The Oregon State Legislature has started its 81st session, where it will set the budget for the next biennium. The Arc Lane County joins the Oregon Developmental Disability Coalition in advocating for these 2021 Budget Priorities. Read the latest GO! Bulletin to learn how you can help us advocate during this virtual legislative session.

At the federal level, please help advocate now to make sure people with disabilities, their families, and the direct support professional workforce are included in the pandemic relief bill that Congress is considering right now.

With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to require physical distancing, The Arc Lane County has launched a new online curricula to teach adults in the community about career opportunities.

Read about the new online class and how The Arc is continuing to help adults with disabilities explore different careers, learn about their strengths and what it means to be gainfully employed.

Construction of the Arc Park has officially started, with completion of the first phase slated for early summer. Thanks to all the donors, community partners, families and volunteers who have helped us reach this wonderful milestone!

Mark your calendar for August 14 when The Arc will host its 2nd annual Play Your Part Auction to benefit the building of the second phase of the Arc Park. The Arc is accepting donations for exciting silent and live auction packages. Contact Laura if you can help. We also have great sponsorship opportunities available. Contact Jo Ann to learn more about these opportunities.

People 16 years and older who experience a disability, their families, professional support workers and others working in the disability field, are eligible to receive the COVID vaccine. Preregister here to receive the vaccine.

To get more information, visit COVID-19 Vaccine in Oregon. Alternately, text ORCOVID to 898211 to receive text updates, send an email to ORCOVID@211info.org, or call the 211 Call Center at 1-866-698-6155 (TTY: Dial 711 and call 1-866-698-6155) between the hours of 6 a.m.-7 p.m. daily.

The CARES Center is in need of diapers, baby wipes, deodorant and body wash. To donate these hygiene or other household items, contact Edith.

The CARES Center would also like to thank all those who contributed to its Donation Drive in January, especially Capitol Dental Care for donating toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Nathan Nelson, an Arc employee, passed away in December 2019 after being hit by a car while walking with a client. It was recently announced the driver who hit Nathan was allegedly intoxicated. While The Arc is greatly saddened by this news, we hope Nathan's family, friends and colleagues now have some closure. Read why The Arc posthumously awarded Nathan the Shining Star award.

The Oregon Office on Disability and Health and the OHSU Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities will host an Emergency Preparedness Webinar for People with Disabilities on March 1. Attendees will learn how to prepare for an emergency and remain safe.

Tax season is here again, and there is another round of stimulus payments coming. Read this to see how you can get free tax help, and access your stimulus payment.

Read How to Get the Most COVID Financial Relief When Filing Your Taxes This Year to help you get more money back or at least lower your tax bill. Also, don't forget about the Disability and the Earned Income Tax Credit.