Kerry Johnson

Merry Christmas 🎁🎄

September is National Su***de Prevention Month. We unite to promote su***de prevention awareness in our communities, state, and nation. Remember, we can all help prevent su***de. To learn more about you can help, please click the banner below.

Participate Everybody has a role to play in preventing su***de, and the Lifeline has lots of ways you can take part. With your help, we can spread awareness about su***de prevention and mental health, and save lives.

The City Council in Portland will be voting today on an emergency resolution that would “ban the purchase of goods and services from Texas.” This is in response to Texas’ recent legislation that prohibits abortions after cardiac activity can be detected. More information can be found below.

Portland to vote on Texas trade ban over abortion law PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The City Council in Portland, Oregon will vote Wednesday on an emergency resolution that would ban the purchase of goods and services from Texas in response

The initial maps of Oregon’s redistricting plans were released late last week. There are multiple maps for congressional and state districts proposed by Oregon committees as well as citizens. As expected, these maps are fairly different from one another. The Oregon Legislature has until the end of the month to settle on a new map for the Oregon Supreme Court to review. Public hearings on the congressional districts will be taking place starting tomorrow through next Monday. More information about that can be found here: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/redistricting.

To view the proposed maps, please go here: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2021I1/Committees/SRED/2021-09-03-08-00/MeetingMaterials

Oregon State Redistricting Information

Approximately 80,000 Oregonians will run out of unemployment benefits when the federal extensions and boosts end tomorrow. Some are hoping the expiration of these benefits will push people to fill the many job vacancies across the state. Others are not so optimistic. Stronger household finances, underlying health conditions, and the school year already starting for so many are just some of the reasons why people may not return to work right away. Click the banner below for more information.

80,000 will lose unemployment Sept. 4, but it may not solve the workforce problem Federal programs run out Sept. 4, but there are no guarantees those who run out of benefits will race to fill the labor-thirsty market.

Oregonians are lined up to receive a $1.9 billion tax credit next year. What does this mean for you? The median Oregonian making $35,000 - $40,000 is projected to receive a kicker rebate of $420 on their 2021 taxes. Those who make the average Oregon salary of $67,500 are expected to see an $850 credit. More information about the kicker can be found below.

Oregonians to see record $1.9B tax kicker next year Oregonians are set to receive a $1.9 billion tax credit on their personal income taxes next year, a record high number.

I try to keep my page about the local issues that affect us here in Oregon, but I must take a moment to honor the 13 servicemembers who were killed in a cowardly attack last week in Kabul, Afghanistan. 11 Marines, 1 Soldier, and 1 Sailor:

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, 20, of Rio Bravo, Texas

Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, 23, of Sacramento, Calif.

Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, 31, of Salt Lake City

Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, 23, of Corryton, Tenn.

Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22, of Indio, Calif.

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, 20, of Jackson, Wyo.

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, 20, of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, 20, of Norco, Calif.

Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosariopichardo, 25, of Lawrence, Mass.

Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, 22, of Logansport, Ind.

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, 20, of St. Charles, Mo.

Navy Hospitalman Maxton W. Soviak, 22, of Berlin Heights, Ohio

Marine Corps Cpl. Daegan W. Page, 23, of Omaha, Neb.

May they Rest In Peace. They will never be forgotten. To learn more about these heroes, please go here: https://www.npr.org/2021/08/29/1032044382/what-we-know-about-the-13-u-s-service-members-killed-in-the-kabul-attack.

What We Know About The 13 U.S. Service Members Killed In The Kabul Attack

This was a welcome surprise for the Linn County Fair Board Friday.

Today is the first day of the Oregon State Fair! After being canceled last year due to COVID, the fair is back with tons of attractions and concerts! The fair will be from August 27 – September 6, so there is plenty of time to visit. Ticket pricing and a list of all the fun can be found below.

Oregon State Fair - Oregon State Fair The Oregon State Fair is proud to offer many incredible attractions that take place outdoors, like live music, animals, entertainment, carnival rides, games, and of course – fair food! Still, we will follow COVID-19 health and safety mandates as determined by the Oregon Health Authority and the Go...

The process of redrawing Oregon’s congressional and legislative district boundaries is underway as the U.S. Census results were released last week. The Oregon Legislature will draw maps and attempt to pass them through the Legislature over the next five weeks. According to Orgon law, each district should: be contiguous, be of equal population, utilize existing geographic or political boundaries, not divide communities of common interest, and be connected by transportation links.

Redistricting underway as Oregon lawmakers seek public input on new political maps Members of the Oregon Legislature have started the once-per-decade process of redrawing the state's congressional and legislative district boundaries.

NEW – Yesterday morning, the Food and Drug Administration gave full approval of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. More than 200 million Pfizer doses have been administered in the U.S. since December, but up until yesterday, they were administered under an emergency use authorization. More information can be found by clicking the banner below.

FDA gives full approval to Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine The U.S. gave full approval to Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine on Monday, a milestone that may help lift public confidence in the shots. Here's what it means.

The Bootleg Fire, a wildfire that burned over 400,000 acres is 100% contained as of reports from earlier this week. The fire started on July 6th in a forest 15 miles northwest of Beatty. Nearly 2,200 firefighters battled the 350-square mile blaze. Although this is good news, there are still over two dozen large wildfires burning over 800,000 acres in Oregon and Washington. More information about the origin of the Bootleg Fire can be found below.

Bootleg Fire, once the largest in the nation, is now fully contained Authorities had thought it would not be contained until October 1.