Whereas, the government of Oregon continues to prevent 70,000 Oregonians and their families from receiving the federal and state unemployment benefits they are entitled to and desperately need,
Whereas, it's clear the leadership of the Oregon Employment Office do not have the resources and/or skill set needed to meet the immediate needs of Oregonians adversely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic,
Whereas, the continued slow progress towards fixing the system feeds the public perception that government "does not care,"
Be it resolved that we call on Governor Kate Brown to take the IMMEDIATE following steps:
1. Issue an Executive Order requesting all banks operating in Oregon to provide interest free loans to everyone who has filed for the benefits they deserve but have yet to be paid.
2. Provide a legal assurance to every bank that the state of Oregon will guarantee each of the loans.
3. Communicate immediately to everyone waiting for benefits how to apply to a bank for a no-interest loan.
4. Fly to Washington DC and personally lobby for an extension of the federal unemployment benefit on behalf of Oregon's families, regardless of whether doing so will be successful.
