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Friends,
School has ended and summer has officially started! We’ve been having some unusually hot weather the past couple weeks. That means beautiful sunshine, outdoor activities, and early harvests! Don’t forget to wear sunscreen, drink lots of water, and use safe swimming and sun practices.
The legislative session is almost over. I cannot believe how quickly the past five months have gone by. Committees have come to an end (aside from three committees that continue to meet until the end of session: Joint Committee on Ways and Means, Rules, and Revenue) and our time is focused on passing bills on the House Floor. There are only a few weeks left to get amendments passed or rework legislation with the hope it is signed into law this session.
The next few weeks are going to be incredibly busy but I am looking forward to a chance to debrief with all of you in July. I will be co-hosting an end of session Town Hall with my district neighbor, Representative Gallegos, at the Brookwood Library in Hillsboro on Thursday, July 16th at 6:00 pm. I would be thrilled to see you all there!
SB 525 – Passed the House June 9th, 51-8, awaiting the Governor’s signature
The intent of SB 525 is to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers. The risk of a homicide in a home with a history of domestic violence is 20 times higher if the perpetrator has access to a gun. Enduring physical, psychological, and emotional abuse from an intimate partner is a horrific act. This is an incredibly important measure of protection for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors and their family members.
SB 341 – Passed the House June 11th, 45-5, awaiting first reading in the Senate
This bill limits liability for agri-tourism businesses if someone is injured, so long as the agri-tourism business has warning signs posted and isn’t acting negligibly. I love the idea of bringing people to our district to spend time on the many beautiful specialized farms and pumpkin patches, and providing families from urban areas the opportunity to see rural settings. Oregon does not currently have a statute limiting the liability of agri-tourism operations, and this bill will provide much-needed clarity.
SB 270 – Passed the House May 29th, 56-0, awaiting the Governor’s signature
This bill will help our community proceed on some really important transportation projects to keep our goods and people moving. It will:
• Reallocate $11 million of Jobs and Transportation Act spending from U.S. 26/Glencoe Road to U.S. 26 at Shute Road;
• Change the boundaries and name of the U.S. 26: 185th to Cornell Road project to the U.S. 26: Cornelius Pass Road to Cornell Road project;
• Reallocate $5 million from the U.S. 26 at Shute Road to the U.S. 26: Cornelius Pass Road to Cornell Road project
HB 5032 – Passed the House June 11th, 58-0, awaiting first reading in the Senate
This bill provides funds for the Oregon Military Department. It will fund a lot of important resources, but the exciting part of this budget bill is that it provides money for the Forest Grove Armory, which is an important piece of history in Forest Grove.
I am beginning to work on my 2016 legislative priorities. If you have any ideas, comments, or concerns you would like me to consider, please don’t hesitate to contact my office with suggestions for future policy! You can email me at rep.susanmclain@state.or.us or call my Salem office at 503-986-1429.
On February 24, 2015, the Board of Commissioners approved HHS Director Marni Kuyl's policy recommendation to transition out of direct clinical services and close the two health clinics in Beaverton and Hillsboro on or before June 30, 2015. Washington County Health Clinics in Beaverton and Hillsboro are closing. The last clinic appointment in Hillsboro was May 14th, 2015 and the last clinic appointment in Beaverton is Tuesday, June 23rd, 2015. For more information about these services and changes visit www.co.washington.or.us/clinics.
I want to extend my appreciation for the students who served on the Hillsboro Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council. This group of students works hard to improve the Hillsboro community by developing, organizing, participating in, and managing a number of community events, programs, and service projects throughout the school year. Thank you for all of your service in making Hillsboro a better place!
Once session ends and I won’t be commuting to Salem every day, I will be excited to have more time to dedicate to activities in-district. If there is any type of event or activity you would like me to attend please let me know and I will do my best to come.
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Last week the freshmen legislators got together to take a "Class Photo." Thank you Representative Rob Nosse for helping organize this!
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Sadly, I had to say goodbye to my wonderful interns Katelyn and Dale. They both finished up the school year strong and headed into busy summers. I was so privileged to have these two in my office helping us with whatever we needed!
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One of my favorite days at the Capitol was Oregon Youth Speech and Leadership Day back in May. I was so happy to have three of my students from the Glencoe High School Speech and Debate Team - Haley, Mica, and Nidhi - visit me that day, too. I am so incredibly proud of these three; I have taught each for several years. Haley even gave a speech at Glencoe's graduation!
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Until Next Time
Enjoy the beginning of summer! Please let us know if you have any questions, comments, or concerns that we can help you with.
Yours truly,
 Representative Susan McLain
House District 29
email: Rep.SusanMcLain@state.or.us I phone: 503-986-1429
address: 900 Court St NE, H-376, Salem, OR 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/mclain
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