" and what is "diligence" under the circumstances of each case. But these rules will change that Court ruling.

OR-OSHA’s proposed rule redefines “reasonable diligence” to make employers strictly liable, so that the agency can easily win a contested case.
It also makes the “unpreventable employee conduct” defense entirely useless.
In a different rulemaking, OR-OSHA’s Administrator is given unlimited discretion to impose huge penalties: $13,538 for any “serious” violation and up to $135,382 for any “willful” violation. These enormous fines could be assessed for just two paperwork violations!

Without strong opposition, OR-OSHA will adopt these rule changes at the end of October! Oregon’s businesses are already under immense pressure from OR-OSHA and are struggling to stay afloat during COVID-19. Without your immediate action, employers could be subject to strict liability and sweeping fines!

Submit your comments today to OPPOSE these proposed rule changes. Comments are due by October 30th.

Second Special Session of 2020 - What Happened?

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 00:19:58 GMT

Yesterday, the Oregon Legislature convened for a one-day session - the second special session of the summer - to focus on balancing the state budget.

The Legislature voted to pull $400 million from the Education Stability Fund to keep the State School Fund whole, and voted to trim another $400 million from lottery and general fund programs.

On balance, the legislature opted to keep Oregon's $9 billion K-12 budget unharmed and worked to plug the $1 billion shortfall using the aforementioned cuts and other budget maneuvers, including "re-shuffling" of expenses and "sweeps" of dedicated funds.

The session was another example of the "top-down" executive decision-making that's been so prevalent during the COVID pandemic. Decision-making is in the hands of a very few legislators with very little input from legislators and the public.

For example, Democratic leaders announced on Monday morning that they would not hold any public hearings on the slate of bills. Most bills were not made public until the weekend, so only the most seasoned observers even knew where to look to understand what was going on. Decisions on legislation were already made before the legislature convened.

The bills that passed included:

SB 1701 to allow part time workers to earn up to $300 per week before unemployment benefits are reduced.
SB 1703 to give the Employment Department access to Revenue Department data during the COVID emergency for the purpose of processing unemployment claims.
SB 5722 adjusted and revised several capital construction projects in order to shift costs.
SB 5723 cut nearly $400 million in costs for the current biennium.
HB 4301 placed additional limits use of choke holds and police use of force.
HB 4302 modified fees and requirements for mineral exploration, mining operations, gas and oil drilling and exploration and geothermal well drilling operation.
HB 4303 transferred $400 million from the Education Stability Fund to the State School Fund.
HB 4304, the "sweeps" bill, transferred money from various dedicated administrative accounts to further alleviate budget shortfalls.
HB 5221 made changes to allocation of lottery funds to account for precipitous drops in lottery revenues.

Bills that did not pass:

SB 1702 was the one unscripted shocker of the session. The bill which would have streamlined the process for classified education employees to receive unemployment benefits. But the bill failed in committee when Senator Johnson (D-Scappoose) joined Republicans in voting against the bill, saying that the bill gave the appearance of putting these workers "at the front of the line" for receiving benefits when others have been waiting due to Employment Department failures.

The Oregonian's reporting of the special session can be found here.

We are expecting one additional special session in September that could be populated with several controversial issues, including:

Legislation to disconnect Oregon from certain provisions of the CARES Act related to tax treatment for business losses and interest expenses for certain businesses.
Consideration of liability reform to provide temporary and targeted liability relief for companies facing lawsuits related to COVID.
Consideration of a liability shield for medical provides and health care facilities acting within the scope of COVID-19 guidance from the Governor's office, OHA and others.
A workers' compensation compensability presumption for COVID claims.

If you have any questions or feedback stemming from the 1-day session, please don't hesitate to reach out.

ACTION ALERT from Oregon State Chamber of Commerce

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 16:02:22 GMT

Just when we thought things couldn’t get worse, the Oregon Legislature is now set to pass an ill-conceived proposal that would effectively impose $225 million in taxes on Oregon businesses struggling to recover from the staggering impacts of the COVID-19 shut downs.

This tax increase affects small, local businesses – not corporations! These tax incentives were passed by Congress to ensure small businesses could keep some amount of cash flow when they were being shut down by government orders. Now the Oregon legislature wants to steal this money back from small business!

But instead of admitting this is a new tax burden on struggling businesses, they will say this is simply a technical change, impacting only a few wealthy Oregonians. That’s simply not true. Many Oregon businesses will lose much-needed cash if this tax increase moves forward.

WE NEED YOUR HELP TODAY.

Please contact the Governor and your legislators and tell them THIS PROPOSAL ISN’T FAIR to thousands of Oregon employers struggling to survive – and put hundreds of thousands of unemployed Oregonians back to work.

Email your legislators today and tell them this sneak attack isn’t fair and ask them to oppose this backdoor tax increase. The Legislature is set to meet in special session on Monday, and all signs are that this bad idea is set to be fast-tracked through the process. ACT NOW.

Governor Brown Announces New Requirements for Face Coverings and Businesses

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 23:15:30 GMT

Governor Brown announced today additional face covering and business guidelines in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Effective Friday, July 24th:

Face Coverings

Face coverings will be required for all Oregonians ages five and up in indoor public spaces and outdoors when six feet of distance cannot be maintained.
Face coverings will be required even in cases of physical exertion indoors, and outdoors when six feet of distance cannot be maintained.

Businesses

The maximum indoor capacity limit is capped at 100 for all venues in Phase II counties and for restaurants and bars in Phase I or II counties.
Restaurants and bars will be required to stop serving customers at 10:00 P.M statewide.

You can view the full press release here.

Mask Mandate Q&A with Oregon OSHA and BOLI

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 20:49:43 GMT

OSCC will be holding a one-hour Q&A session with Oregon Michael Wood, Administrator, Oregon Occupations Safety & Health Administration and Val Hoyle, Labor Commissioner, Bureau of Labor & Industry regarding guidelines for face coverings during COVID-19. The webinar will be held on July 15th, from 10-11am. This invitation is open to our chamber and chamber members.

July 15, 2020: 10:00 - 11:00am
Join: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/671263645

Please send your questions by 5pm July 14th to:
jessicac@oregonchamber.org.

COVID-19 relief available for 2nd-quarter payments

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 18:48:17 GMT

As the deadline approaches to make estimated Corporate Activity Tax (CAT) payments for the second quarter, the Oregon Department of Revenue reminds taxpayers of relief available to those businesses negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As adopted in the Oregon administrative rule 150-317-1500, the Department of Revenue will honor a business taxpayer's good-faith efforts to comply with the CAT and not assess penalties if they document their efforts to comply, including how COVID-19 has impacted their business.

If businesses know they'll owe $10,000 or more in annual corporate activity tax in 2020 and can pay, they should make estimated quarterly payments and comply with the law to the fullest extent possible.

However, penalties will not be assessed for underestimated quarterly payments or for not making a quarterly payment for the Corporate Activity Tax, if businesses don't have the financial ability to make the estimated payment. If businesses have been impacted by COVID-19 and are finding it difficult to calculate or pay an estimated quarterly payment, they should keep documentation showing:

Their inability to pay a quarterly payment because of insufficient funds due to COVID-19.
Their inability to reasonably calculate a quarterly payment or annual tax liability due to their business being impacted by COVID-19.
That the taxpayer is unclear at this time whether the business will owe corporate activity tax in April 2020 due to COVID-19 impacts, after taking into consideration exclusions and subtractions in the law.

Businesses uncertain about their economic future due to the COVID-19 crisis, or those that have been closed during this crisis and have no ability to determine that they will owe a tax this year, won't be penalized.

Registration for the CAT is still required. Businesses must register within 30 days of reaching $750,000 in Oregon commercial activity in the calendar year. Registration is available through Revenue Online and the department offers a series of online resources to help with registration on the CAT page of the agency's website.

Taxpayers with general questions about the CAT can email

cat.help.dor@oregon.gov or call 503-945-8005.

July 8, 2020: 9:00 - 10:00am Liability Protection Round table Discussion

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 02:15:56 GMT

Join: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/671263645

Please mark your calendar for a liability protection round table discussion this Wednesday, July 8, 2020 from 9:00-10:00 am. This invitation is open to your chamber as well as your chamber members.

On this call, we will be discussing two primary questions:

How is your business complying with current health and safety guidelines? (including steps taken, costs incurred, etc.)
What would be the impact if a claim were filed against you and your business?

This information will provide guidance for OSCC as we continued to advocate for timely, targeted and temporary liability protections to shield employers from legal risk when following the appropriate public health guidelines to protect employees and customers as a result of COVID-19.

First Special Session concludes

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 21:18:46 GMT

On Friday afternoon, the Oregon legislature concluded a 3-day special session to address various policy issues including policing reforms, COVID-response, and various other items which that included some bills that failed during the 2020 short session.

With respect to policing reforms, the legislature passed bills to: (1) ban the use of chokeholds, except when the use of deadly force is justified; (2) restrict the use of tear gas, and require police to give people time to disperse before using it; (3) make it more difficult for third-party arbitrators to overturn or reduce disciplinary action taken against police officers; (4) create a public online database of disciplinary actions of police officers that must be checked as part of the hiring process; and (5) require officers to intervene to prevent or stop another officer engaged in misconduct.

With respect to COVID response, the legislature passed bills to: (1) direct both residential and commercial lenders to defer mortgage payments until after September 30th (HB 4204); (2) extend the residential and commercial moratorium on no-cause evictions until September 30th (HB 4213); (3) grant temporary emergency shelter siting authority for local governments to develop low-barrier shelters for unsheltered homeless who are at high-risk of virus transmission; and (4) protect federal CARES Act payments from garnishments.

Other bills included (1) HB 4210 which prevents a court from suspending a drivers license for failure to pay court fines; (2) SB 1601 which prevents citations from being issues for expired drivers licences, permits and registrations through December 31st; (3) SB 1603 which levies a cell phone tax to support projects for planning or developing broadband service infrastructure in Oregon; and (4) HB 4202 which makes clarifications and business- supported "fixes" to the new Corporate Activity Tax.

In a development sought by the business community, a workgroup will be convened to discuss and craft liability exemptions for employers and organizations that are in compliance with the Governor's COVID-related executive orders and guidance.

We are expecting legislative discussions to pivot toward liability issues and budget re-balancing in preparation of a 2nd special session to be held in late July or early August.

Special Session begins tomorrow, June 24th

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 22:10:55 GMT

Tomorrow, the Oregon legislature will convene in a special session to address various policy issues including policing reforms, COVID-response, and a laundry list of other items which will include some bills that failed during the 2020 short session.

The list of ancillary bills under consideration changes by the hour - we do not yet have a clear sense of what all of those issues will be as discussions about the total slate of bills are happening out of public view.We do know, however, the core grouping of bills that will be considered. You can see them here. We will reiterate that this special session is not focused on the state budget (which is currently $1.8 billion in deficit). There will be a follow-up special session later this summer that will include some painful budget decisions. It is likely that legislators will want to see if any additional revenue materializes - either through federal legislation or increased state revenues - before making those decisions.

The special session tomorrow will pose unique challenges that threaten to derail it altogether. First, the logistics of the session - social distancing, a capitol building closed to the public, and limits on the number of people in closed spaces will test the limits of how the legislature can conduct its business in a timely way. Second, the politics of the session are challenging as there appears to be little agreement on which bills to pass coupled with an ever-expanding list of bills being sought by legislators. In short, there doesn't appear to be a plan.

To follow the session, access this link: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2020S1/2020-06-24

ACTION ALERT

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 22:52:35 GMT

OSCC calls on Oregon Legislature to add liability protections for businesses to Special Session agenda

Governor Kate Brown officially called for a special session of the Oregon legislature on June 24th to deal with policy issues including policing reform, COVID response, and some consensus bills from the failed 2020 short session. However, liability protections for businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19 is not currently listed as an agenda item.

Please contact your legislators by 5pm TODAY and ask them to add liability protections to businesses affected by COVID-19 to the Special Session agenda. You can use this link to find your legislator.

OSCC joined with coalition partners on a letter to the legislature as well, which you can view here. Please use this as talking points. If you are you worried about coronavirus liability-despite the fact that your business has done its best to adhere to Governor Brown's public health guidelines, the Governor and legislators need to hear from you today! Tell your story to help inform this important policy decision.

http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mwjvD1ULkjMzQkbwYlrU5kbQSU_M06BJ-TBpGV9PqjJ4dg5rjFY_adO2VXumfwwi2enV-EM4BDYL-0iiUF-_4uHj_gppY2DNfim_VHmK8VC4V9gSo5QcYMLPJ5Qov4LIoYzpmCg-8i7HejnxUF57nAWWJxgfuZsGvQQGFWEtHDJoRLb1ApNP0c_rOLrJnn2QUwLero9kIXAaY53AYD5xilYTwHoSmXmc&c=ktI7bVcmSEl3_gO_evcnur4ElIPxs7F2IkKNmniy8xHFiqL6H6SluA==&ch=tK0v3upEbAMn7Y86ASzbasbJhAdl1GXbwvv6dJj2LZFqk4LnRLV7Gw==

Please contact your legislators by 5pm TODAY and ask them to add liability protections to businesses affected by COVID-19 to the Special Session agenda. You can use this link to find your legislator.

Portland Parks & Recreation’s Free Lunch + Play Begins Monday, June 22: Expanded program is key in citywide efforts to provide crucial services

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 15:21:33 GMT

WHAT: Portland Parks & Recreation’s Free Lunch + Play program returns with expanded free meals at Portland parks, citywide. Free Lunch + Play provides crucial City services to Portlanders. This year in addition to free meals at lunchtime or during the early afternoon, take-home activities are being planned, such as art kits, activity packs, free books, and games.

WHEN: Free Lunch + Play begins Monday June 22, 2020. The summertime end date is yet to be determined.

WHERE: PP&R parks across the city. Programs may take place at lunchtime or in the early afternoon hours; schedules and locations are being updated and posted on PP&R’s Free Lunch + Play website. Children do not need to be present in order to receive a meal.

Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R)’s annual Free Lunch + Play program begins on Monday, June 22, 2020. This year’s program is part of an expanded effort by the City of Portland and area school districts to provide food security in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Special thanks to Title Sponsor NIKE, Inc., and to our private and philanthropic partners for their support. Free Lunch + Play gives kids a free, healthy meal at convenient park locations – plus several apartment complexes - with activities, games, and/or books for children to take home at each site. The food distribution program continues a Portland Parks & Recreation endeavor dating uninterrupted from the 1970’s. PP&R has prioritized our limited capacity and resources to this program to meet critical community needs.

Meal service will be held at lunchtime or early afternoon at 26 sites all summer long; schedules are available at portlandoregon.gov/parks/freelunch. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, children do not need to be present in order to receive a meal as they did in years past. Special thanks to Mobile Lunch + Play Title Sponsor Bank of America for their $200,000 Neighborhood Builders grant which has greatly expanded the Mobile Lunch + Play portion of PP&R’s summer programming.

“COVID-19 and widespread layoffs have made hunger one of our community’s most urgent needs this summer,” says Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler. “Special thanks to NIKE, Inc., Bank of America, and our other partners who made it possible to expand our service during this time of higher need. As Mayor and Parks Commissioner, I’m proud that the Free Lunch + Play program is able to help keep thousands of young people nourished and healthy.”

PP&R teams up with Portland Public Schools, the Parkrose and Reynolds School Districts, and partners to make this effort a success. Portland Parks & Recreation, Title Sponsors NIKE, Inc., Bank of America, and hunger relief partners play an important role in delivering critical community services this summer.

57% of young Portlanders qualify for free or reduced-price lunch during the school year. Each summer, PP&R teams up with Portland Public Schools, the Parkrose and Reynolds School Districts, and food service partners to provide steady meals during the summer months. In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, PP&R and its partners expect to distribute nearly 500,000 free meals to Portland children this summer - nearly five times more than a typical season. The program will take place at parks in areas with a clear need for free and reduced lunch programs and areas where other free food providers are less accessible. Most of the sites are in east and north Portland.

“This summer looks different than any other, with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 health crisis,” says PP&R Director Adena Long. “But Portland Parks & Recreation has been providing summertime food for nearly 50 years. We are continuing to help people be healthier, life to be more stable, and neighbors to make lifelong summer memories through this flagship program. Our thanks to all our City and non-profit partners who are helping deliver summertime fun, food, and memories.”

If you’d like to donate to help the Free Lunch + Play program serve Portland’s children, please visit portlandoregon.gov/parks/lunch+play.

Free Lunch + Play locations are:

Alberta Park

Columbia Park

Cully Park

Essex Park

Gateway Discovery Park*

Harrison Park

Irving Park*

Kenton Park

K^hhunamokwst Park

Lents Park

Luuwit View Park

Montavilla Park*

Mt. Scott Park

Peninsula Park

St. Johns Park

Wilkes Park

Schedules vary, and will be updated at portlandoregon.gov/parks/freelunch.

All art kits, activity packs, free books, games, and activities are designed so participants can maintain 6 feet of physical distancing at all times. Children do not need to be present in order to receive a meal.

Mobile Lunch + Play offers food and activities at apartment complexes which have no ready park access. Mobile Lunch + Play has doubled in size from 2019 to now as the recipient of a generous $200,000 Neighborhood Builders grant from Bank of America through the Portland Parks Foundation, PP&R’s nonprofit fundraising partner. Additionally, staff will also drive meals to distribute at several outer east Portland parks.

“Bank of America has invested in the Portland Parks Foundation with a Neighborhood Builders grant to expand the delivery sites of Portland Parks and Recreation’s Summer Free For All Mobile Lunch + Play because, as a long-time partner, we have seen how critical this delivery model is to addressing hunger within our most vulnerable communities,” said Roger Hinshaw, Bank of America’s Market President in Oregon and Southwest Washington. “With the number of Mobile Lunch + Play sites serving our communities doubling this year, Summer Free For All Lunch + Play will have an even greater impact for youth who rely on this program for consistent and nutritious meals. We know food insecurity is on the rise, and we are committed to working together to do more to improve food security and economic mobility in our region.”

Mobile Lunch + Play sites include:

Arbor Glen Apartments*
Bellrose Station Apartments*
East Holladay Park
Eastgate Station Apartments*
Gilbert Primary Park
Glenfair Park
Harney Park
Mill Park
Raymond Park*
Verdell Burdine Rutherford Park* (formerly Lynchview Park)

Mobile Lunch + Play schedules vary, and will be updated at portlandoregon.gov/parks/freelunch. All art kits, activity packs, free books, games, and activities are designed so participants can maintain 6 feet of physical distancing at all times.

*These locations will offer an option to drive up and receive meals curbside; people must exit vehicles for “grab and go” meals and activities at other locations.

Free Lunch + Play guides are being printed and will be distributed in English and 14 other languages at partner and community sites citywide.

Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, everyone visiting a park and/or taking part in the Free Lunch + Play program must always adhere to physical distancing guidelines - staying at least 6 feet away from others when in a public space.

Portland Parks & Recreation continues to be in communication with, and following the guidance of, the Oregon Health Authority, Multnomah County Health Department, and the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management regarding COVID-19. You can find more information on our webpage at www.portlandoregon/parks/covid-19.

RSVP for Venture Portland's Upcoming Business Street Activation Program Q&A

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 20:32:36 GMT

RSVP for Our Upcoming Business Street Activation Program Q&A

Learn more about PBOT's Healthy Business Permit program on 6/18 from 12-1pm.

As Multnomah County nears Phase 1 reopening, businesses have new opportunities to do business safely in the the street. Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) has launched their ‘Healthy Business Permit’ program, allowing businesses to operate in the street free of permit costs. Businesses, as individuals or groups, can apply to use parking spots, portions of streets or entire streets to operate. Uses include outdoor dining, retail, personal services and more. This program gives businesses a unique opportunity to serve customers and build community in a safe way. Beautification opportunities, such as street paintings, are also available.

PBOT will provide a brief overview of the program and businesses will have the opportunity to ask questions. Attendees can expect to be followed up with if answers are not available at the time of the meeting.

Register for the Street Activation Program Q&A with PBOT on 6/18

Businesses Need Protection from the Onslaught of Incoming COVID-19 Lawsuits

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 19:14:58 GMT

The last 3 months have challenged Oregon's local businesses. No one could have prepared for the COVID-19 crisis or the economic disaster that followed statewide public health orders. And today, many businesses-child care providers, restaurants, retailers, salon owners, and more-are grappling with whether it is even possible to reopen their doors following this crisis.

For many businesses navigating this uncertainty, there is an even greater fear lurking around the corner: costly and opportunistic COVID-19 lawsuits.

As businesses start to reopen, they are implementing safety measures in alignment with State public health guidelines and recommendations. Many employers are worried that even though they are following public health guidelines, an employee or customer will contract coronavirus and sue them, claiming that they got sick because of circumstances beyond the control of the business. Our local businesses shouldn't live in fear of opportunistic attorneys and crippling litigation during these uncertain times.

Businesses need to know that if they take steps to implement guidance from state and federal public health officials, they will be protected from excessive lawsuits that will drain their cash reserves. One lawsuit or demand letter can cripple a business, regardless of the steps taken to protect employee and customer health under state-issued public health guidance.

Oregon lawmakers must act now to protect local businesses from litigation abuse! Plaintiffs' attorneys and lawsuit lending companies are preparing for an onslaught of coronavirus suits. Temporary and targeted liability protections are necessary to allow businesses to reopen safely and with the confidence that they aren't reopening simply to risk everything.

Temporary and targeted liability protections are not a partisan issue. States with democrat and republican governors have signed legislation to prevent excessive litigation from burying employers who have acted in good faith and in accordance with state and federal guidelines in this crisis. The time for Oregon to act is now!

Are you worried about coronavirus liability-despite the fact that your business has done its best to adhere to Governor Brown's public health guidelines? If so, the Governor and legislators need to hear from you today! Tell your story to help inform this important policy decision.

Send your message to the Governor
and legislators today

Download the template letter to send from your Chamber

Venture Portland: RSVP for Our Upcoming COVID-19 Business Reopening Panel Discussions

Tue, 26 May 2020 21:17:51 GMT

COVID-19 Reopening Listening Sessions with Prosper Portland

The City of Portland and Prosper Portland, in partnership with Venture Portland and the Portland Independent Restaurant Alliance, are hosting listening sessions to hear from businesses in the restaurant and personal services industries, and how the city can support as we look towards reopening. This is a part of a series of industry and culturally specific listening sessions open to the public. This session is intended for business owners in the restaurant and personal services industries. If these sessions are fully registered, a video will be made available when the session concludes.

COVID-19 Reopening Q&A for Retailers with Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury

Retailers! Do you have questions about the reopening your store during COVID-19? Trying to figure out how you should set up your store? Unsure of how to balance personal safety and financial necessity?

Join us Thursday, 5/28 from 1-2pm when our special guests Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury, The Department of Health and retail business owners answer your questions about what’s going on, when it’s happening, what the hold ups are and how to get back to business. Share your questions or concerns with County officials and catch up on how your peers are planning to get back into stores and restoring revenue streams.

Liability protections are needed to shield employers from litigation abuse during COVID-19

Mon, 18 May 2020 18:38:36 GMT

We are living in unprecedented times. Businesses across the country have been shuttered due to the COVID-19 health crisis in an effort to curb the impact of the virus. As employers begin to look at reopening, many are worried that an employee or customer will contract the disease and sue, claiming that they got sick because the business could have done something more to protect the person, despite following the public health guidelines for reopening. This is already happening.

Employers need assurance that there will be safe harbors in place to protect them from opportunistic lawsuits. Businesses who follow the guidelines issued by public health authorities should be able to safely provide their goods and services without the fear of crippling liability.

There is no playbook for reopening. Business owners are already facing many challenges in this uncertain economic environment. We need timely, targeted and temporary liability protections to shield employers from legal risk when following the appropriate public health guidelines to protect employees and customers.

Please tell Congress that liability protections are needed to shield employers from litigation abuse.

CONTACT CONGRESS TODAY

From Oregon Chamber: Business Resources for COVID-19

Wed, 13 May 2020 21:35:07 GMT

Reopening Guidance for Phase I

Many counties across Oregon are preparing to enter into Phase I of reopening.

See list of counties who have applied to enter Phase I.

Guidance that applies statewide, immediately:

The Public

Outdoor Recreation

Guidance that applies statewide starting May 15, 2020:

Employers

Retail Stores

Guidance that only applies to counties that enter Phase I:

Restaurants & Bars

Personal Services
Providers

Malls

Gyms (guidance
forthcoming)

Forthcoming guidance that will apply statewide:

Childcare
Summer school / camps / youth activities
Transit

For more detailed information and industry guidelines, check out this link:

https://govstatus.egov.com/OR-OHA-COVID-19

Governor Brown announces details of Phase 1 reopening

Fri, 08 May 2020 00:33:20 GMT

In a press briefing earlier today, Governor Kate Brown announced additional details for the Phase I reopening of Oregon.

The Governor will begin accepting applications for reopening counties on May 8th. Counties must meet certain criteria to reopen, including:

1. Declining COVID-19 prevalence

2. Minimum Testing Regimen

3. Contact Tracing System

4. Isolation Facilities

5. Finalize Statewide Sector Guidelines

6. Sufficient Healthcare Capacity

7. Sufficient PPE Supply

Should counties meet the prerequisites, they can enter into Phase I reopening on May 15th. After 21 days in Phase I, counties continuing to meet the prerequisites may be able to enter Phase II.

Details on Restarting Oregon Public Life and Business

Watch full press conference

Two major announcements released regarding Paycheck Protection Program

Wed, 06 May 2020 22:41:31 GMT

PPP loans, EIDL advances, SBA loan subsidies not subject to CAT!

The Oregon Department of Revenue has determined that certain federal assistance to businesses under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is not commercial activity under Oregon statute and will not be subject to the Corporate Activity Tax.

The exempt assistance includes forgiven Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) advances, and Small Business Administration (SBA) loan subsidies. More information can be found in the Beyond the FAQ section of the CAT page on the department's website.

Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to Allow Chambers to Apply for PPP Loans

Representatives Chris Pappas (D-NH-01), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Gil Cisneros (D-CA-39), and Greg Steube (R-FL-17) introduced bipartisan legislation (H.R. 6697) to ensure local chambers of commerce and other nonprofits who support small businesses-and who are not currently eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)-can receive the federal assistance they need to navigate the devastating economic downturn of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a press release from the bill introducing Members, U.S. Chamber of Commerce executive vice president Neil Bradley was quoted:

"The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is pleased to support the Local Chamber, Tourism, and 501(c)(6) Protection Act. Local chambers of commerce across the country play a vital role in assisting local businesses weathering the economic storm caused by the coronavirus. Including these organizations in the Paycheck Protection Program ensures they can continue with this important work in the weeks and months ahead. We will continue to work with Representatives Pappas, Fitzpatrick, and other members of Congress to include local chambers in this important program."

See the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's coalition letter signed by over 3,700 non-profit organizations urging Congress to make this change.

OSCC Joins Save Small Business Coalition

Wed, 06 May 2020 22:36:41 GMT

The Oregon State Chamber of Commerce (OSCC) announced today that the Board of Directors has voted to join the Save Small Business Coalition.

In a meeting held on Monday, May 4th, the Board unanimously voted to join the Coalition. Several local Oregon chambers were founding members of this effort. The Save Small Business Coalition has aligned their efforts with over 100 chambers and business associations nationwide to create America's Recovery Fund Coalition: americasrecoveryfund.org

OSCC encourages chambers to learn more about the Save Small Business Coalition and how they can be part of this effort.

For more information about the Save Small Business Coalition, please contact:

Lorraine Clarno, President/CEO of the Beaverton Area Chamber of Commerce at lorraine@beaverton.org

Janet Steele, President/CEO of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce at jsteele@albanychamber.com

ACTION ALERT

Sat, 25 Apr 2020 18:00:25 GMT

Dear OSCC members and colleagues -

The coronavirus crisis has had a devastating impact on our economy. Small businesses have been applying for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) forgivable loans authorized under the CARES Act, as well as the Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) and Emergency Grants for support during this time. Due to the need for these programs, funds have been quickly exhausted.

We need swift bipartisan action NOW to bolster these programs and help our most vulnerable small businesses survive.

Also, Congress is in the final stages of negotiating additional funding for the CARES Act. Inclusion of all non-profits in the Paycheck Protection Program remains an open issue. Please call your Senators to urge them to include 501(c)(6) non-profits.

Senator Wyden - (202) 224-5244
Senator Merkley - (202) 224-3753

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR'S GUIDE TO UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION and SBA ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOANS (EIDL)

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 18:20:29 GMT

UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION

Am I ELIGIBLE?

HOW MUCH does the program pay and for how long?

PUA pays the same weekly benefits as your regular state unemployment insurance (UI) program, but the benefits are 100% federally funded. PUA benefits are available for up to 39 weeks.

This program expires on December 31, 2020.

Through July 31, 2020, recipients of unemployment compensation will receive an additional $600 per week on top of the state-calculated benefit.

According to the Department of Labor: “An individual who works as an independent contractor with reportable income also may qualify for PUA benefits if he or she is unemployed, partially employed, or unable or unavailable to work because the COVID-19 public health emergency has severely limited his or her ability to continue performing his or her customary work activities, and has thereby forced the individual to suspend such activities” is eligible.

NOTE: Receipt of a PPP loan may impact your ability to collect unemployment insurance.

Oregon Unemployment Insurance Program
General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://www.oregon.gov/EMPLOY/Unemployment/Pages/default.aspx
To file a UI claim online: https://secure.emp.state.or.us/ocs4/index.cfm?u=F20161026A115006B48721263.5255&lang=E
To apply by phone: http://findit.emp.state.or.us/ocs/ui-center-lookup/ To check the status or get information on your claim: https://ssl8.emp.state.or.us/ocs4/index.cfm?u=F20090409A135628B981286.346099&lang=E Coronavirus update: Oregon is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: https://www.oregon.gov/employ/Pages/COVID-19.aspx

SBA ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOANS (EIDL)

HOW DO I APPLY?

Apply for an EIDL loan at SBA.gov/disaster

Am I ELIGIBLE?

What are the loan TERMS, CAPS, and PARAMETERS?

How can I access an emergency $10,000 GRANT?

You are eligible to apply for an EIDL loan as an independent contractor or self-employed person. NOTE: As of April 15, 2020, the EIDL program was running out funds, so loans were only being approved up to $15,000, and emergency grants were limited to $1,000 per employee up to $10,000. Congress may replenish funding, in which case this guide will be updated.

The maximum EIDL is a $2 million working capital loan at a rate of 3.75% (up to a 30-year term) Payments on Coronavirus EIDL loans are deferred for one year Up to $200,000 can be approved without a personal guarantee Approval can be based on a credit score and no first-year tax returns are required Borrowers do not have to prove they could not get credit elsewhere No collateral is required for loans of $25,000 or less For loans of more than $25,000, general security interest in business assets will be used for collateral instead of real estate The borrowers must allow the SBA to review its tax records

Eligible applicants for an EIDL may receive up to a $10,000 emergency grant within three days of submitting their application (through Dec. 31). There is no obligation to repay the grant. Applicants who are denied an EIDL loan are still eligible to receive the $10,000 emergency grant. If you secure a PPP loan, the $10,000 grant will be subtracted from the forgiveness amount NOTE: The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) created by the CARES Act prohibits borrowers from taking out two loans for the same purpose.

Prepared by the U.S, Chamber of Commerce

AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE TO CARES ACT RELIEF

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 18:00:01 GMT

If you are an independent contractor or self-employed individual, you may be eligible for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans/grants, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), and/or Unemployment Compensation for losses of income related to the coronavirus pandemic.

If you are an independent contractor or are self employed and don't have any employees, here's what you need to know about each program.

Am I eligible?

You are eligible to apply for a PPP loan as an independent contractor or self-employed individual who has been or will be harmed by the pandemic if all of the following are true:

1. You were in operation on February 15, 2020,

2. Your primary place of residence is the United States

3. You filed or will file a Form 1040 Schedule C for 2019 showing self-employment income.

NOTE: The SBA will issue additional guidance for those individuals with self-employment income who were not in operation in 2019 but were in operation on February 15, 2020. NOTE: As of April 16, 2020, the PPP program was running out funds. Congress may replenish funding; in which case this guide will be updated.

What will lenders BE LOOKING FOR?

First, you will need to fill out the PPP application available on the Treasury’s Website (click here). You also will need all of the following:
1. Your 2019 1040 Schedule C (even if you haven’t filed it with the IRS yet)
2. A 2019 1099-MISC, invoice, bank statement, or book of record that shows you were self-employed in 2019
3. A 2020 invoice, bank statement, or book of record establishing that you were in operation on or around February 15, 2020

How much can I BORROW?

For most independent contractors, calculating your PPP borrowing limit is a 3-step process:
Step 1: Find line 31 on your 2019 IRS Form 1040 Schedule C (If you haven’t filed yet for 2019, go ahead and fill it out). If the amount on Line 31 is over $100,000, write $100,000.
Step 2: Divide the amount from Step 1 by 12.
Step 3: Multiply the amount from Step 2 by 2.5. For most borrowers, this will be your maximum PPP loan amount NOTE: If you received an EIDL loan between January 31, 2020 and April 3, 2020 you can refinance that as part of your PPP loan (minus any amount received as an EIDL grant).

How can I use my PPP LOAN?

You can use your PPP loan to do any of the following:
1. Replace your compensation (based on your 2019 income)
2. Pay interest payments on a mortgage or loan (such as an auto loan) you use to perform your business*
3. Make business rent payments*
4. Make business utility payments*
5. Make interest payments on any other debt incurred before February 15, 2020 (but such amounts are not eligible for loan forgiveness) * You must have claimed a deduction on your 2019 taxes for expenses described in 2, 3, and 4 above.

How much CAN BE FORGIVEN?

Borrowers are eligible to have some, or all of their loan forgiven.
How much? An amount equal to how much you spent in the eight weeks following receipt of the loan for:
Owner compensation replacement, but not to exceed eight weeks of your 2019 compensation up to $100,000 (8/52 of the 2019 net profit up to $100,000)
Plus Interest on mortgages on real or personal property incurred before February 15, 2020 to the extent deductible on the 1040 Schedule C
Plus Rent on lease agreements in effect before February 15, 2020 to the extent deductible on the 1040 Schedule C
Plus Utility payments under service agreements dated before February 15, 2020 to the extent deductible on the 1040 Schedule C
Equals Potential Forgiveness Amount
NOTE: Not more than 25% of the forgiven amount may be for non-compensation

What lenders will NOT LOOK FOR

• • That the borrower sought and was unable to obtain credit elsewhere.
• • A personal guarantee is not required for the loan.
• • No collateral is required for the loan

Loan Terms

Payments deferred for six months
1.00% fixed interest rate
Loan is due in two years

IMPORTANT Because many independent contractors do not have deductible expenses for interest, rent, or utilities, their loan forgiveness will be limited to eight weeks’ worth of their 2019 net profit (replacement compensation).

However, they can borrow 2.5 months’ worth of their 2019 net profit. That is, if an independent contractor borrows the full amount, they may have a loan balance that needs to be repaid.

Prepared by the U.S, Chamber of Commerce

US Chamber of Commerce Foundation launches Save Small Business Fund

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 19:11:10 GMT

Eligibility and Timeline:

• The application will go live on 4/20/20 at 12:00 PM PT/3:00 PM ET. • Visit savesmallbusiness.com for more details and to get an email reminder when the application launches. • To qualify, a business must: o Employ between 3 and 20 people o Be in an economically vulnerable community o Have been harmed financially by the COVID-19 pandemic • Grants will be distributed on a weekly, rolling basis until all funds have been allocated.

General Overview: • To extend a helping hand to small businesses suffering from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation – in partnership with Vistaprint and a coalition of supporting companies, foundations, and philanthropic donors – is working to provide financial relief through the Save Small Business Fund. • The Save Small Business Fund is a grantmaking initiative to offer $5,000 grants that provide short-term relief for employers across the United States and its territories. • A recent poll conducted by the Chamber and MetLife found that more than half of small businesses (54%) have closed at least temporarily or will close in the next two weeks. One in four (24%) are two months or less away from permanently closing. They need resources and relief — and they need it now. • That’s why the Save Small Business Fund is providing $5,000 grants to help as many businesses as possible meet their most pressing needs -- from rent, making payroll, or for overall business operations.

Resources for people to get COVID19 payment from the government

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 20:52:44 GMT

After the GEAC meeting, Andy Miller, Human Solutions, shared these links with us to share with the community so more people can get their COVID19 one-time payment from the federal government:

Access to a new web tool released by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to provide a quick means of registering people who do not normally file taxes for the COVID-19 Economic Impact Payment.

https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here

To view a list of temporary mailing addresses for use by people without bank accounts:

http://www.navigateresources.net/info/MatchList.aspx?k;Portland,%20Multnomah%20County;40530;;N;0;1385181;Temporary%20Mailing%20Address;Temporary%20Mailing%20Address;Partial

To view Oregon Housing Alliance's recent blog post with resources regarding the eviction and foreclosure moratoriums.

https://www.oregonhousingalliance.org/eviction-and-foreclosure-moratorium-information/

To read a one-pager provided on OregonLawHelp.org regarding Oregon tenant rights during COVID-19:

Oregon Tenant Rights during COVID-19

Free legal information from Legal Aid Services of Oregon & Oregon Law Center (updated April 9, 2020)

1. It is illegal for a landlord to give you an eviction notice or a notice of violation for non-payment of rent, non-payment of fees, or non-payment of utilities between now and June 30th. You need to tell your landlord as soon as possible that you cannot pay your rent. If you cannot pay your rent now, you will need to pay it after June 30, 2020.
2. It is illegal for a landlord to charge you a late fee for any kind of nonpayment between now and June 30, 2020.
3. It is illegal for a landlord to give you a no-cause notice between now and June 30, 2020.
4. It is illegal for your landlord to file for an eviction based on non-payment or a no-cause notice between now and June 30, 2020. Your local government may have protections.
5. Tell your landlord in writing if you've lost income due to COVID-19, and send written proof of loss of income as soon as possible.
6. If you live in subsidized housing, your landlord cannot give you an eviction notice based on non-payment until at least July 26, 2020. Your landlord has to give you at least a 30-day notice after July 26, 2020.

Additional online resources

For more information on tenant rights in Oregon visit:

https://www.oregon rentersrights.org/ and

https:// oregonlawhelp.org/classroom/public-health-and -coronavirus-covid-19/housing-protections

Free legal help for low-income Oregonians

If you are low-income and need legal help related to your housing, you may be able to get free legal assistance from a legal aid attorney. To find your local legal aid office, visit https://oregonlawhelp.org//resource/oregon-legal-aid-offices

Latest Employment Office Guidance from Rep. Reardon

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 22:47:23 GMT

The Oregon Employment Department is doing a tremendous amount of work in response to vast increases in claims and new programs designed to help unemployed workers.

The Oregon Employment Department continues work to address both the historic spike in unemployment insurance claims, and the dramatic expansion of eligibility criteria. We have some new information and can use your help to spread the word.

1. Oregon turned Federal law into real dollars in two weeks!

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 was signed into law on March 27. The CARES Act allows payment of Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC). The Oregon Employment Department has started issuing these payments to eligible individuals. Oregonians who are already eligible for regular Unemployment Insurance benefits and eligible for FPUC will receive two weekly payments; one for regular UI benefits, and an additional $600 payment. Individuals will be receiving FPUC benefits using the same payment method as their regular UI benefits for the week. FPUC payments will be paid for each week someone is eligible from March 29, 2020 through the week ending July 25, 2020. The $600 payments will be retroactive for those eligible for payments.

More information about the upcoming PUA program and all benefits associated with the CARES Act can be found on the Employment Department’s COVID-19 page.

2. We’ve addressed the error message reported to us.

We had a re-start claim error for a portion of claims received during the week of April 5 and again on April 12. We made an automatic fix for this issue last week, and nearly all affected should be able to continue to file weekly claims online. For those who have completed their initial claim, and continued to file weekly claims, your re-start error has been identified and fixed. If you tried Sunday the 12^th, and got the re-start error for the first time, you can re-try now and it should work. You will not lose out on a week of benefits that you were eligible to receive because of a difficulty either getting through on our phone, or because of an online claim error.

We know misinformation, especially coming from us, is frustrating and scary. We also know that as we rework our systems to keep pace with eligibility rules rewritten at the federal level, we will continue to face challenges with the system.

Bottom line, if a benefits seeker or employer receives a message that doesn’t seem right, we ask them to email us – allowing an Employment staffer to run the message to ground.

3. Employers reported receiving notices of unemployment for their employees that look like bills.

Good news, it is not a bill. We provide this information to employers because we are required to; most likely, the information is part of the calculation of an employer’s future “experience rating.” Ratings are computed annually, and look at the time period of July 1 – June 30.

Because of the timing of the coronavirus, the impact of this is likely to be spread across multiple tax years, minimizing any sudden or drastic changes. The thinking right now is that it is not an indicator that employer “experience rating” will drastically change in the coming years!

4. Updated websites have dashboards and links to information, instructional videos, and a way to sign up for updates electronically:

• https://www.qualityinfo.org/covid-19

• https://govstatus.egov.com/ORUnemployment_COVID19

5. Thank you for continuing to advise your constituents to use one of the following email boxes with Employment Department team members dedicated to responding. Someone will email back or phone the person within the week.

• OED_COVID19_Info@oregon.gov

• OED_UI_Info@oregon.gov

6. Employment Department employees can’t all telework? What are you doing for their safety?

The Employment Department promotes telework when possible. Privacy and security are very important to us, the Oregonians we serve, and is critical to our federal and state partnership. This work is essential and we maintain a safe workplace with that security at the forefront of helping Oregonians when they need us most, which has truly never been at a greater level than now.

When people speak to us about their claims, they are providing private information, including their social security number, their earnings information, and when we get the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program up and running, new/private tax documentation we do not usually handle. We have to protect the private information of the people who need unemployment benefits from us. Using unsecured phone lines or allowing inadvertent access to those pieces of private information poses quite a risk.

As early as March 4th, we provided Employment Department team members with information and resources about best practices to stay healthy and safe. Our efforts have continued as the best practices and advice has evolved including:

• Cleaning building per CDC protocols daily

• Soap and water for hand washing, disinfecting wipes, and hand sanitizers are available

• Signage for social distancing

• Individual staff seated at least 6 feet away

• Worksource centers remained open to the public by appointment only to promote social distancing and later went to providing services virtually through email, phones, and skype

• Work spaces that weren’t six feet apart were organized into split shifts; no sharing of work spaces (so the people on different shifts are not using the same space as another employee)

• All staff, including the team members in the contact centers have the use of Skype and email to message each other instead of having to ask each other questions face to face

• Our contact centers do not accept walk-ins. The only way to file a claim is online or by phone.

• We have also been opening up vacant spaces in our existing contact centers and other buildings to make additional, socially distanced spaces for taking claims as we bring in new staff

• Through the letters of agreement for represented state employees, which includes employees in contact centers, the Oregon Employment Department also has the same leave options available as all state agencies.

We are continuously adjusting our protocols to keep our work spaces and team members safe and we count on one another to help us do that.

7. We’ve dramatically increased our staffing levels in response to the wave of claims.

We started with 106 employees dedicated to taking claims during the week starting March 8. In two weeks’ time, we doubled the number of employees taking claims, primarily by switching existing OED staff from their area of expertise to taking claims. That means we could use existing work spaces.

As we have continued to hire employees, we have been utilizing spaces that were vacant so we can bring them into a properly distanced environment. Of the initial, record-shattering surge of claims we received, our talented and amazing employees have processed more than half of them. So far, on average, we’re still processing claims in about the same time frame of a few weeks from initial filing to payment as would be the standard in non-pandemic times. That is truly impressive.

As of today, we have 450 team members dedicated to processing claims and we are continually recruiting.

8. We are prioritizing COBOL programming

Oregonians are already getting enhanced unemployment benefits under the CARES Act, which Congress passed two weeks ago. Where provisions of the CARES Act call for additional coding or computer work, the department is working to implement those changes in its mainframe COBOL system.

The top priority has been to get the supplemental $600 payments out the door as quickly as possible, and the first payments began late last week.
The second priority is to prepare Oregon’s unemployment system to provide benefits to those not usually eligible for unemployment insurance benefits, such as self-employed Oregonians. The department is already preparing its systems for this significant expansion of benefits.
The third priority is implementing the numerous other programs outlined in the CARES Act, including the new federal extension program called the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation, the federal-state shared Extended Benefits program, the Workshare program allotting federal reimbursements (instead of employers reimbursing the trust fund), and the coding necessary to eliminate the “waiting week.”

There is significant work required to make changes in our mainframe systems, and making these changes will impact how quickly we can get benefits to people. Therefore, we prioritize by looking at both the feasibility and risk of the changes compared to the impact of the changes.

9. And the independent contractor (PUA) progress?

We are working on implementing the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program for people who are not usually eligible for unemployment insurance benefits. We may be able to start taking applications before all of the computer programming is done, but we do not yet know if that is the case. PUA benefits will be retroactive to February 2, 2020. As soon as we know how the program will work in Oregon, we will be getting the information out as quickly as we can. It will take us time to take the federal legislation, and the guidance from the US Department of Labor, and from that create and start implementing the programs. Our UI application process really is geared towards employees, as that is who the unemployment insurance program was designed to assist. We are advising that people not apply for this program until we create it. Thank you. Jeannine

Many of the questions we are getting are asking for a confirmation of a claim going through. We ask that constituents with claim specific questions use our dedicated email box address (below). This gets them into a queue to have their specific question answered as the email box is staffed with trained and dedicated employees. This email box is backlogged, but someone will get back to the person.

Rep. Jeff Reardon, District 48

(503) 986-1448 (office)

P.S. Want to stay in the know? Sign up for our email updates at https://govstatus.egov.com/ORUnemployment_COVID19

For questions about your claim, remember we have an email box dedicated to respond to your specific questions. They are back logged, but will get back to you OED_COVID19_info@oregon.gov

Deadline to complete Business Impact survey is tomorrow

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 19:03:46 GMT

Business Oregon, in partnership with Travel Oregon and Small Business Development Centers, would like to help assess how COVID-19 is impacting businesses. Information gathered by this survey will be vital to policy-makers who are working to provide assistance to businesses during this crisis. Individual responses to this survey are completely confidential and will not be shared publicly, only aggregate information will be shared.

We are working to target businesses specifically to capture estimated revenue impacts as well as information around canceled events, employee impacts, and more. We recognize that you may be receiving survey requests from multiple agencies and organizations. The intention of this short survey is to serve the needs of businesses impacted by COVID-19. Information gathered by this survey will be vital to policymakers who are working to provide assistance to businesses during this crisis.

Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. In the event you receive this questionnaire more than once, please provide only one response.

Please find the survey below: The survey will remain open through April 15.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BusinessOregon

Also, resources for businesses impacted by COVID-19 can be found on the websites of Business Oregon, Travel Oregon, and Oregon Small Business Development Center here:

http://www.oregon4biz.com/Coronavirus-Information/

https://traveloregon.com/things-to-do/covid-19-resources-updates/

https://bizcenter.org/covid-19/

OSCC Recommendations for COVID-19 Relief

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 20:38:18 GMT

The OSCC Board of Directors convened on Wednesday, April 8th to take stock of problems arising with the implementation of the Federal CARES legislation and other disaster relief and to make recommendations, based on available information (which is frequently changing), that would get federal resources to where they are needed most in the small business community.

To date, OSCC's recommendations are as follows:

Restore the initial intent of the SBA Disaster Loan (EIDL) that every eligible small business be eligible for $10,000. Subsequent changes in rules appear to have limited eligibility to $1,000 per employee for a maximum of $10,000. This reduces critical assistance for our smaller businesses.
Revise the rules of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) so that employers can demonstrate 8 weeks of restored payroll by September 30th. The current deadline of June 30th limits the ability of small business to receive forgiveness on their PPP loan because (1) there is uncertainty on when loan applications will be funded, and (2) some industries, such as the hospitality industry, have already laid off workers who are currently collecting enhanced federal and state unemployment benefits.
501(c)(6) non profit organizations should be added as employers that qualify for PPP loans. Current rules allow some non-profits to qualify for PPP loans (such as 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(19) organizations), but others, such as 501(c)(6) organizations, are excluded. Most Chambers of Commerce are 501(c)(6) organizations and have been critical in keeping their local business communities informed and helping them access benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Excluding these organizations is discriminatory.

More information will be posted as received from the OSCC.

April 2, 2020 10:00 AM OSCC state-wide meeting - join in

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 23:25:27 GMT

Please join OSCC for a call at 10am this Thursday to learn more about SBA loan information and resources for business during the current COVID-19 health crisis. Congressman Kurt Schrader will be joining to give a Congressional update. This is an update you won't want to miss and is open to chambers and your chamber members.

AGENDA:

Welcome and Intro – Vonnie Mikkelsen, OSCC Board Chair

Congressman Kurt Schrader Congressional update

Small Business Administration - Martin Golden,District Director SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans and resources

Small Business Development Center - Rob Campbell, Executive Director SBDC Resources for business

Closing Remarks – Vonnie Mikkelsen

OSCC All Member COVID-19 calls

Conference call: +1 (571) 317-3122

Access Code: 350-753-021

Please mute your phones

From OSCC: New "Shelter in Place" Order from Gov. Brown

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 19:43:59 GMT

Governor Brown just issued an Executive Order on "shelter in place" -
Executive Order 20-12. Please note the guidance for professional offices, non profits, and which businesses are immediately ordered to be closed. Also the guidance for government buildings.

About the order:

All non-essential social and recreational gatherings of individuals are prohibited immediately, regardless of size, if a distance of at least six feet between individuals cannot be maintained. Gatherings of members of the same residential household are permitted.
It closes and prohibits shopping at specific categories of retail businesses, for which close personal contact is difficult to avoid, such as arcades, barber shops, hair salons, gyms and fitness studios, skating rinks, theaters, and yoga studios.
It requires businesses not closed by the order to implement social distancing policies in order to remain open, and requires workplaces to implement teleworking and work-at-home options when possible.
It directs Oregonians to stay home whenever possible, while permitting activities outside the home when social distance is maintained.
It closes playgrounds, sports courts, and skate parks, among other types of outdoor recreation facilities. Those that remain open are required to strictly adhere to social distancing guidelines.
It outlines new guidelines for child care facilities, setting limits and rules on amounts of children allowed in care, and outlining that child care groups may not change participants.

Retail businesses closed by Executive Order 20-12 include:

Shopping: Outdoor and indoor malls and retail complexes, although individual types of businesses not subject to the measures may stay open.
Fitness: Gyms, sports and fitness centers, health clubs, and exercise studios
Grooming: Barbershops, beauty and nail salons, and non-medical wellness spas
Entertainment: Theaters, amusement parks, arcades, bowling alleys, and pool halls

Other retail businesses will not be able to continue to operate unless they can implement strict social distancing measures and designate an employee or officer charged with ensuring compliance. Retail businesses able to adapt to take-out style shopping experiences can also remain open. If businesses can have employees work from home, then they must do so. Many of the businesses outlined in the order have voluntarily closed their doors already, to do their part to protect Oregon's communities.

In addition, non-retail businesses like manufacturers and the construction industry must ensure that their employees are maintaining social distancing measures. Restaurants are still permitted to offer take out, and delivery. They are required to maintain the social distancing guidelines.

These are extraordinary circumstances. We'll do our best to let you know of additional developments.

SEE DISTRICT ATTORNEY DEBATE TODAY AT 12:15pm

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 16:29:05 GMT

The Portland City Club is having a debate today LIVE on several different feeds. For those of you who didn't attend our meeting on the 11th, here's a chance to get information on the candidates so you can make an informed vote. For those of you who did attend the meeting, you may learn more about them.

One of the many things emphasized by the current crisis is the importance of who is in elected office. That's why we are committed to bringing you important candidate debates and election-related information.

Perhaps now more than ever: We are all in this together. That means providing substantive, truthful information from trusted sources.

All of our events, including primary debates, will be LIVE in virtual spaces via KGW, our website, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

We encourage our audience to participate in real-time by asking questions via social media and email:

#CITYCLUBDEBATE
Questions@pdxcityclub.org

Democracy does not stand still.

Update from Representative Chris Gorsek on upcoming special session on coronavirus

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 17:54:00 GMT

In an effort to prepare for the upcoming special session to address the coronavirus pandemic and ensure we’re communicating the needs of our constituents as efficiently as possible I wanted to reach out. I would like to ask each of you to work together with your respective jurisdictions to provide any requests for assistance, suggestions for policy changes, or any useful idea you have that could be implemented at the legislative level related to the coronavirus response.

For example, we’ve shared with Governor Brown’s office some issues we’ve seen where certain funding formulas could incentivize the kind of in-person contact we now need to limit. After hearing from a number of legislators who were hearing similar concerns from their constituents there was a change in rule that provided some flexibility for local jurisdictions. Just off the top of my head; I can imagine there are issues you all might have related to conducting business using virtual channels that might need to be addressed and debated so that we might balance openness and public safety to provide needed policy changes.

Since idea generation as well as efficient and effective use of resources are key to ensuring the best possible results please feel free to include any idea, no matter how far afield. I think it is encouraging for us all that leaders from every corner of the state are coming together to ask for and provide solutions. I’m reaching out to each of you to ensure that my office is working with a similar sense of purpose and duty. Please, also feel free to call either my chief of staff, Jason, at 503-473-5633 or myself at 503-901-6052 on our mobile numbers should you have any more immediate questions are concerns. We’re in contact with the Governor’s office and the Oregon Health Authority on daily conference calls to ensure we have the latest possible guidance.

Thank you all for the work that you are doing to meet the needs of your community. Take care of yourselves as well, we need you!

~Chris

State Representative Chris Gorsek
503.986.1449 | District 49 - Troutdale
Pronouns I respond to: he/him/his

Update on COVID-19 impacts

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 23:44:33 GMT

OSCC is keeping chambers up to date on information that has an impact on the business community as a result of COVID-19.

Yesterday, Governor Brown announced a new Executive Order prohibiting on-premises consumption of food and drink, as well as gatherings of more than 25 people for the next four weeks. She also announced plans for a special session in relation to COVID-19 in the next couple of weeks.
The Governor also announced the formation of a Coronavirus Economic Council to discuss workforce and small business needs during this crisis. OSCC is part of that conversation and has provided feedback about the need for certainty and cash flow during this disaster, particularly to help local communities and families recover from the recession.
The Joint Committee on Coronavirus Response will be meeting tomorrow at 10 am to discuss needed supports for working families and local businesses as a result of COVID-19. The business community put forward an initial letter of requests. OSCC members are encouraged to listen to the legislative conversation through this link:
https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2019I1/Committees/JSCVR/Overview

OSCC is keeping chambers up to date on information that has an impact on the business community as a result of COVID-19.

Yesterday, Governor Brown announced a new Executive Order prohibiting on-premises consumption of food and drink, as well as gatherings of more than 25 people for the next four weeks. She also announced plans for a special session in relation to COVID-19 in the next couple of weeks.
The Governor also announced the formation of a Coronavirus Economic Council to discuss workforce and small business needs during this crisis. OSCC is part of that conversation and has provided feedback about the need for certainty and cash flow during this disaster, particularly to help local communities and families recover from the recession.
The Joint Committee on Coronavirus Response will be meeting tomorrow at 10 am to discuss needed supports for working families and local businesses as a result of COVID-19. The business community put forward an initial letter of requests. OSCC members are encouraged to listen to the legislative conversation through this link:
If you want to submit local testimony before the hearing to be posted online, you can at https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2019I1/Committees/JSCVR/Overview
We also encourage you to follow up directly with your legislators about needed support for local businesses.

Sunshine Division Remains Open at Both Locations

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 21:04:30 GMT

In our Chamber's efforts to keep you informed be aware that Sunshine Division is available to those who need food:

We remain open at both of our locations for clients to continue receiving emergency food. Food boxes are served near the entrances (outside) in a manner that ensures the safety and necessary precautions to thoughtfully care for our clients, volunteers, and staff.

Clients are able to receive a food box 1x per week with this current method of distribution. These do not count toward their regular visit allotment as this is a unique situation.

For their hours, locations, and eligibility requirements, go to their website: https://sunshinedivision.org/

Portland Parks & Recreation COVID-19 update: All indoor recreation facilities, including community centers and pools, are temporarily closed through March 31st

Sat, 14 Mar 2020 17:06:09 GMT

Based on the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Oregon Health Authority, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, and local public health officials, Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) is closing all of its community centers and pools, and canceling all indoor PP&R activities, programs, and rentals. The tentative reopening date for the bureau’s indoor facilities is April 1, 2020.

Portland Parks & Recreation has monitored the COVID-19 situation since it began. We continue to be in communication with, and to follow the guidance of, the Oregon Health Authority, Multnomah County Health Department, and the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management regarding the situation.

For more of the bureau’s COVID-19 information, please visit

portlandoregon.gov/parks/covid-19

CLOSED/CANCELED THROUGH March 31^st:

·          All Portland Parks & Recreation facilities: All community and arts centers, swimming pools, and sports facilities are closed through March 31^st, 2020.

·          All Portland Parks & Recreation indoor programs: All indoor recreation and athletic programs are canceled through March 31^st, 2020.

·          PP&R facility rentals and permitted events in PP&R community centers: All indoor permitted events are canceled.

CURRENTLY OPEN OR PLANNED TO TAKE PLACE:
- All Portland Parks & Recreation parks, playgrounds, golf courses, trails, and natural areas are currently open. Park visitors are encouraged to follow direction from public health agencies and elected officials around social distancing.
- PP&R outdoor activities and events with less than 250 people can go on as planned.
- PP&R will encourage participants at outdoor offerings and events to follow social distancing guidance.

# # #

Mark Ross - Public Information Officer

Portland Parks & Recreation

503-823-6634

Update - 2020 Legislative Session Concludes

Thu, 05 Mar 2020 23:46:09 GMT

The 2020 short session has concluded.

House Speaker Kotek and Senate President Courtney will not convene additional floor sessions for the remainder of the session.

Republican leaders issued press releases this morning that their caucuses would come back to the Capitol on Sunday, the last day of session, to pass budgets. It was expected that Democrat leadership would decline, and they formally did this afternoon. The session is now effectively adjourned.

What's next...

The Emergency Board will meet to fund various critical needs such as Coronavirus response and Umatilla flooding response.
The Governor is preparing an Executive Order to implement the aspects of the Cap-and-Trade bill that she can direct her agencies to administer.
A special session will likely be called in the next month to address and pass some of the legislation that died during the short session.

This is what we know as of now.

Candidate Filing Deadline Day is next Tuesday, which will present the next opportunity for legislators to co-mingle. It'll be an interesting day.

OSCC 2020 Legislative Report - Week 4

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 22:06:05 GMT

We believe the Senate Republican "walkout" will commence this week as the Ways & Means Committee will approve SB 1530 - Cap and Trade - on Monday morning and send it to the Senate floor. Senator Betsy Johnson (D-Scappoose) will need to be temporarily replaced in order to facilitate this, as she remains a strong opponent of Cap and Trade, and her vote would kill the bill in committee.

The question at this point is whether House Republicans may follow suit.

The effect of the walkout is that the Senate cannot conduct business with fewer than 20 members. By boycotting the session, Republicans will leave the Senate with only 19 senators (we expect Senator Tim Knopp (R-Bend) to stay in Salem). All committees will continue to pass bills, but the full Senate would not be able to pass them. Because the session is constitutionally mandated to end at 12 AM, Sunday, March 8th, all bills not passed by the Senate would be dead at that time.

It remains to be seen how the Governor and Democrat leadership will deal with the walkout, but it will likely get intense over the next two weeks in terms of the messaging, the threats, and the looming possibility that there may be some executive action to call special sessions or invoke "emergency powers" to conduct votes with less than a constitutional quorum.

Things are about to get very interesting.

In the meantime, OSCC continues to be busy with its priorities. You can see the OSCC Legislative Priorities here.

Other than SB 1530, we continue to believe our biggest threat is House Bill 4010, which would effectively eliminate 50% of the state tax incentives for Opportunity Zones. The House Revenue Committee passed a version of HB 4010 on Thursday night which disconnects from the federal capital gains tax incentives to invest in OZ's and effectively levies a 4.95% state tax on any investment gains made in an OZ. You can view the one-pager here.

Bottom line: If you care about Opportunity Zones, Chambers need to speak up! We expect the House to vote on this bill as soon as early as Wednesday, so contact your State Representative now. Our message is simple: NO on HB 4010. You can go to our Voter Voice and send your messages here.

Here's a rundown of key OSCC Issues:

Cap-and-Trade (SB 1530). Although the bill was delayed last week, we expect the full Ways & Means Committee to approve the bill on Monday morning. This will likely trigger a Senate Republican 'walkout' to deny a quorum in the Senate to prevent passage of the bill.

CAT Tax "Technical" Fixes (HB 4009). This bill is supported by OSCC as it will lower penalties on underpayment of taxes, particularly in the first year, as businesses grapple with this new gross receipts tax. This bill was not an attempt to re-visit the policy, and OSCC cautioned members not to expect too much with this bill. OSCC's objectives here were to lower penalty provisions, which the bill does. This bill will likely be impacted by the Senate Republican walkout.

Statewide Lodging Tax legislation (HB 4047) will make permanent the 1.8% statewide lodging tax rate that was passed in 2016. OSCC assisted ORLA in passing this bill through a tough House vote, 37-18. You can see the joint ORLA/OSCC floor letter in support of the bill. This bill will likely be impacted by the Senate Republican walkout.

Interfering with Non-Competes (SB 1527). This issue was negotiated as both business and labor landed on a 12-month enforceability for non-compete agreements. Under the new law, non-competes can now only apply to employees making more than $97,300 per year and are only effective for 12 months. OSCC considers this issue settled. We expect the bill to pass the House Committee this week and ultimately pass. This will not be impacted by the Senate walkout.

New Requirements for projects in Economic Development Zones (SB 1525). Last week, we reported that this bill may have been a vehicle for mischief - to amend HB 4045 into it. OSCC opposed HB 4045, which imposed prevailing wage requirements on projects within enterprise zones, strategic investment zones, and renewable energy investment zones; specifically, the requirement to pay prevailing wages.

We are pleased to report there was no mischief in the passage of SB 1525, which was a very minor consensus bill dealing with new reporting requirements for enterprise zone projects. One more small victory.

Aviation fuel taxes / Public Airport Investments (HB 4036). We believe the Joint Transportation Committee will likely pass HB 4036 on Tuesday night. The bill would increase the aviation fuel tax by 2 cent-per-gallon to increase funding for public airports by $4 million per year. The tax increase will be a point of contention. Many Republicans, and some Democrats, prefer a scaled down version that would continue the current 2-cent tax but not increase taxes. Others support the additional 2-cent tax. We believe the House has the votes to pass this bill, but its future is in doubt in the Senate.

OSCC Special Legislative Update: SB 1530 Cap-and-Trade

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 22:02:50 GMT

After 75 minutes of debate and motions, the full Ways & Means Committee has just passed SB 1530, the Cap-and-Trade bill.

Senator Betsy Johnson (D-Scappoose) voted with Republicans on all amendments and in opposition to the bill. Ordinarily, this would result in the failure of the bill due to a 6-6 tie from the Senate committee members. Senate President Peter Courtney was added to the Committee roster today and broke the tie on the bill, allowing it to pass.

Senate Republicans moved several amendments, including an amendment to refer SB 1530 to the voters for the November 2020 election. All amendments failed.

Today's committee vote will trigger a 'walkout' from Senate Republicans, who have made it clear their intention to deny quorum to defeat the legislation. House Republicans are also indicating they may follow suit.

Despite the walkout, legislative committees will continue to meet and pass legislation. However, the Senate will not be able to vote on legislation due to lack of quorum. The same would hold true for the House if House Republicans also denied quorum.

By Constitution, the short session must be completed by 11:59 pm on Sunday, March 8th. Legislation not passed by that time is considered dead and must start again, either in a special session or in the 2021 long session.

OSCC 2020 Legislative Report: Week 3

Mon, 17 Feb 2020 17:34:22 GMT

We are now done with the first two weeks of the 2020 session. There are three weeks to go before the constitutional end date of March 8th. It was an extraordinarily busy week as most bills were scheduled for hearing or some sort of consideration. As of right now, most of the 250 bills that were introduced in the 2020 session are still alive. By our count, only 50 bills are formally dead.

Some good news: The quarterly revenue forecast was released on Wednesday. State revenues are expected to increase yet another $183 million. Revenues have increased an astounding $675 million since the 2019 Close-of-Session forecast which was the basis for the final 2019-2021 budget.

Now for the reality check: The 2020 session could very well come to a grinding halt this week. Democrat leadership will push Cap-and-Trade (SB 1530) out of the Ways & Means Committee on Tuesday, which means it could be on the Senate floor as soon as Thursday. At this point, we have every reason to believe that Senate Republicans will leave the capitol to deny quorum. Things could get very interesting by the end of the week as many possibilities could unfold, including (1) 11th hour dealmaking to lower the temperature and keep the session on track, although it's hard to see how this would include Republicans providing a quorum to vote on Cap-and-Trade, (2) House Republicans may also elect to leave the capitol in a show of solidarity, and (3) the Governor exploring "emergency" powers to pass Cap-and-Trade without a quorum.

It should also be noted that the politics of Cap-and-Trade are already baked. There is no business group or interest group that is going to alter the outcome - or negotiate a truce - except for the environmental lobby or Timber Unity.

Other than SB 1530, we continue to believe our biggest threat is House Bill 4010, which would effectively eliminate all state tax incentives for Opportunity Zones. The Oregon Education Association is imploring House Democrats to eliminate them. Bottom line: If you care about Opportunity Zones, Chambers need to say something! Either put your testimony on the record at lro.exhibits@oregonlegislature.gov or let your Representative and Senator know that local communities oppose this bill!

Here's a rundown of key OSCC Issues:

Cap-and-Trade (SB 1530). This bill passed the Senate Environment & Natural Resources Committee on Thursday afternoon on a 3-2. Senator Arnie Roblan (D-Coos Bay), a previous opponent of the bill, is now supporting the new bill, allowing it to pass to the Ways & Means Committee. OSCC is anticipating that SB 1530 will pass the Ways & Means Committee at 11:00 am on Tuesday, setting up the pivotal conflict of the session.

Statewide Lodging Tax legislation (HB 4047) will make permanent the 1.8% statewide lodging tax rate that was passed in 2016. The rate was scheduled to be reduced to 1.5% this year, but in order to lock in the higher rate for statewide tourism promotion instead of other unrelated objectives, the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association agreed to keep the rate at 1.8% so long as the money is dedicated to tourism promotion. OSCC testified in support of this bill, but its fate is uncertain.

Unemployment Benefits for Striking Employees (HB 4007). On Wednesday, the House Committee on Business & Labor closed the door on this bill. HB 4007 upended Oregon law by ensuring that striking employees are not disqualified from receiving unemployment. OSCC strongly opposed the bill and was pleased to see it die.

Real Estate Transfer Taxes (HJR 203). Other than a public hearing, we've seen no activity on this measure which would repeal Oregon's ban on real estate transfer taxes.

Interfering with Non-Competes (SB 1527). Last week, this issue was negotiated as both business and labor landed on a 12-month enforceability for non-compete agreements. Under the new law, non-competes can now only apply to employees making more than $97,300 per year and are only effective for 12 months. OSCC considers this issue settled.

Eliminating Opportunity Zones (HB 4010). OSCC joined cities and other economic development proponents on Wednesday night to testify in opposition to HB 4010, which would disconnect Oregon from the federal Opportunity Zone tax incentive that included in the federal 'Tax Cut and Jobs Act' passed by Congress in 2017. We've heard from many of our local chambers about the importance of maintaining Opportunity Zones as a tool to support local economic development. We view this as our biggest threat to date. If you want to preserve Opportunity Zones in your community, you need to speak up and send your testimony to: lro.exhibits@oregonlegislature.gov

Bill of the Week - SB 1525:

New Requirements for projects in Economic Development Zones
(SB 1525). Last week, we reported that HB 4045 died in committee. OSCC opposed HB 4045, which imposed prevailing wage requirements on projects within enterprise zones, strategic investment zones, and renewable energy investment zones; specifically, the requirement to pay prevailing wages.

But now there is opportunity for mischief in SB 1525, which is a very minor consensus bill dealing with new reporting requirements for enterprise zone projects. There is a possibility that HB 4045 may get stuffed into SB 1525 in the House Business & Labor Committee. We need to make sure this does not happen! Please submit your testimony to hbl.exhibits@oregonlegislature.gov. The Committee needs to know that your chamber does not support adding HB 4045 into SB 1525! OSCC will be watching this issue closely. The public hearing for SB 1525 is Monday morning.

OSCC 2020 Legislative Report - Week 2

Sun, 16 Feb 2020 00:14:49 GMT

We are now done with the first week of the 2020 session. There are four weeks to go before the constitutional end date of March 8th. It was an extraordinarily busy week as most bills were scheduled for hearing or some sort of consideration.

Some observations of the first week: (1) Senate President Courtney has a serious health condition and is not certain to be in the capitol. This could have major implications on key votes and also has major implications for key negotiations, (2) relationships are already showing signs of strain, and (3) the Timber Unity rally on Thursday was impactful and emboldened Republican lawmakers in their strong stance on Cap & Trade legislation.

Friday was the first significant deadline of session. If a bill was not scheduled for further consideration by Friday evening, then that bill is considered dead. Unfortunately, this only claimed about 20 of the 250 bills that were introduced. Legislative leadership has become very proficient at maneuvering bills to keep potential agenda items alive until the very end. However, one key bill opposed by OSCC has died (see below).

OSCC had a very busy week with its priorities.

As of today, we believe our biggest threat is House Bill 4010, which would effectively eliminate all state incentives for Opportunity Zones. Democrats in the House appear poised to eliminate them. Bottom line: If you care about Opportunity Zones, you'd better say something.

Here's a rundown of key OSCC Issues:

Ø Cap-and-Trade (SB 1530). Carbon cap-and-trade was the theme of the first week of session. The Senate President's office introduced SB 1530, which includes several changes from the failed HB 2020. First, it attempts (although unsuccessfully) to phase in the fuels tax, initially in the Portland Metro area and then in cities that store 10 million or more gallons of fuel. It's a surprisingly large number of cities. Second, the bill gives trade exposed natural gas users (certain manufacturers and farmers) 100% rate relief for the first three years of the program. After 2025, these manufacturers must conduct an energy system management audit and make any state-required energy efficiency investments in order to qualify for bill credits. Homes that use natural gas will see a 7% increase in their rates in 2022, and most propane users receive no protection from rate impacts due to cap-and-trade.

We are expecting SB 1530 to pass the Senate Environment & Natural Resources Committee this week and be sent to the Ways & Means Committee. At this time, Senate Republicans have signaled their intention to leave the capitol in order to block passage of this bill, but negotiations are ongoing. Some Senate Democrats do not appear to be willing to blow up the session over Cap & Trade. Senate President Courtney's absence also has implications here.

Ø Statewide Lodging Tax legislation (HB 4047) will make permanent the 1.8% statewide lodging tax rate that was passed in 2016. The rate was scheduled to be reduced to 1.5% this year, but in order to lock in the higher rate for statewide tourism promotion instead of other unrelated objectives, the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association agreed to keep the rate at 1.8% so long as the money is dedicated to tourism promotion. OSCC testified in support of this bill Tuesday evening in the House Revenue Committee and will lobby legislators on it.

Ø Unemployment Benefits for Striking Employees (HB 4007). On Wednesday, the House Committee on Business & Labor will hold a public hearing and possible work session on HB 4007. HB 4007 upends Oregon law and ensures that striking employees are not disqualified from receiving unemployment. Most states do not allow workers on strike to collect unemployment benefits, including Oregon. Were HB 4007 to pass, it would levy significant costs on Oregon's public and private employers. OSCC strongly opposes this legislation.

Ø Real Estate Transfer Taxes (HJR 203). We've seen no activity on this measure which would repeal Oregon's ban on real estate transfer taxes.

Other Key Issues Coming Up This Week

Ø Technical Assistance for Employers (HB 4087). Last week, OSCC joined our local chambers in support of HB 4087. This bill would transfer civil penalty reserves to fund technical assistance for employers in Eastern Oregon and the free online publication of BOLI technical assistance and compliance manuals. OSCC supported the -1 amendment, and the business community worked with Commissioner Hoyle last week on sideboards to ensure that there isn't an incentive to increase penalties in the future. HB 4087 is scheduled for a work session to move the bill out of committee with amendments on Monday.

Ø Interfering with Non-Competes (SB 1527). This week, business and labor representatives sat down to negotiate a reasonable compromise to noncompete agreement legislation. Our biggest concern with SB 1527 was the dramatic shift in enforceability of an agreement from 18 months under existing law to only 6 months. There will likely be a middle ground at 12 months.

Ø Eliminating Opportunity Zones (HB 4010). OSCC joined cities and other economic development proponents on Wednesday night to testify in opposition to HB 4010, which would disconnect Oregon from the federal Opportunity Zone tax incentive that included in the federal 'Tax Cut and Jobs Act' passed by Congress in 2017. We've heard from many of our local chambers about the importance of maintaining Opportunity Zones as a tool to support local economic development. We view this as our biggest threat to date. If you want to preserve Opportunity Zones in your community, you need to speak up and send your testimony to: lro.exhibits@oregonlegislature.gov

Ø BOLI Screening of Employers/Employees (HB 4113). OSCC testified in opposition to HB 4113, which would require BOLI screening of all employers - and all employees - if there are minors employed in the workplace. The legislation appeared well intended - to protect minors from sex offenders or other criminals in the workplace - but OSCC testified that employers no longer have the tools to screen employees for criminal background and that it was unfair to subject employers to civil penalties and lawsuits if they themselves have no ability to screen employees for criminal backgrounds. OSCC is expecting an amendment this week from BOLI to address our concerns.

Casualties of the first deadline:

Ø Prevailing Wage Requirements in Economic Development Zones (HB 4045). HB 4045 died in committee on Friday. HB 4045 imposed public procurement requirements on projects within enterprise zones, strategic investment zones, and renewable energy investment zones; specifically, the requirement to pay prevailing wages. Requiring prevailing wage rates on private construction projects offsets the very local economic development incentives provided by tax abatements. This bill would have jeopardized future economic development projects.

ACTION ALERT

Tue, 11 Feb 2020 22:39:18 GMT

We need you to take a stand and oppose HOUSE BILL 4010, which would effectively eliminate all state incentives for Opportunity Zones. We view this as our biggest threat to date.

OSCC joined cities and other economic development proponents on Wednesday night to testify in opposition to HB 4010, which would disconnect Oregon from the federal Opportunity Zone tax incentive that included in the federal 'Tax Cut and Jobs Act' passed by Congress in 2017. We've heard from many of our local chambers about the importance of maintaining Opportunity Zones as a tool to support local economic development.

What are the risks of disconnecting? Disconnecting will create added complexity and confusion, particularly for the Oregon investor who is willing to focus on smaller and rural community projects in Oregon. The added complexity will also make it more difficult for local and regional agencies to establish programs that leverage the incentive to achieve broadly targeted goals. Disconnecting from the federal OZ incentive will not eliminate OZ’s in Oregon. Disconnection only changes the eligibility of Oregon tax payers to realize the capital gains incentives in future years for investments made in Oregon. Out of state tax payers or multi statecorporations can still invest in, and receive tax benefits from, Oregon’s OZ’s and Oregon investors can invest in out-of-state funds or properties in OZ’s in other states. How will disconnect affect local Oregon investors and taxpayers? As noted by the Legislative Revenue Office “Bottom line, only Oregon taxpayers are affected by a disconnect.”1 Disconnecting from the federal code will penalize Oregon investors. HB 4010 would treat Oregon investors differently, and will not give Oregonians investing in their own communities the same benefits as those who invest elsewhere, or out-of-state investors spending the same money in our communities. At-best, this will lead to out-of-state ownership and control of Oregon assets at the expense of local ownership and control. At worst, disconnecting Oregon from the federal tax code means no investment in our neediest areas. Disconnection may simply discourage Oregon taxpayers from making local investments in Oregon companies and properties. Any potential benefit of OZ’s will be lost, and place Oregon as the national outlier. Whether or not OZ’s incentivize investment that may not otherwise occur is an open question, but there is no question that Oregon’s disconnect can only disincentivize local investment by Oregon taxpayers.

If you want to preserve Opportunity Zones in your community, now is the time to speak up and send your testimony as soon as possible to:

lro.exhibits@oregonlegislature.gov

PRESERVE OPPORTUNITY ZONES -
OPPOSE HB 4010

OSCC 2020 Legislative Report - Day 2

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 01:02:43 GMT

The first day of the 2020 legislative session is now in the books.

The 2020 Legislature introduced about 250 bills. Last week, the OSCC Government Affairs Committee and Board convened to develop the OSCC legislative priorities for 2020.

Yesterday, OSCC did the following:

Testified in support of additional BOLI Technical Assistance for employers (HB 4087). OSCC appeared before the House Business & Labor Committee to testify with Labor Commissioner Val Hoyle in support of her bill, HB 4087. This bill would transfer civil penalty reserves (approx. $100,000/ year) to fund technical assistance for employers in Eastern Oregon and the free online publication of BOLI technical assistance and compliance manuals. OSCC worked with Commissioner Hoyle on the -1 amendment, which removes the authorization to propose legislation that would increase civil penalties for Oregon employers. You can see OSCC's written testimony here. Chambers are encouraged to submit written testimony at: hbl.exhibits@oregonlegislature.gov
Testified in opposition to HB 4113, which would require BOLI screening of all employers - and all employees - if there are minors employed in the workplace. The legislation is well intended -to protect minors from sex offenders or other criminals in the workplace - but OSCC testified that employers no longer have the tools to screen employees for criminal background and that it was unfair to subject employers to civil penalties and lawsuits if they themselves have no ability to screen employees for past criminal behavior. OSCC is expecting an amendment from BOLI to address our concerns. Chambers are encouraged to submit written comment at: hbl.exhibits@oregonlegislature.gov

Today, OSCC will be watching the following:

Statewide Lodging Tax legislation (HB 4047) will make permanent the 1.8% statewide lodging tax rate that was passed in 2016. The rate was scheduled to be reduced to 1.5% this year, but in order to lock in the higher rate for statewide tourism promotion instead of other unrelated objectives, the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association agreed to keep the rate at 1.8% so long as the money is dedicated to tourism promotion. OSCC will support the legislation for the simple reason that if HB 4047 is not passed, the statewide Lodging Tax will be used as a vehicle to fund all manner of new programs and objectives unrelated to the tourism promotion that local communities rely on. You can see OSCC's testimony here. It's being heard this evening in the House Revenue Committee. Chambers are encouraged to submit written comment to: lro.exhibits@oregonlegislature.gov
Interfering with Non-Competes (SB 1527). On Tuesday, the Senate Committee on Labor and Business will hold a hearing on SB 1527, which interferes with and reduces the scope of enforceable noncompete agreements. OSCC's biggest concern is the dramatic shift in enforceability of an agreement from 18 months under existing law to only 6 months. OSCC is concerned that six months may not be long enough to protect the investment the employer made in the former employee or to protect intellectual property. Chambers are encouraged to submit written comment to: slb.exhibits@oregonlegislature.gov

ACTION ALERT testify Saturday Feb 8th at 10:00 am

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 00:58:45 GMT

We need you to take a stand against harmful legislation that raises taxes and costs and kills local jobs. Senate Bill 1530 on Cap-an-Trade is being considered by lawmakers in the Senate THIS WEEK. Senators will be hearing public testimony on Saturday at 10:00am in Hearing Room C at the Capitol. It is critical that legislators hear from you on the impact this bill has on working Oregonians. We need your voice to tell legislators that Oregonians cannot afford SB 1530 on Cap-and-Trade.

Below are some talking points for testimony. We encourage you to make your comments personal.

SB 1530 on Cap-and-Trade hurts small businesses and working Oregonians. Cap-and-Trade brings with it increased costs of everyday items like fuel, electricity, food and household goods. The average family would pay an estimated $700 - $1,000 more per year in higher costs for these items, including an immediate 22-cent increase in gas prices.
SB 1530 on Cap-and-Trade hurts our economy with lost jobs and backroom deal-making. Politically-connected corporations would have an unfair advantage to escape the tax, while less politically-connected businesses would face higher taxes and costs. Cap-and-Trade would cost Oregon thousands of living-wage jobs as businesses move to other states with higher carbon emissions.
SB 1530 on Cap-and-Trade hurts Oregonians with wasteful spending. Cap-and-Trade would allow unelected state bureaucrats to raise taxes and costs on businesses and consumers - without a vote of the legislature - at a rate of $700 million per year. There is no accountable plan for spending the additional money.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when testifying:

Arrive early and get your name on the list to testify to ensure you have the opportunity to share your comments.
Testimony will be limited to two minutes per person, so make sure you can make your key points in the time allotted.
Be sure to reference SB 1530, the Cap-and-Trade bill, when you testify.
If you are unable to testify in person, you can submit written testimony by sending your comments to: senr.exhibits@oregonlegislature.gov.
For more details about the hearings, please see the Legislature's website: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2020R1/Committees/SENR/2020-02-04-15-00/Agenda

Cap-and-Trade hurts Oregonians across the state by saddling businesses and families with additional taxes and costs, ultimately harming our economy and way of life. This is a California-sized policy that would burden Oregonians with additional taxes and increased costs that impact everyday life.

Contact your senator.

Oregon State Chamber of Commerce Priorities at the Legislature

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 00:51:31 GMT

2020 Legislative Priorities (Approved 1.31.2020) The 2020 OSCC Legislative Priorities represents the legislative priorities of Oregon’s local business communities as represented by the 80 local Chambers of Commerce members of the Oregon State Chamber of Commerce. The OSCC is organized to give a voice to the local business communities throughout Oregon in support of policies that enable business success, job growth and income growth in each of our local communities. We believe a healthy business climate, and the jobs that such a business climate creates, is the key to building up our local communities, adequately funding social services and making our state prosperous. The 2020 OSCC Legislative Agenda is a reflection of our collective desire to see that every Oregon community is able to grow and develop a vibrant local economy that can support each community’s needs. For 2020, OSCC requests that the Oregon legislature stay true to the intent of the short session by keeping focused on limited policy discussions, additional expenditures afforded by our growing economy, and policy adjustments stemming from the 2019 legislative session. The Members of the OSCC are united in support of: 1. Increased tourism investments (HB 4047) 2. Flexibility in administration of new CAT tax (HB 4009) 3. Investment in affordable housing & community – OAHTC & IDAs 4. Investment in local airports (HB 4036) 5. Investments in higher education 6. Investments in county fairgrounds 7. Additional BOLI Technical Assistance for Eastern Oregon (HB 4087) The Members of the OSCC are united in opposition to: 1. Cap-and-Trade (SB 1530) 2. Increasing the cost of private investment in Enterprise Zones (HB 4045) 3. Interfering with Employer/Employee non-compete agreements (SB 1527) 4. Unemployment benefits during labor disputes (HB 4007) 5. Elimination of Opportunity Zones (HB 4010) 6. Real Estate Transfer Taxes (HJR 203)

The GEAC committee wants to hear from you - what burning questions do you need answered?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 20:06:50 GMT

The Government and Economic Affairs committee is planning the meetings for the upcoming year!

To start off the year we are going to have Kyle Alexander, Atty, talk about legislative changes that can affect your business. A change on the Federal level in regards to overtime pay can be especially impactful to non-profits. We encourage you to join us on Jan. 8th at the Adventist Hospital conference room, lower level, to hear what he has to share and answer questions you have.

In February we will have Christian Kaylor, State of Oregon economist, join us to share what he sees happening in 2020. This meeting is our probably our most well-attended for the year and we'd love to have you join us.

This is an election year so we will have candidate forums coming up.

Beyond that we'd like to know what your concerns are in this economy. Do you have expertise in a particular are that you want to share with your fellow Chamber members?

We want to help our members get the most exposure possible to get full benefit from their membership in EPCC. Take advantage of the opportunities available to you through being a speaker, hosting a meeting at your business, or sharing what topics you'd like us to find speakers on!

Best wishes for a prosperous 2020!

East Portland Chamber of Commerce Untitled page

OSCC Update on Monday's Special Session

OSCC Timely Information received yesterday regarding Facebook group "Open Oregon"

OSCC: Economic shutdown will continue for 25 Oregon counties

OSCC: Oregon OSHA COVID-19-Related Rule Resources

OSCC Legislative Update: November 19, 2020

OSCC:$75 Million in Financial Grants to Oregon Small Business Coming Available

OSCC: Governor Brown announces statewide two-week freeze

Alert from Oregon Chamber of Commerce - new OSHA COVID-19 rules go into effect on Monday the 16th

ACTION ALERT

Second Special Session of 2020 - What Happened?

ACTION ALERT from Oregon State Chamber of Commerce

Governor Brown Announces New Requirements for Face Coverings and Businesses

Mask Mandate Q&A with Oregon OSHA and BOLI

COVID-19 relief available for 2nd-quarter payments

July 8, 2020: 9:00 - 10:00am Liability Protection Round table Discussion

First Special Session concludes

Special Session begins tomorrow, June 24th

ACTION ALERT

Portland Parks & Recreation’s Free Lunch + Play Begins Monday, June 22: Expanded program is key in citywide efforts to provide crucial services

RSVP for Venture Portland's Upcoming Business Street Activation Program Q&A

RSVP for Our Upcoming Business Street Activation Program Q&A

Learn more about PBOT's Healthy Business Permit program on 6/18 from 12-1pm.

Register for the Street Activation Program Q&A with PBOT on 6/18

Businesses Need Protection from the Onslaught of Incoming COVID-19 Lawsuits

Venture Portland: RSVP for Our Upcoming COVID-19 Business Reopening Panel Discussions

COVID-19 Reopening Q&A for Retailers with Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury

Liability protections are needed to shield employers from litigation abuse during COVID-19

From Oregon Chamber: Business Resources for COVID-19

Governor Brown announces details of Phase 1 reopening

Two major announcements released regarding Paycheck Protection Program

OSCC Joins Save Small Business Coalition

ACTION ALERT

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR'S GUIDE TO UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION and SBA ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOANS (EIDL)

AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE TO CARES ACT RELIEF

US Chamber of Commerce Foundation launches Save Small Business Fund

Resources for people to get COVID19 payment from the government

Latest Employment Office Guidance from Rep. Reardon

Deadline to complete Business Impact survey is tomorrow

OSCC Recommendations for COVID-19 Relief

April 2, 2020 10:00 AM OSCC state-wide meeting - join in

From OSCC: New "Shelter in Place" Order from Gov. Brown

SEE DISTRICT ATTORNEY DEBATE TODAY AT 12:15pm

We encourage our audience to participate in real-time by asking questions via social media and email:

#CITYCLUBDEBATE Questions@pdxcityclub.org

Democracy does not stand still.

Update from Representative Chris Gorsek on upcoming special session on coronavirus

Update on COVID-19 impacts

Sunshine Division Remains Open at Both Locations

Portland Parks & Recreation COVID-19 update: All indoor recreation facilities, including community centers and pools, are temporarily closed through March 31st

Update - 2020 Legislative Session Concludes

OSCC 2020 Legislative Report - Week 4

OSCC Special Legislative Update: SB 1530 Cap-and-Trade

OSCC 2020 Legislative Report: Week 3

OSCC 2020 Legislative Report - Week 2

ACTION ALERT

OSCC 2020 Legislative Report - Day 2

ACTION ALERT testify Saturday Feb 8th at 10:00 am

Oregon State Chamber of Commerce Priorities at the Legislature

The GEAC committee wants to hear from you - what burning questions do you need answered?

#CITYCLUBDEBATE
Questions@pdxcityclub.org