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Friends and Neighbors,
I hope you have enjoyed your summer! It went very well for me as I balanced work in the district, professional development opportunities, my schedule at my other job and some FUN too. The time out of the capitol helped me catch my breath and catch up on projects. I know that some of you are gearing up to get back in the swing of things with school schedules. It is an exciting time of year. My schedule is getting busier now as I prepare for legislative days and the short session around the corner. I look forward to exploring legislative concepts with my colleagues and meeting with constituents and stakeholders on ideas to improve and enhance our way of life here in Oregon. The short session is also a time that we can reflect back on bills that have been passed and see how implementation is going.
In July, I scheduled some time to delve into professional development and networking opportunities. It is critical to schedule this time to learn from others and take a deeper dive into how our systems work in Oregon. The chance to talk with other leaders from outside of Oregon is incredible. To hear of the challenges and successes with their policies avail us the opportunity to learn from them and improve on how we can better implement positive change in Oregon.
July 16-20 – I attended the CSG West Annual Meeting in Big Sky, MT. I was appointed a member of the Public Safety Committee. During this session, we heard from advocates and leaders on such topics as Juvenile Justice Reform, Criminal Justice Reform, and Reentry Programs. We had a solid conversation on these topics and how they impact the changing landscape of public safety and can strengthen our communities. The Council for State Governments Justice Center and Criminal Justice Research at Pew Charitable Trusts provided research and gave us a resource to tap into. I really appreciated hearing from Tarra Simmons, Project Director of the Public Defender Association. She shared her real experience in the criminal justice system and the tools and support that she gained to become an advocate for others going through similar situations. I also had the opportunity to hear from a guest speaker, Shon Hopwood. His story of overcoming mistakes from earlier in his life and working to help others was inspiring as well. He wrote the book, “Law Man – Memoir of a Jailhouse Lawyer” and I look forward to finishing the story. While at the conference, I also attended the Energy Committee, Economic Development Committee, Education Committee, Water & Environment Committee, and a professional development session on effectively influencing people in a positive way. I really enjoyed my time in Big Sky and was happy to have the opportunity to learn so much from others.
July 23-26 – 8th Annual STEM Forum & Expo hosted by NSTA (National Science Teaching Association). NSTA is an organization where everyone—including teachers, museum educators, administrators, elected officials and many more who share a passion for science teaching and learning—can go to find quality programs, resources, and products. As a STEMx Fellow, appointed by Speaker Kotek, it is important that I not only look at what Oregon is currently doing to advance STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts & Math) Education, but how we can make improvements with evidence-based practices that can benefit all students from all thirteen STEM hubs across Oregon. The STEM Forum was an amazing opportunity to learn from participants from across the globe and for states to show others the rubric systems they have in place to measure success of their programs to help identify what is working and what is not. STEM success should not be determined by whether you live in urban or rural areas, it is for everyone. We need to do a better job of helping communities realize STEM jobs in their own communities. It is not a way out of a community, it is a way to build a stronger community of jobs and opportunities. I was grateful for the opportunity to work with Laura Foley and Deb Bailey from the Department of Education at this conference and look forward to our continued conversations and work ahead.
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August 5-8 – NCSL (National Conference of State Legislatures) Legislative Summit in Nashville, TN. NCSL is a bipartisan organization that provides states with support, ideas, connections and a strong voice in Washington DC. They give thorough, unbiased and comprehensive information to help us navigate complex policy issues. I was appointed by Speaker Kotek to the committee on Law, Criminal Justice and Public Safety. I appreciated the issues discussed and resolutions we brought to a vote to move forward. The conference provided an amazing opportunity to see Dolly Parton up close & personal and hear more about Imagination Library, a project near and dear to her that is helping children succeed through literacy. We got to hear from author Wes Moore about transformational leadership. I heard the frightening reality of our ever-changing cybersecurity landscape (I learned about this at CSG West as well – so many jobs in the near future). The current job market has more positions on many levels than we have applicants. We learned how employers can confidently evaluate and hire applicants with past criminal records. Incarceration should be about rehabilitation, re-entry and reintegration for most offenders. We heard about states that are navigating criminal justice reform, whether through policing, pretrial, sentencing, supervision, release and reentry. Roughly 2.5 million Americans have served our country in uniform. While most veterans return home strengthened by service, others face an uphill battle. We need to improve on the outcomes for justice-involved veterans. I LOVED the chance to tour the local music studio for Quaver Music. They were founded on the power of music and bring the learning alive through online curriculum development for educators across the world. Their focus is general music education, but they also use their resources to help teachers teach social emotional learning skills. I was so very impressed and look forward to learning more. I also appreciated the chance to meet and hear about Illinois policy successes from their Governor, JB Pritzker. The conference was very well attended by nearly 7,000 legislators from across the states and even some international leaders as well.
Standing Together Against Hate
Last month, I was with leaders from across Washington County as we stood together against hate. We collectively sent a message to our community that hate and violence have no place here. We wanted to recognize the victims of the mass shootings that happened in El Paso, TX and Dayton, OH. We are a community that appreciates our diversity, celebrates our community and works together to promote peace.
At my last listening session, immigrant rights was a major topic of discussion. While the concerns were mostly about what is occurring at our federal borders, I wanted to highlight the "Know Your Rights" to be shared with our friends and neighbors. Our communities are stronger when we stand together against hate. In these uncertain times for our immigrant friends and neighbors, everyone should know their rights. Check out this great resource for individuals and employers from Causa.
Titus Pilot Project
This past month, I was able to tour a secondary MRF or Material Recovery Facility in SE Portland. The Titus Pilot Project is a collaboration between businesses and government entities to take on waste from a primary MRF, that would normally go to a landfill, and capture as much as possible in a secondary facility. We all win from the benefits of a secondary MRF as more items can be put in blue bins, reducing environmental impacts and improving recycling rates. Primary MRFs can benefit by increasing their operational flexibility and decreasing their reliance on export markets. It will also benefit brand owners and allow them to create markets for low volume materials and provide a cost-effective pathway to product stewardship. I look forward to seeing the results of this project and learning how we can move forward to foster secondary MRFs in Oregon.
Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program
My dream car has been achieved! In May, my husband and I purchased a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt. It is 100% electric and I simply love it! For my trips around town, I am finding that I only have to plug it in about once a week. I can easily make two trips to Salem, back and forth, on one full charge. My husband discovered great incentives to purchase in May and I wanted to make sure to share that if you are thinking about it, please consult with an auto dealer soon, as federal tax incentives are beginning to phase out. For example, if I would have purchased my specific car prior to 4/1/19, I would have received a $7500 federal tax credit. 4/1/19-9/30/19 = $3750. 10/1/19-3/31/20 = $1875. Check out the IRS website for more information. For more information on the incentives offered by Oregon, please go to the Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program website. I am happy to share my EV experience with you, please just ask me.
Leaders in House District 30
Mark Watson is a longtime resident of House District 30 and was recently elected to serve on the Hillsboro School Board. I am thrilled that he is highlighted this month as a leader in my district and with a Welcome Back to School message for all!
I was first elected to the Hillsboro School Board in May of 2017 and I am honored to serve our community. Back to school is such a tremendous time of year for the Hillsboro School District. School starts Tuesday, September 3rd for most students, with all students returning by the end of the week. Over the course of the next three weeks, I look forward to seeing parents and students at our many Back-To-School Night celebrations throughout the district. Look for me, or one of my colleagues from the school board, and stop by to chat about your hopes for how the remarkable Student Success Act will impact our district. Our legislature has given us a long-awaited opportunity to invest in our students and we want to connect with the community about their priorities. If you had another dollar to spend in the classroom, how would you spend it? We’d love to hear from you! We have a survey available on the district website: https://www.hsd.k12.or.us/ssasurvey. If you have any questions, concerns or ideas at any time throughout the year, please feel free to email your school board members at schoolboard@hsd.k12.or.us. There is so much information about the school year, board policies, bond updates and more on our district website, www.hsd.k12.or.us. Welcome back to students, faculty and staff. I am proud to partner with families and our community to make this a great year for all!
Meet the Interns
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Ryan Smith will be entering his senior year of high school at Liberty High School in Hillsboro. Ryan helps out in my office with research projects and constituent outreach. He is a busy and bright individual and serves on a long list of student groups. He is Co-Chair of the Hillsboro Youth Advisory Council, Co-Editor of the Glencoe High School Newspaper, Captain of the Glencoe High School Speech and Debate Team, Youth Representative on the Hillsboro 2035 Oversight Committee, Coach of the Evergreen Middle School Speech and Debate Team,
ASB Representative, serves on Glencoe High School Student Government and is Vice-President of the Glencoe High School National Honor Society. In his free time, he likes reading books, playing video games, and hanging out with friends. |
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Hello, I am Parker Campa and I’m a recent graduate of Liberty High School and am now going into Portland Community College in the fall to study political science. I became an intern for Janeen to advocate for change in our community and build experience in local politics. I have lived in Hillsboro for my entire life, and I really want to see Hillsboro and the entire state of Oregon to continue to be leaders in progressive policies for the rest of the nation. In my free time I enjoy listening to music, playing video games, drumming, cooking, hanging out with friends, and trying to keep up with national politics in the news. |
I am so fortunate to have these two young men helping out in my office and working to make positive change in Oregon!
August Activity – Out & About representing House District 30
- NCSL Summit in Nashville, Tennessee
- North Plains Garlic Festival Parade
- Volunteered at Coyote's Westside Brewfest – benefitting Hillsboro Schools Foundation
- Meals on Wheels Advisory Council Meeting
- WakeUp! Hillsboro Chamber Event at Meals on Wheels Hillsboro Center
- Washington County Sheriff ride along in North Plains
- Politics in the Park #55 Listening Session
- Rally against Racism and Gun Violence
- Materials Recovery Facility Tour in Portland
- Moms Demand Recess Rally at Senator Wyden's office in Portland
- Attended the Coastal Economic Summit in Florence, Oregon
- Camp Florence-Oregon Youth Authority High School Graduation & Tour
- Elected Officials Goat Milking Competition at the Oregon State Fair with Oregon FFA
- Participated in the Work Group on Textbook Affordability
- North Plains leadership meeting
- Hillsboro Hops game with Meals on Wheels volunteers – sold 50/50 tickets for the Hillsboro Hops Fund
- Threw out the ceremonial 1st pitch at the Hillsboro Hops game – right across the plate & to the glove!
What's Happening
Campaign Finance Roadshow - In the 2019 Legislative Session, the legislature secured big wins for campaign finance reform by increasing transparency and increasing access for voters. While these wins were significant, Oregon remains one of five states without campaign contribution limits.
I believe we must get big monied interest out of politics, which is why I’m thrilled to tell you that my colleague Representative Dan Rayfield will be travelling across Oregon to hear how Oregonians want their campaign finance system to work.
The forum will begin with a kick-off by election policy experts who will present the history and political dynamics of campaign finance reform in Oregon. The presentation will be followed by an overview of recently-passed campaign finance reform legislation. The forum will conclude with a community discussion on various campaign finance limit goals and proposals. See below for more details on the forum series.
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Hillsboro - Monday, September 9th from 7:00-8:30pm at Shute Park Library, 775 SE 10th Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97123.
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Portland - Wednesday, September 11th from 6:00-7:45pm at Midland Library, 805 SE 122nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97233.
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Salem - Tuesday, September 17th from 6:30-8:00pm at the Oregon State Capitol, Room 50, 900 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301.
I will be attending both the Hillsboro and Salem forums. I hope to see you there for what is sure to be a fascinating and valuable discussion of campaign finance reform in Oregon!
Upcoming Events
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Politics in the Park-Constituent Listening Session (#56). Saturday, September 7th. 9:30am-10:30am. Orenco Woods Nature Park (under the covered area). |
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Centro Cultural de Washington County and the City of Hillsboro proudly announce the annual "El Grito” Community Celebration at Hillsboro’s Shute Park. The third annual El Grito Community Festival will be hosted on September 14, 2019 from 3:00 PM-8:30 PM. The festival will include family activities, regional Latin food options, a concert, and a traditional "Grito" Ceremony. Thousands are expected to participate in the event, which kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month.
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House District 30 City Links
As a way to keep everyone connected to the cities I represent, here are links to their most recent newsletters.
Thank you for your continued engagement with me and my office. Please continue to keep in touch on the issues that are important to you.
Onward and Upward,
 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
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