Governor Brown-

COVID-19 (also known as coronavirus) has been classified by the world health organization as a global pandemic. Oregon already has at least 47 confirmed cases statewide, including 1 death and the cases will continue to rise, but only with enhanced testing capabilities will we know the true disease burden in our communities.

State and federal officials are encouraging and even requiring people who feel sick to stay home for up to 14 days, but many Oregon citizens already struggle to make their rent or mortgage payments among other monthly debts. Let alone prepare for quarantines or social distancing protocols - The choice to skip work for the sake of community health could leave them and their families unsheltered and higher risk for becoming infected.

With your executive order today limiting functions and closing down restaurants and bars- 1000s of Oregonians are now unemployed or underemployed and many businesses will be forced to continue layoffs and possibly close, some permanently.

In order to protect the health and housing security of our community, we, the undersigned, call on Governor Brown to act now so workers won't have to make that choice.

Specifically, we call for a suspension of all rents, mortgages, utility payments, as well as suspend evictions and foreclosure actions for a Minimum of 60 days to allow people to be able to afford to stay home, and to do what they need to in order to take care of themselves, their loved ones, and our Oregon communities.

Governor, be on the right side of history, unify Oregonians and solidify our chances of flattening the pandemic’s infectious curve.

It's time to act now, and choose the right side of history. Choose the people of Oregon.