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Friends,
Summer has gone too quickly and school will be starting up before we know it! Hope you have enjoyed outdoor activities and family time.
Task Force on Class Size
My priority bill in the 2015 Legislative Session was HB 2928, which created a task force to look into the affects of large class sizes and to come up with creative solutions to these problems. I was nominated as Chair of that task force and have diligently worked to make our first three meetings include a comprehensive review. You can watch those meetings here. The task force will work through the summer and into the fall to assess different methods of lowering class size.
We are very interested in hearing from the public. Numerous teachers from across the state have testified before the task force and submitted testimony. If you or someone you know has had experience with class size and would like to testify, please send letters to jtfcs.exhibits@state.or.us. We are seeking testimony from parents, students, teachers, administrators, and other school staff.
Joint Committee on Transportation Preservation and Modernization Update
My colleagues and I have continued to tour the state to hear about the unique needs of different Oregon communities. There are certainly needs and priorities that each community has expressed. We have heard that rural transit is necessary to help people with disabilities get to doctor’s appointments. We have heard that there are roads in different communities that need maintenance and modernization to meet safety standards.
We have been to Woodburn, the east side of the Portland Metro area, Hermiston, Ontario, and Eugene. Next week we are heading to Bend. We have four other meetings scheduled for Medford, Newport, Hillsboro, and Salem. The public hearings are so valuable to ensure the committee understands each communities’ needs and priorities. I hope to hear from you at the September 19th 5 PM public hearing at the Hillsboro Civic Center!
 Our Eugene visit was beautiful and informative.
Small Business and Jobs Town Hall
On August 3rd I hosted a panel of experts to hear insight on keeping jobs and businesses thriving in Washington County. We had a wonderful discussion about opening a business and stories that exemplified the complexity of running a successful small business. Thank you to the panelists for sharing their insight!
 We had a great turnout for the Town Hall!
Environmental Constituent Coffee
Senator Chuck Riley and I enjoyed the conversations from our constituent coffee on July 23rd. We heard from a number of people about a variety of concerns ranging from Hillsboro Airport pollution to issues about transportation infrastructure. If you were not able to attend and you would like to share your concerns, please email me at rep.susanmclain@state.or.us.
This has been a busy summer. Here are some of my favorite moments.
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The Westside Economic Alliance invited me to speak to their Transportation Committee about the Joint Committee on Transportation Preservation and Modernization. They had great perspectives and interesting questions. Thanks for having me!
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I had the opportunity to speak with some of the best and brightest young minds at the Portland State University's Summer Transportation Institute. These high school students spent two weeks learning about the science and engineering behind our multi-modal transportation system.
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The Concours d’Elegance car show is one of my favorite activities in Forest Grove. This year I was able to help with my Day Break Rotary Club.
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My family reunion at Cannon Beach was great! It was heartwarming to see five generations of family together in one place.
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Housing Affordability and Homelessness Town Hall
Oregon’s housing prices continue to increase along with our homeless population. These problems have not gone unnoticed and the state took action in the 2016 Legislative Session. We directed money to emergency housing assistance to community agencies around the state and to our own Cornelius Place library and affordable housing project. The session also lead to additional support for Legal Aid services to help low-income Oregonians deal with housing-related issues. We also gave local governments a powerful tool to ensure that new housing developments in their communities include affordable housing units with Senate Bill 1533.
My Town Hall will feature panelists from non-profits, community groups, and advocates of affordable housing. We will discuss the challenges and solutions to Oregon’s housing crisis. A representative for Senator Jeff Merkley's office will be available to answer questions related to federal housing policy.I am looking forward to the conversation and I hope to see you there.
Constituent Coffee
Events Attended
Cornelius Spanish-Speaking Town Hall - This Saturday at 1 PM is Cornelius's Spanish Speaking Town Hall at Centro Cultural of Washington County. Meet Cornelius Police Chief Al Roque and connect with the community! Bilingual translators will be present.
National Night Out - On August 2nd the Washington County Sheriff's office put together a great community event at Harleman Park in Cornelius. I had the chance to catch up with Chief Al Roque and other community members.
Washington County Fair - I found a few hours to enjoy the fair. As a farmer's daughter, it is great to see Washington County's agricultural industry put on display. I hope you had the chance to enjoy the fair with your family.
Future Events
Hillsboro Tuesday Night Market - Downtown Hillsboro hosts a night market on Tuesday’s from 5:00-8:30 PM featuring live music, food, produce, artists, and much more. It is a fun activity for all ages and spotlights some of the great business in Washington County. Make sure to stop by before August 30th, the last Tuesday Night Market of the season!
Forest Grove Farmer's Market - On Main Street every Wednesday from 4-8 PM Adelante Mujeres manages a fabulous farmers market. It is a great opportunity to support local business and buy fresh produce. It runs through October.
Forest Grove Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival - On September 17th Forest Grove will host the Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival for the 26th time. The festival, put on by Valley Art Association, turns the streets of downtown into colorful, beautiful pathways. Registration opens on September 14th and anyone can participate.
Yours Truly,
 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
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