(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown issued the following statement December 21st upon the adjournment of the special session sine die:
“I called this special session because of the critical need to get resources into the hands of Oregonians who have been making incredible sacrifices to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Brown. “I’d like to thank legislative leadership, and every member of the Legislature, for coming together in a bipartisan way to deliver on a relief package. I also called lawmakers into this special session to address wildfire prevention and community preparedness, given Oregon’s catastrophic wildfire season.
“I am pleased that the legislature set aside $800 million that will allow the state to respond to the ongoing needs of the pandemic and wildfire response. These funds are critical to protect Oregon families and small businesses. I am also glad they took up critical, COVID-19-related policy bills that will provide relief for tenants and landlords, extend the eviction moratorium, and create avenues to support restaurants and bars.
“State agencies have been delivering support to Oregonians throughout the public health crisis and are ready to develop proposals for the Emergency Board to consider in January that ensure we are leveraging every available federal resource so that this aid package provides quick support to Oregonians in need.
“These policy changes and budget investments, coupled with the recently announced agreement on a federal economic package, will bring much-needed relief to Oregonians and help beat the COVID-19 virus. These are important steps, but more resources will be needed for Oregon families and businesses when Congress returns to Washington.”