April 3, 2020 3:30 a.m.
Oregon Governor Kate Brown plans to call for a special session of the Oregon State Legislature but has not set a date.
A statement issued on Thursday said she is grateful “for the thoughtful and important work of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Coronavirus Response”. Brown said the committee has surfaced many important issues being faced across Oregon by “this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic”.
Brown said her top priority is the health and safety of all Oregonians, as well as protecting their livelihoods during the crisis. She said the state is focused on expanding hospital bed capacity, increasing testing capacity, and procuring personal protective equipment so those who fall ill can be safely treated. She said officials are working together to ensure Oregonians can economically survive “during these difficult times”.
Brown said “the federal government’s recently passed CARES Act should bring significant, critically needed resources to Oregon as we continue to face this public health crisis”. She said the CARES Act includes investments in essential medical supplies, expanded unemployment insurance and increased support for small businesses.
Brown said she wants to make sure that state dollars are focused on filling the gaps left by the federal stimulus package, and not duplicating efforts. She said once state officials have “sufficient clarity” about the federal stimulus, she will call a special session and ask lawmakers to take further action.