Law for Real People - John Gear Law Office & Salem Consumer Law 503-569-7777

Oregon Consumer Justice grants available for groups helping tenants access or apply for rent assistance

9/1/2021

Oregon Consumer Justice (OCJ) is making money available to community-based organizations working to support tenants in accessing rent assistance payments or making applications for rent assistance.

There's more information and a link to the application here: https://lnkd.in/gu7JBAzz

Many organizations, community leaders, and individuals are hard at work trying to help prevent evictions, which are traumatic and have far-reaching impact on people's well-being.

Spread the word about this resource which might help reach community members who don't know there's help available or don't have the ability to access that help.

If you have questions, please direct them to either Janet Byrd at jbyrd@oregonconsumerjustice.org or
Joseluis Maldonado at jlmaldonado@oregonconsumerjustice.org

Are you behind on your rent or utilities? Website directory shows the rent and utility assistance programs you may be eligible for where you live.

8/4/2021

The federal Consumer Protection Financial Bureau (CFPB) has a website where you can see if there is rental assistance money available that you can access in order to help you avoid eviction for failure to pay rent.

Check it out if you are behind in your rent or utility payments.

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/coronavirus/mortgage-and-housing-assistance/renter-protections/find-help-with-rent-and-utilities/

Cool: Apple offers year-round 10% off Apple products for Vets/Active-Duty + immediate family members

7/16/2021

Check and See -- Does Oregon Have Your Unclaimed Property?

6/14/2021

Oregon has an unclaimed property registry, currently in the Department of State Lands but moving to the State Treasury Office on July 1.

You should check it once in a while - it's quick and easy.

Just click https://unclaimed.unclaimed.oregon.gov/oregon.gov/ and enter your name.

Great Idea -- a public credit bureau

12/13/2020

thehill.com/opinion/finance/529675-after-5-decades-of-private-credit-reporting-its-time-for-a-change?rnd=1607626407

After 5 decades of private credit reporting, it's time for a change | The Hill
Amy Traub and Chi Chi Wu, Opinion Contributors

* * *

Credit reports contain far too many errors for something so vital to our economic well-being, with one in five consumers having an error, and one in 20 having a serious error that would affect their ability to obtain credit or its pricing. Consumers are frustrated by the Kafka-esque system devised by the credit bureaus to process disputes, which often blocks them from getting relief. Credit reports and scores are used for inappropriate purposes, such as employment, insurance, and even immigration (their use is required as part of the Public Charge Rule.) Most critically, credit scores reflect and perpetuate thorny racial disparities, playing a role in financially entrenching America’s original sin.
* * *
Many of the problems with credit reporting stem from its very nature. An oligopoly of three private companies governs our financial reputations, trading in and profiting from our data. We are captives because we cannot opt out of the system. Instead, creditors and other companies are the credit bureaus’ customers and constituency. There’s not much incentive for credit bureaus to create a system that works better for consumers, including disadvantaged communities. We can see the upshot of this dysfunction where credit reporting issues are often the number one source of complaints to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, including during this pandemic.

But there is a way forward. Among President-elect Biden’s economic proposals is an innovative plan to establish a public credit reporting agency, based on policy developed by Demos. This solution recognizes that access to consumer credit is a public good and would promote that public good by establishing a public institution to replace the private companies that now control credit reporting. A public credit reporting agency or registry would also be an effective way to build economic power for Black and Brown households by putting equity at the center of its decisionmaking and enabling them to exercise greater control over their economic lives. . . .

Oregon's Gov. Brown bars creditor garnishments of CARES checks

4/18/2020

The Governor has wisely ordered that any Oregonian's CARES check be free from garnishments by creditors (except for restitution garnishments for criminal justice debts) during the COVID-19 emergency. The top picture is the key provision. If you want the full text and all the details and definitions, the full order is shown below that and you can download it by clicking on the down-facing arrow.

Kudos to Gov. Brown for acting to help Oregon families survive this crisis in this critical period.

Cool -- Guide to Finding All Veterans Benefits in Every State

11/13/2019

Graphic of website search engine for veterans benefits

Click on the photo above to be taken to a cool search engine that compiles state-specific and federal benefits in one place for any state. Here's today's printout for Oregon (subject to updates of course):

"I Am Not Invisible Exhibit"Oregon | Commemoration/Acknowledgement
N/A or not disclosed
Female
Anti-Discrimination Law (Military Status and Spouses of Deploying Veterans)Oregon | Anti-Discrimination Law/Policy (Vet Status)
N/A or not disclosed
State National Guard/Reserve, Active Duty, Dependents
College Credit for Military TrainingOregon | Educational Credit/Diploma
N/A or not disclosed
All Veterans, State National Guard/Reserve, Active Duty
Direct Professional Licensing for Military ExperienceOregon | License/Certification
N/A or not disclosed
All Veterans, State National Guard/Reserve, Active Duty
Employment ProtectionOregon | (Re-)Employment Protection
N/A or not disclosed
State National Guard/Reserve
Federal Pension Income Tax Subtraction for Military RetireesOregon | Income Tax
N/A or not disclosed
Retired
Free Camping at State Parks for Disabled Veterans and Active DutyOregon | Park/Camping/Lodging Admissions
No fee
Disabled (Service-Connected), State National Guard/Reserve, Active Duty
Free Fishing and Hunting Licenses for Disabled War VeteransOregon | Fishing/Hunting License
No fee
Disabled (Service-Connected), Served in Combat
Free Parking at State Parks for Disabled Veterans and Active DutyOregon | Toll/Travel Fare/Parking Discount
No fee
Disabled (Service-Connected), State National Guard/Reserve, Active Duty
In-State Tuition for VeteransOregon | Tuition-Rate
Discount Equivalent to In-State/Resident Rate
All Veterans, Killed/Died (Service-Connected), Survivors
Income Tax Deduction for Active Duty Pay Earned Inside of StateOregon | Income Tax
Up to $6,000 deduction
State National Guard/Reserve, Active Duty
Income Tax Exemption for Active Duty Pay Earned Outside of StateOregon | Income Tax
No income tax
Active Duty
Military and Veteran License PlatesOregon | Vehicle License Plates
N/A or not disclosed
All Veterans, 100% Disabled, Purple Heart, Killed/Died (Service-Connected), Served in Combat
ODVA Home Loan ProgramOregon | Loan/Financing
N/A or not disclosed
Other than Dishonorable Discharge
Oregon DVA Conservatorship ProgramOregon | Guardianship/Custodianship
N/A or not disclosed
Indigent/Unable to Care for Self
Oregon DVA Conservatorship ProgramOregon | Legal Assistance
N/A or not disclosed
Indigent/Unable to Care for Self
Oregon Service-Disabled Veteran CertificationOregon | Preferred Status (Business)
N/A or not disclosed
Disabled (Service-Connected)
Oregon Veterans' Emergency AssistanceOregon | Emergency Relief
N/A or not disclosed
All Veterans, Low Income/Homeless vet/Hardship, Dependents
Oregon Veterans' HomesOregon | Residential Housing
N/A or not disclosed
Honorable Discharge, Dependents
Oregon Veterans' HomesOregon | Residential Housing
N/A or not disclosed
Honorable Discharge, Dependents
Oregon Wounded Warrior Parking PlacardOregon | Toll/Travel Fare/Parking Discount
No fee
Disabled (Service-Connected)
Property Tax Exemption for Disabled VeteransOregon | Property
No property tax
Disabled (Service-Connected), Other than Dishonorable Discharge, Survivors
Resident Rate Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Active DutyOregon | Fishing/Hunting License
Discount Equivalent to In-State/Resident Rate
Active Duty
State Council - Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military ChildrenOregon | Primary/Secondary School Assistance
N/A or not disclosed
State National Guard/Reserve, Active Duty, Dependents
State Tuition Assistance for Oregon National GuardOregon | Scholarship/Tuition-Assistance
100% covered
State National Guard/Reserve
Statewide Apprenticeships (BOLI)Oregon | Training/Apprenticeship
N/A or not disclosed
All Veterans
Veteran Volunteer ProgramOregon | Benefits Counseling/Determinations
N/A or not disclosed
All Veterans
Veteran's Day Off for All VeteransOregon | Commemoration/Acknowledgement
N/A or not disclosed
All Veterans
Veterans Designation on Driver's LicenseOregon | Driver's License/ID - Designation
N/A or not disclosed
Other than Dishonorable Discharge
Veterans PreferenceOregon | Preferred Status (Employment/Training)
N/A or not disclosed
Other than Dishonorable Discharge
Voyager Tuition Assistance ProgramOregon | Scholarship/Tuition-Assistance
To the "Last Dollar," or the difference between what federal aid programs cover and the actual cost of tuition
State National Guard/Reserve
Women Veterans CoordinatorOregon | Claims Assistance/Benefits Advocacy
N/A or not disclosed
Female
WorkSource Oregon Priority for Veterans and SpousesOregon | Preferred Status (Employment/Training)
N/A or not disclosed
All Veterans, Dependents
Troops to Teachers Grant Coordination OfficesOregon | Hiring Facilitation
N/A or not disclosed
Honorable Discharge, Active Duty

Free Audio Books for Eligible Vets from National Library Service

7/1/2019

The Braille and Talking Book Program
offers Veterans who have difficulty with regular print materials the return of the gift of reading.

The Joy and Freedom of Reading

Whether escaping into a great novel or staying current with popular magazines, the freedom and independence of reading are only a few steps away. This program, from the National Library Service (NLS) and the Library of Congress, provides talking books, audio magazines, and digital talking-book players free of charge.

Any honorably discharged Veteran who is

* blind
* has low vision, or
* a disability preventing the reading of traditional materials is eligible.

Participants choose whether their selected reading materials are delivered by mail, downloaded from the web-based service BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) or through the BARD mobile app for smartphones and tablets.

NLS maintains a vast catalog of titles and publications from the latest best-sellers to timeless classics. Plus, Veterans have preferential status in the lending of materials and equipment.

The Braille and Talking Books Program is accomplished through a nationwide network of libraries to serve citizens and Veterans living inside the U.S. or abroad.

Applying for this service is easy.

Call the National Library Service at 1-888-NLS-READ (1-888-657-7323) or
visit them on the web at www.loc.gov/ThatAllMayRead

Veterans served to protect freedom.
Now let National Library Service provide the freedom for all to read.

Plan for June 1 - Salem Day Out for CourtCare - it'll be great

5/27/2019

Oregon Women Lawyers Society (OWLS)
Mary Leonard* Chapter
2019 Salem Day Out for CourtCare
An Alley Party in support of Mid-Valley Court Care
Saturday, June 1, 2019 in the alley @Taproot (State between Liberty and Commercial)

Salem Day Out for CourtCare has something for everyone and is a great way to enjoy our Salem community and support a great cause. This event aims to raise between $10,000 and $20,000 for Mid-Valley CourtCare!

Enjoy delicious food and drink!
Featuring exciting games, raffle prizes, and auction items!
We're planning fun for the kids too!

Watch this page for updates on event details. Tickets will go on sale in mid-April.

(*Mary Leonard has a fascinating story and was the first woman admitted to the bar in Oregon - click here for more)

What is CourtCare?

CourtCare is free child care for children ages six weeks to 12 years in a safe, supportive, and quality environment. Children are spared from witnessing adult conflict, hearing harsh words, and seeing potentially disturbing scenes which could traumatize or even re-traumatize them. If both parent and child are supported during the child’s early stages of life, it makes an enormous impact on the child’s future health and development. What children see and experience in early childhood affects both their brain development and their health.

Why is CourtCare Needed?

Imagine having to go to court for divorce proceedings, a sex abuse trial, a domestic violence case… now imagine not having child care and you have to take your young children with you. This is a current reality for families in both Marion and Polk Counties. Children should not have to be in the room while legal proceedings are taking place. Those involved in the courts have seen babies and toddlers left unattended in hallways while their parents are in courtrooms; young children sent to restrooms unsupervised; children seeing their parents upset and emotional about adult conflicts; children watching as a parent is arrested and taken into custody; children hearing adults talking about family violence, restraining orders, custody disputes, or criminal behavior of family members… thus the need for CourtCare.

OverviewMid-Valley CourtCare provides free, high quality care from trained early childhood staff in a licensed child care setting. Children must be at least six weeks of age and not older than 12 years. CourtCare hours of operation listed here begin September 5, 2017. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Register online now to reserve your spot!

In Marion County, CourtCare is operated by the Salem Family YMCA, located across from the Marion County Courtho use in downtown Salem. Please use the child care entrance off of Cottage Street. Marion County CourtCare is available to anyone with court-related business or a court-related appointment.

Marion County CourtCare is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.

In Polk County, CourtCare is operated by Family Building Blocks at the Academy Building near the Polk County Courthouse in Dallas. Polk County CourtCare is available to anyone who needs to conduct business with the court system or local social service agencies including, but not limited to: Polk County Behavioral Health, Public Health, DHS, or Housing.

Polk County CourtCare is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 1:00 to 5:30 p.m., and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

John Gear to Host Radio Celebration: 227th Birthday of the Bill of Rights, Saturday December 15, 1 p.m. on KMUZ (88.5/100.7 FM, or at KMUZ.org)

12/10/2018

Historically very inaccurate, but you get the idea of something worth celebrating!

The internet depends on the First Amendment, part of the first set of amendments to the Constitution that became known as the Bill of Rights.

It is no exaggeration to say that the rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, and their application to the states through the 14th Amendment, are the backbone of American life and what it means to live in the United States.

To help celebrate the Bill of Rights and discuss some important omissions from it, Salem's community radio station KMUZ (at 88.5 and 100.7 FM in Salem area and at KMUZ.org anywhere on the web) will air a special 227th Birthday Celebration on December 15 at 1 p.m. with KMUZ sponsor, John Gear of John Gear Law Office.

And if you have questions about the Bill of Rights or your civil liberties, you can send them to Info@KMUZ.org with BILL OF RIGHTS SHOW in the subject line.

All questions will be considered and some will be addressed during the show. That’s

Saturday, December 15 at 1 p.m.

on community radio station KMUZ (88.5 and 100.7 FM in the Willamette Valley, streaming at KMUZ.org to anywhere in the world).

LAWYERLY FINE PRINT:

John Gear Law Office LLC and Salem Consumer Law. John Gear Law Office is in Suite 208B of the Security Building in downtown Salem at 161 High St. SE, across from the Elsinore Theater, a half-block south of Marion County Courthouse, just south of State Street. There is abundant, free 3-hour on-street parking throughout downtown Salem, and three multi-story parking ramps that offer free customer parking in downtown Salem too.

Our attorneys are only licensed to practice law in Oregon. This site may be considered advertising under Oregon State Bar rules. There is no legal advice on this site so you should not interpret anything you read here as intended for your particular situation. Besides, we are not representing you and we are not your attorneys unless you have hired us by entering into a representation agreement with me. While we do want you to consider us when you seek an attorney, you should not hire any attorney based on brochures, websites, advertising, or other promotional materials. All original content on this site is Copyright John Gear, 2010-2020.

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