Thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act, the Oregon Employment Department (OED) will be receiving $3 million in federal grants.
U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced that the funds would ensure Oregonians have access to both unemployment insurance (UI) and benefits earned.
“Throughout the pandemic, we have learned the hard way that a system that’s been neglected can’t deliver in a crisis,” said Wyden. “Steps taken to fix UI systems now — and do so equitably — will help ensure jobless workers get the support they need the next time there’s an economic downturn.”
Wyden secured Pandemic Unemployment Assistance for millions of Americans and is in the process of introducing a bill to modernize UI systems across the country.
OED will partner with community-based organizations to help eligible Oregonians get through the oft-overly-complicated UI process, carrying an emphasis on assisting historically marginalized communities.
“Looking for work can be hard and stressful, and we should be doing all we can to reduce the financial stress and make it easier to find a new job,” said Senator Merkley. “The good news is that there are lots of resources to help, but they tend to be far more accessible in some communities than others. I’m glad to see this grant make money available in Oregon to help people in underserved communities across Oregon access supports and get training so they can better support themselves, their families, and their communities.”
By Ethan Hauck
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