May Newsletter

Dear friends, family and neighbors,

 

The last two months since session got out has gone so fast. Weather has helped us have great flowers and the good news of open Farmer's markets and great local produce! I have been busy with great community events and following up on project work from the last two legislative sessions. Citizens and small business folks have also been sharing their ideas at a few small coffees we have had in local establishments. Enjoy the end of the school year activities and upcoming graduations.


Around the District

Small Business Survey: When the short session came to a close I made a commitment to continue to work in district and hear more from our community. I decided to start with a pillar, the small business community. I have visited both the Hillsboro Chamber and the Forest Grove-Cornelius Chamber in the last few months. In the past few weeks my staff has walked through the doors of over a hundred business in Hillsboro, Cornelius, and Forest Grove. We conducted a short survey to get a pulse on the community and to advertise the great services Oregon has available for small business across the state. I want thank all the owners that were able to take the time to fill out our survey. I have a better understanding of how the business community is doing in our area.

 

Chamber
I spoke to the Hillsboro Chamber on March 30th.


Team Up for Students 5k Fun Run and Walk on MAY 14TH: After the short session came to a close I have had the pleasure of spending time at W.L. Henry Elementary School in West Hillsboro. The teachers and staff at W.L. Henry clearly care deeply for their students and their community. Washington County educators took note and decided that this year’s event should benefit that school. All funds raised will help make W.L. Henry the school that its students deserve.


W.L. Henry

Event details:

  • Saturday, May 14 9 AM - 12 PM
  • Starts and finishes at Echo Shaw Elementary School
  • Registration is $20 per person and $5 for an additional family member
  • Registration can be made online at www.teamupforstudents.org


Hope to see you there!


Policy and State Issues

Joint Interim Committee On Transportation Preservation and Modernization: I was honored to be appointed to the Joint Interim Committee On Transportation Preservation and Modernization by Speaker Kotek. We will work together to identify key transportation needs in every community across the state, including here in Washington County. Improving our transportation system is a top priority for 2017 and I am excited to be working on this important task.

The first meeting for this committee will take place on May 25th. Before that I meeting I would appreciate feedback regarding your priorities for this committee. Click this link to take a survey. Please call (503) 986-1429 if you would like a printed copy or if you would like it to take the survey over the phone.


Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: On the 3rd Governor Brown signed a proclamation declaring May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This proclamation come on the heels of the legislature's passage of House Bill 4009. That bill officially marked March 28th as Minoru Yasui Day. On March 28, 1942, Minoru Yasui, a Japanese American attorney from Hood River, challenged the constitutionality of Executive Order 9066, an order that led to the incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans, by breaking curfew and walking the streets of Portland in protest. He sacrificed his freedom to shed light on an injustice and it is essential that we honor his sacrifice each year. Asian American and Pacific Islander are a crucial part of our state and have contributed to our economy and culture in many important ways. I am glad to see these achievements celebrated in multiple ways.

Gov
Governor Brown signing the proclamation on May 3rd.

Input

Input from Employers Needed to Help Design the Oregon Retirement Savings Plan: Please fill out this survey to aid the Oregon State Treasury in their project to create the Oregon Retirement Savings Plan (ORSP). The ORSP will help private sector workers who are not provided a retirement plan through work. Responses are due by May 13th and comments after that date are welcome.


Announcements

  • The 5th Annual Take Care of Cornelius Clean-up Day will be held on Saturday, May 14, beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the parking lot at the Cornelius Fred Meyer Store.
  • Business Oregon Committee on Seismic Rehabilitation Grant Program announced 41 schools throughout the Oregon will receive $50 million in grants.
  • Make sure to turn your Primary Election ballot in by May 17!

Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter. Please check out my Facebook page for more updates on what I am doing. We will see you soon. Call or email our office anytime.

signature

Representative Susan McLain

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