March 17, 2020

SALEM, Ore. – The Special Joint Committee on Coronavirus Response has announced its first public meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 18 at 10 a.m.

The committee, which House Speaker Tina Kotek and Senate President Peter Courtney formed last week, will follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to protect the legislators and staff participating in the meeting.

Committee members will receive online and remote public testimony. The committee will only hear invited testimony during the meeting. Members of the public can submit ideas, feedback and testimony via email to jscvr.exhibits@oregonlegislature.gov by 5 p.m. Wednesday. Written testimony will be posted on OLIS and the committee meeting will be livestreamed on OLIS.

Members of the media are encouraged to stream the hearing online and contact Danny Moran or Lisa Taylor with any follow up questions.

The committee is charged with the following tasks:

  • Identify actions to support low-income and vulnerable Oregonians and small businesses as they comply with public health guidance. These actions could include short-term economic relief, protection from housing instability, support for those not eligible for state programs (such as sick leave and unemployment insurance) and more.
  • Monitor public health strategies and response for COVID-19 and consider additional statutory changes to assist with the public health emergency.
  • Make timely budget and policy recommendations to the Legislature.

Agenda for the meeting: