The Biden-Harris American Rescue Plan Act passed by Congress in early 2021 gave Oregon the resources to contain COVID-19 and rebuild the economy. Under ARPA, states may use their share to replace revenues lost as a result of the pandemic and to address the economic and public health impacts of COVID-19.

To efficiently and effectively spend approximately $6.4 billion in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, Governor Kate Brown has laid out principles on the Governor’s ARPA website. Governor Brown summarizes those principles saying, “The American Rescue Plan offers Oregon the ability to turn around its economy from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. With this historic relief package, Oregon can revitalize and rebuild our economies — and our communities — with equity and fairness at the center.”

It has been contentious among legislators because Governor Brown didn’t distribute the funds in a timely manner to small businesses that were forced to close, and some have never reopened.

Apparently, there is still a reserve of funds that Representative Ricki Ruiz (D-Gresham) found to fund HB 4122. But, does it meet what is required of ARPA funds?

HB 4122 directs the Department of Human Service to distribute funds to community-based organizations to provide one-time maximum financial assistance of $695 per individual, to recipients of federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). It’s broken down into two payments, a one-time check of $495 and up to an additional $200 for legal costs to help them renew their DACA paperwork.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Representative Ruiz amended HB 4122 so funds are distributed through community-based organizations instead of directly to every DACA eligible individual in Oregon. This little wordsmithing appears to provide the appearance of meeting a community principle. But, does it provide economic relief and replace revenues lost as a result of the pandemic?

HB 4122 appropriates $7,000,000 for distribution to approximately 9,700 DACA eligible individuals. Dare we ask the balance of ARPA funds? The bill passed out of the House Committee on Human Services referred to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2022-02-14 11:52:28

Last Update: 2022-02-15 09:48:23