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Friends,
The kids are back in school, the weather is cooler, and the days are shorter. Summer is officially coming to a close. I have had a very busy summer and I am gearing up for a busy fall. I am happy to send this update of what I have been working on as your State Representative.
I want to let you know this will be my last newsletter until November. State law says that we cannot distribute material within 60 days of an election. Please know you can always email me at rep.susanmclain@state.or.us or call my office at (503) 986-1429 if you have any questions.
Housing Affordability and Homelessness Town Hall: I am deeply concerned about the lack of affordable housing and the prevalence of homelessness in our area. On August 27th I brought together a panel of experts to discuss the issue. We had individuals from Family Promise, Beinestar, Community Table, Willamette West Habitat for Humanity, and Washington County. I was touched so many people came to hear about the issue and ask how they can help. Our community is a caring one.
Hispanic Heritage Month: September 15th - October 15th is Hispanic Heritage Month. On Tuesday I attended the Cornelius City Council where the dedication of this month was proclaimed. During this month, we come together as a community to celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of people with Spanish, Mexican, Caribbean, and Central and South American backgrounds.
Here I am with Centro Culural staff and supporters after the proclamation by the Cornelius City Council
Presenting to Cornelius City Council: On Tuesday I presented a legislative update to the Cornelius City Council. This is the second council I have updated in the interim and I will update the Hillsboro City Council in October. I believe it is important that government works together at all levels and an open line of communication is central to that goal. My presentation included updates from my 2015 bills, a summation of the 2016 Session, what I am working on in the interim, and my goals for the 2017 Session.
Fern Hill Wetlands Tour: The Fern Hill Wetlands are a gem of Forest Grove. I toured it on August 27th and learned about the natural treatment system that is cleaning water. It is so fascinating to see the ways our Earth cares for itself.
 We heard about the problems with US 62 in Medford.
Joint Committee on Transportation Preservation and Modernization: Since my last newsletter, the committee has traveled to two separate areas. We went to Bend on August 18th, you can watch the public hearing at this link. Medford was our other stop on August 31st.
Our next stop is in our own backyard. We will be in Washington County on September 19th. The visit will start with a working lunch with local leaders and from there we all hop on a bus to see the area's needs. The last item on the agenda is the public hearing. It will take place at the Hillsboro Civic Center at 5 PM. Please contact me for more details.
These tours help the committee understand Oreogn's transportation challenges
Class Size Task Force: The task force I am chairing has continued to meet through out the summer. We are currently drafting a report to the legislature. Once the report is finished, we will continue to meet to discuss solutions. We are still interested in hearing or reading testimony from students, parents, teachers, and administrators about class size. You can submit testimony to jtfcs.exhibits@state.or.us and I will publicize any public hearings.
Back to School Coffee: I will be hosting my back to school coffees this month! It will be at BJ’s Coffee Roaster’s located at 2834 Pacific Ave Ste C, Forest Grove, OR 97116 on Saturday, September 17th, from 9:30 to 10:30 am. Hope to see you there.
You can RSVP by emailing me at Rep.SusanMcLain@state.or.us or by calling my office at 503-986-1429.
For information about upcoming events, email me at rep.susanmclain@state.or.us. If there is an event you or a group you are a member of want me to know about or would like me to attend, please feel free to email me at any time with the details, contact information, date, and time. I love hearing about events happening in the community. And, as always, I am happy to talk further if you have any questions or priorities you’d like to discuss with me.
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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