b'2020 Safe and Happy Holiday Greetings ~ A Beavery Christmas from the Pacific NorthwestOREGON Fuels Association (OFA) ReportOR Oregon WildfiresOregon OriginalThe 2nd Special Sessionof 2020Following Labor Daythere were extensive wildfires In early August,the Oregon Legis- throughout the state of Oregon. OFA lobbyists worked with lature concluded a one-day, 2nd Specialgovernment officials to monitor destroyed fuel infrastructure Session of 2020. The intended focusand in waiving the Hours of Service restrictions to allow for was on rebalancing Oregons perceivedfuel deliveries. There were also periods wherein the self-shortfall. Also included were policy billsservice ban was lifted. 2020 has been one of the most destruc-ranging from policing reforms, bond- tive fire seasons on record. Over a million acres burned and Matt Truaxing investments, unemployment benefitdestroyed thousands of homes and businesses. Unusually high OFA President changes and distributing COVID federalwinds and dry conditions led to the rapid expansion. Fiverelief dollars. To account for the deficit,separate fires exceeded 100,000 acres as numerous towns and OFA the legislature passed bills borrow- cities were forced into mass evacuations. Air quality was of ing $400M from the States Educationsignificant concern as the AQI in several regions exceeded 400. Stability Fund. The Legislature directedThis impacted outdoor workers, and with masks already inhigh demand due to COVID, supply and availability were state agencies to consolidate programs and leave positions unfilled to save toward the General Fund. The Legislature didfurther stressed. not freeze or reduce government employee pay raises or cost ofStatewide Masks, Face Coveringsliving adjustments. A 3rd Special Session is expected followingor Face Shields are Required the November election wherein wildfire relief and emergency moratoriums on rental evictions will also be discussed. TheAs of October,masks, face coverings or face shields are 2021 Legislative Session is anticipated to be held virtually.required statewide for offices and indoor public spacesLegislative leadership has said they will not allow the general(i.e. grocery stores, pharmacies, public transit, personal ser-public into the Capital building until there are widespreadvices providers, restaurants, bars and retail stores). Masks, face COVID vaccinations. Mandates for businesses billed as work- coverings or face shields are required in outdoor public spaces place protections for employees are also anticipated.when physical distancing of at least 6 feet is not possible. Chil-Four Ballot Measures Qualified for Oregonsdren age 5 and up are required to wear a face covering. People November General Election with a disability or medical condition may request accommoda-tion from the business if they cannot wear one.Measure 107Allows future laws limiting campaignReady Schools Safe Learners contributionsMeasure 108Increases tobacco taxes In late July,the Oregon Department of Education updated Ready Schools Safe Learners and put in place metrics for Measure 109Legalizes the use of psilocybin in in-class and online learning. The County metrics for in-classcontrolled therapy settings learning that must be met for the preceding 7 days, included Measure 110Decriminalizes possession of drugs fewer than 10 positive COVID cases per 100,000 in population and less than a 5% positivity rate. including heroin, cocaine andmethamphetamines and redirects COVID Tests marijuana tax revenues totreatment programs As of Tuesday, October 13th,there have been 749,375 COVID tests with 35,878 (4.79%) reported positive. There Noticeably missing from this list is a ballot measure that have been 605 deaths. Of the positive tests, 2,817 (7.5%) would require an independent commission to establish confirmed hospitalizations. Testing trends show that daily cases legislative and congressional districts.increased through June and early July, then began to decrease (TENTATIVE)24 www.wpma.com / Winter 2020'