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Friends and Neighbors,
I am honored to have the opportunity to serve you for two more years. In my first term, the Legislature took important steps to ensure every working Oregonian has the opportunity to succeed and provide for their family. There is still plenty of work to be done and I am gearing up for an eventful Legislative Session.
It has been a while since I last updated you and there are a lot of activities, meetings, and events I have attended. Here are the highlights for the beginning of the Fall Season.
Cornelius Place: The Cornelius Place Project was granted the NOFA (Notice Of Funding Availability) for an $8 million low income housing tax credit. The project is on track for an August groundbreaking! I have supported this project since before I took office and I have been proud to assist in the efforts to secure state funding and this tax credit. I would like to recognize the work of Cornelius City Manager, Rob Drake, and Karen Hill, Director of the Cornelius Public Library, in bringing this project to completion. Their dedication and savvy have made all the difference. Thank you for your hard work to make our community a better place!
 The current design for Corenlius Place.
September Legislative Days: The fall days were incredibly busy. All five of my committees met to prepare for the upcoming Legislative Session. I particularly enjoyed the House Committee on Education meeting. We heard from the 2016 Oregon Teacher of the Year, Heather Anderson. She shared her experience in the classroom and what she does to help her students thrive. We also heard from Monica Beane, the new Executive Director of Teacher Standards and Practices Commission. Her previous experience as an educator will help her understand how to make the office work for teachers and ensure our students have teachers that are ready for the classroom.
Joint Committee on Transportation Preservation and Modernization: The Joint Transportation Committee has completed two more visits. We met with leaders, received a tour of their transportation priorities, and held a public hearing in two more locations. I was happy to host the Committee in Hillsboro in September. Last month we examined the issues surrounding Corvallis and Albany.
Many members of our community addressed the Committee. I would like to highlight one Forest Grove mother, Devon Downeysmith, that spoke of improvements she would like to see in our transportation system. You can read the Op-Ed she wrote for the Forest Grove News Times at this link.
 My colleagues and I hearing about upcoming transportation for the industrial, north Hillsboro area.
2016 Career & College Pathways Summit: The Hillsboro School District hosted the first annual Career & College Pathways Summit this fall. They gathered education leaders, advocates, practitioners, chamber members, and policy makers to talk about the opportunities and options available for our students. The Summit fostered a collective understanding and discussion on how the District, City of Hillsboro, and community and business stakeholders can work together to create clear and viable pathways for our students through internships, mentoring, and career-related opportunities. I was inspired by the passion from people at all levels. Our leaders at the state and local levels are committed to growing opportunities for all students, and our industry and community are eager to help students, and our teachers and administrators are working hard to help students find their correct path.
Education Constituent Coffee: My 42 years in the classroom have made our education system a natural focus. In September I met with dozens of constituents to discuss aspects of our education system that need work. Our group included teachers, administrators, parents, students, and other community members. As a group we discussed the limitations of standardized testing, the emerging virtual school options for Oregon students and what we need to do to protect those students, and the limits that teachers face with large class sizes. I know our system needs work. As we face a tough budget biennium, I will fight to ensure we don’t make additional cuts to education.
 Many community members and educators came to express their thoughts and concerns about our schools.
Hillsboro Airport Master Plan: Many of you followed the work of the Hillsboro Airport Roundtable Exchange (HARE), the Port of Portland’s effort to hear from the community. It is public forum for discussion of news, information, and concerns related to Hillsboro Airport. The HARE group has transformed into the Hillsboro Master Plan Committee as the Port prepares for the scheduled update to the Hillsboro Airport Master Plan. To ensure you are up-to-date on this project, please follow the Port’s newsletter at this link. The new Hillsboro Airport committee will seek public input and hold community meetings, just as HARE did.
Oregon Retirement Savings Plan: The Legislature passed House Bill 2960 in 2015, a bill I co-sponsored. It established a state-sponsored retirement savings plan that provides employees with automatic enrollment, payroll deduction, and automatic annual contribution escalation, all on a flexible, opt-out basis. The plan is governed by an appointed board and will be run by a private-sector provider, with a minimum employer role. In advance, the Oregon Retirement Savings Plan Board will conduct market analysis, receive legal guidance, and undertake outreach to small businesses and future plan participants. The plan will be made available to Oregonians in phases starting July 1, 2017.
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¡Prospera!: I was glad to attend the fundraiser for Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center. They do truly important work in our community and I was inspired by the generosity I saw. It was also great to have the opportunity to catch up with Virginia Garcia's board members, staff, and Executive Director.
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Center for Gender Equity Brownbag Lunch: I was invited to address Pacific University students at an informal lunch conversation with Professor Jim Moore on "Gender and Sex on the Campaign Trail". Here I am with our moderator, Sophia O'Neal, a student at Pacific University and a Project Coordinator at the Center. I am so grateful for young women that follow their passions and get involved in their community!
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December Legislative Days: The Legislature will come together in Salem to prepare for the upcoming session from December 12th - 14th. Committees will meet to discuss the issues that are facing Oregonians.
Hillsboro Holly Days: Downtown Hillsboro will transform into a festive hub on November 26th. There will be a main stage with performances, a chance to get brunch with Mrs. Clause, a Holiday Market, a tree lighting, and plenty of family fun. Read more about the activities at this link: http://hillsborohollydays.org/schedule
Holiday Light Parade: Forest Grove will continue the tradition of the evening light parade. It will take place Saturday, December 3rd at 5 PM through downtown Forest Grove.
Enjoy the Holiday Season with your friends and family!
 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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