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Hello Friends and Neighbors,
Spring Break is over but that doesn’t mean that the good times aren’t still around! Things are picking up in Capitol with deadlines closing in, bills being passed, and schedules packed tight with meetings. With all this excitement, it makes this work a truly special experience.
This week the Oregon House of
Representatives voted to pass HB 2004. I was proud to support the efforts to address concerns that I've
heard over and over.
Constituents asked me on multiple occasions to look for ways to combat the rent
hikes so many have faced. The bill gives our local governments the ability to
enact rent stabilization ordinances. It is not a state mandated action, but a
tool for our local governments to use. I believe this to be a strong step in
giving our community peace of mind when it comes to living spaces. This bill
establishes just-cause eviction standards that will give protections to our
month-to-month tenants in cases of no-cause evictions after the first six
months of occupancy. The stress of families throughout Oregon struggling with
homelessness or housing insecurity is unacceptable, that’s why I voted for HB
2004.
A big part of these newsletters is making sure that I keep you in the loop on bills that I’m working on. I am very excited to bring forward HB 3430. As an eight year Hillsboro School Board member and longtime student advocate, I have always looked for ways to support education. This bill would bring a substantial amount of funding for education. It would release funds from the unclaimed property fund that have been untouched for more than 25 years and disperse those funds to the 197 school districts across Oregon through the Common School Fund. Education funding has taken hits year after year and our graduation rate in Oregon shows the effect of that. As an example, since 2008, the Hillsboro School District has had to cut $65 million from our budget, which has meant cut days, increased class sizes and technology deficits. I am so proud to support this bill and even more excited to have asked a former and current school board member to join me in a bipartisan effort to increase school funding. HB 3430 would bring over $22 million to help our school districts around the state.
 This
week I had the pleasure of speaking with two young women who are students at
Portland State University. Education funding was the number one topic of
discussion. As a result of possible cuts we face, the school may make significant increases to tuition, making higher education less accessible to many. With the
possibility of diminished accessibility, it is more important than ever that we
work hard to fund Oregon schools in this biennium. I am glad that we have
passionate young people, like these women, who are fighting for the support
that our education system requires.
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My
listening sessions have been growing and growing! April 1st brought out the
biggest turnout yet at the Brookwood Library in Hillsboro. Our
conversations were all over the board, from the need for education funding, to
transportation needs, to land use issues and so much more. The best part
of these listening sessions is having people on both sides of the issues
discuss their position in a very respectful and kind manner.
These meetings are a place for us to come together
withquestions, concerns, ideas, or even just to listen! I
encourage you all to come out to my next listening session on May 6th and to be
on lookout for information coming to you on a location.
 Get Involved
- SOLVE IT for Earth Day volunteer opportunity! Sign up here!
- Write me a letter or send me an email ASAP in support of HB 3430. I hope that this bill will pass out of committee so that I can share your story on the floor! You can email me here or send a letter to my capitol address listed at the bottom!
Upcoming Events
-
Latino Cultural Festival 2017, April 23rd @ 12pm – 5pm, Hillsboro Civic Center, 150 E Main St, Hillsboro, OR 97123
- Listening Session with Representative Sollman, May 6th @ 9am – 10am, Location TBD
We’re two months into the session, the long floor sessions have begun and longer ones are just around the corner. Yet, I’m still eager for the work ahead. Having the opportunity to help bring positive change to our community with your help and support has made this work so rewarding. Thank you all!
Onward & Upward,
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Capitol Phone: 503-986-1430
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-487, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/sollman
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaneenSollmanforHD30/
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