Our Children Oregon is carefully tracking policy discussions at the federal and state levels, and we are sharing our priorities with elected officials to ensure resources reach children and families, and that small businesses, especially child care operations, have the supports they need to be able to reopen their doors and hire back workers so that our communities can thrive. It is particularly important for Oregon to prioritize its resources, because the state cannot operate in a deficit, unlike the federal government. The US Congress has passed three major pieces of legislation that will help children and families weather this crisis. An announcement about a special legislative session in Oregon is expected to come out in the coming days. In addition to addressing health care needs, highlights of the federal bills including:
- Expanding SNAP benefits and allowing states to waive certain requirements to help ensure people have food. Oregon has already submitted at least six federal waivers to streamline our processes.
- Expanding Unemployment Insurance benefits, and allowing states to reduce barriers to getting benefits.
- Direct payments to tax filers, with an additional payment for children.
- Relief for both small and large businesses, including child care operations.
