December 2020 Government & Community Relations Update
Congress passes 4th COVID relief and Omnibus spending bills
On Monday, Dec. 21, Congress passed a $900 billion 4th COVID-19 pandemic relief package. The relief package is paired with an Omnibus spending bill to finalize the FY21 budget. The relief package includes another round of direct payments to individuals; enhanced unemployment benefits, support for struggling industries and small businesses, and funding for vaccine distribution.
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Governor Brown to convene Oregon Legislature for the third special session of 2020
For the third time this year, Governor Kate Brown will convene a Special Session of the Oregon Legislature. Governor Brown has asked the legislature to consider $800 million in relief to address the needs of Oregon communities stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and the state’s wildfires.
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C.R. extends funding of the federal government through Dec. 18; UO joins letter urging passage of FY21 appropriations bills
On Dec. 11 the U.S. Senate advanced a U.S. House-passed continuing resolution that would fund the government at current levels through Dec. 18. The President signed the bill. Congress is now in the final hours of negotiating a budget bill to meet the December 18 deadline.
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Bonamici requests funding for Institute for Education Sciences to address COVID-related delays in research
On Dec. 4 Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), took the lead in authoring a letter from ten additional members of the U.S. House of Representatives, including Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-OR), to the leadership of the House and U.S. Senate Appropriations Committees.
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Gov. Brown makes joint COVID relief request with Wyden and Merkley, requests support for college and K-12 students
On Dec. 1 Oregon Governor Kate Brown sent a letter to U.S. House and Senate leaders urging funding for childcare for working families, elementary and secondary education, and higher education in any COVID-19 relief package.
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Governor Brown releases 2021-23 proposed budget
On Dec.1 Oregon Gov. Kate Brown released her recommended budget for the 2021-23 biennium.
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