You can read our previous newsletters here.

anDear Friends and Neighbors,

Hello Community, and welcome back to the weekly newsletter! I hope you have enjoyed the few lovely May days we've had recently and were able to get outdoors with family and friends. The Interim has been busy but productive! This week my outreach included visiting 7th and 8th-grade classes at City View Charter School, located on the Evergreen Middle School campus, and Quatama Elementary School, a STEAM school in the Hillsboro School District! It was a very energizing experience, and I had great discussions with the students and teachers. At City View, our discussion centered on Sustainability and Recycling. I want to give a special shout-out to Mrs. Kelli and her student, Nathan Flood, for inviting me to this discussion. At Quatama, Principal Yolanda Coleman was my guide as I observed reading programs and STEAM research, which uses hands-on learning in math, science, and the arts/communications as the curriculum foundation. At both schools, students wanted to know more about the process of policymaking and how the different branches of government work. Wow, what great visits, and thank you to the outstanding teachers, students, and administrators that I visited with and observed. 

As I was in an elementary school today, I could not help having thoughts about the horrific violence that families in Texas are living today.  Nineteen elementary school students and their two teachers were murdered.  I don't have any words, but I feel a profound sense of loss and we must sharpen our response to protect all Americans.  We all have a responsibility to stop these actions. I have voted in favor of every gun safety bill that we have been able to get to the floor of the Oregon State Legislature, but I also recognize that we must do more.  Beyond gun control, we must also prioritize mental health, which I mention because May is mental health awareness month.  If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out for help.  You can call 211 here in Oregon for support or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) from anywhere. 

I hope that you have the opportunity this Memorial Day weekend to remember the service and sacrifices of so many Americans. I am so proud of my father's service during WWII and my late husband's in the Vietnam War. We all need to honor those who have lost their lives in service to our country.  Let's take a moment to also remember the families that were left behind.

This was a recycling and art project at Quatama Elementary School

MEMORIAL DAY, 2022

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs will host Oregon’s annual Statewide Memorial Day Ceremony in person at 11 a.m., Monday, May 30, at the Oregon World War II Memorial located on the grounds of the Oregon State Capitol in Salem.

The event will honor the nation’s fallen service members and include remarks from veteran leaders and state dignitaries, a color guard ceremony, performance of the national anthem, and the laying of a wreath followed by the playing of “Taps.” It is the first in-person Memorial Day event the agency has hosted since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“On Memorial Day, we, as one nation, pause to remember and honor those service members who paid the ultimate price to preserve and defend our freedoms,” said ODVA Director Kelly Fitzpatrick. “We are grateful on this meaningful occasion to gather together in honor and remembrance of the nearly 6,000 Oregonians and more than 1.2 million Americans who have given their lives in service to our country.”

The Oregon WWII Memorial is located on the corner of Church and Court Street Northeast. Limited seating will be available. Attendees are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather. The event will also be livestreamed beginning at 11:00 a.m. on ODVA’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/odvavet.

LEGISLATIVE DAYS: JUNE 1-3

WHAT ARE LEGISLATIVE DAYS? In the Oregon Legislature, Legislative Days are a time when committees hold informational hearings on a variety of topics, but do not vote on policy or pass legislation.  Topics can often be ones that may lead to legislation in upcoming sessions or committees may hear updates on previous bill implementations.  Many committees will hear reports from state agencies and Task Forces or consider testimony regarding current subject areas affecting Oregonians.  The June, 2022 Legislative Days will be held remotely and you can participate by watching the hearings on OLIS.  For a list of Committee hearings for Legislative Days by date and time (including links to agendas and videos), click here.

I-5 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT UPDATES

IBR program announces recommendation for Modified LPA

On May 5, the IBR program announced its recommended Modified Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) which includes key components representing foundational transportation improvements:

• Extend light rail from the Expo Center in Portland, Oregon north to a new station on Hayden Island, continuing across the Columbia River on the new Interstate Bridge, following I-5 to multiple stations in the City of Vancouver, Washington, including a terminus near Evergreen Blvd.
• Construct a partial interchange at Hayden Island, and a full interchange at Marine Drive, designed to minimize impacts while making improvements to freight and workforce traffic and active transportation on Hayden Island and Marine Drive.
• Include one auxiliary lane northbound and one auxiliary lane southbound between Marine Drive and Mill Plain Blvd, in addition to three through lanes, to accommodate the safe movement of vehicles and freight.

The IBR program’s recommended Modified LPA was informed by feedback from the community, planning, modeling, and evaluation work that has occurred since the program started in 2019. Learn more about how the program arrived at this recommendation on the next steps webpage.
 
Over the coming months, the IBR program’s local partner agencies and Executive Steering Group will be asked to consider the Modified LPA recommendation, with the goal of receiving approval from each partner’s respective board or council to advance the Modified LPA to the next step by the end of July 2022. Additional conversations with the program’s advisory groups and consideration by the Bi-State Legislative Committee will also continue during this timeframe.
 
Adoption of a Modified LPA demonstrates regional consensus to move forward into the next phase of work to further study and refine the corridor-wide program alternative, but does not represent a formal decision by the federal agencies leading the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process or any federal funding commitment. The Modified LPA will undergo additional evaluation and analysis in the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement process, which includes opportunities for formal public comment.
 
Other elements and investments may enhance the Modified LPA and will be identified as the program continues to gather input from advisory groups and partner agencies, and further analyze the Modified LPA. Details such as additional transit improvements (i.e., transit stations, park and rides, and bus route changes) and river crossing structure type are anticipated to be determined in the next phase of the program.

Upcoming Meetings

Click link for more details including materials and online meeting links.

• CAG June 9, 2022 Meeting Thu, June 09, 2022 — 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

  Community Advisory Group

• ESG June 15, 2022 Meeting Wed, June 15, 2022 — 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

  Executive Steering Group

• Bi-state Legislative Committee Fri, June 17, 2022 — 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

  Bi-State Legislative Committee

• EAG June 20 Meeting Mon, June 20, 2022 — 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

  Equity Advisory Group

• ESG June 21, 2022 Meeting Thu, July 21, 2022 — 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

  Executive Steering Group

IT'S GRADUATION TIME!

I want to extend my sincere congratulations to all of our wonderful 2022 graduates celebrating the end of their undergraduate careers at Pacific University and all of our high school Seniors in the area! As a former teacher, I understand and appreciate all of the time, hard work, and dedication you all have put into your studies. Your academic careers have been marked by a novel and unpredictable set of challenges due to the pandemic, which were not always ideal and convenient. I am so impressed by your strong persistence and admirable ability to adapt and excel during these unprecedented times. This is a challenging goal, and I'm inspired to learn of your successful achievement. 

This marks the end of a chapter and the start of new beginnings in education, the workforce and beyond. With this accomplishment, you have secured a bright future for yourself, and with that, a bright future for Oregon. I am very proud of you all and I am excited for your future contributions to Oregon’s educated workforce.

LOCAL GRADUATION DATES:

Pacific University - Saturday, May 21st 

Forest Grove High School - June 4, 10:00am

Hillsboro Online Academy - June 7, 2:30pm

Miller Education Center - June 8, 7:00pm

Liberty High School - June 9, 7:00pm

Century High School - June 10, 7:00 pm

Glencoe High School - June 11, 10:00am

Hillsboro High School - June 11, 2:00pm

REMEMBERING RALPH BROWN

REMEMBERING THE INCOMPARABLE RALPH BROWN: Ralph and I crossed paths in many ways over the years. We were both educators, and when I was a Metro councilor, Ralph was mayor of Cornelius, and we often worked together on issues important to the community. I also got the chance to know Ralph and his lovely wife, Carol, through many community events and activities, and I always loved having the opportunity to visit with them. Ralph was quite simply a wonderful man. He was a role model, a great educator, mayor, and school board member, and whether it was organizing fun runs or supporting former students, he contributed to our community in countless positive ways.  I am proud that I had the privilege of calling him my friend.  I am sending my sincere condolences to Carol and his family and I mourn with the rest of the community for the loss of someone who had a profound and lasting impact.  You can read more about Ralph's legacy in The Forest Grove News Times and The Oregonian.

AROUND WASHINGTON COUNTY

Food Banks Struggling to Keep Up With Demand

Food banks are a lifeline for many in our community, and their work has been particularly impactful and invaluable during the pandemic.  Despite positive signs of economic recovery, many people in our area still depend on food banks to make ends meet, especially given the dramatic increase in food prices recently (see Inflation has more Americans counting on food banks to eat - CBS).  As pantries race to meet the community's rising needs, these organizations are finding it difficult to keep up with costs as well (Inflation leaves food banks struggling to meet need - The Oregonian).

Most food banks are volunteer-run organizations that largely depend on donations of time, money, and food from community members like you and me.  There are many ways to help, from driving someone in need to a pantry to organizing a food drive where you work or volunteering to package boxed meals.  Listed below are some of the organizations serving our area.  Please spread the word to those who may be in need, and consider supporting theses pantries in any way you can!

Centro Mercado: Centro Cultural's free food market is open to anyone in the community—no requirements, no appointment needed. The Centro Mercado is located across the street from Centro Cultural at 1216 East Baseline Street in Cornelius. To call: (503) 359-0446 Hours of operation: Monday         9:00 am - 5:30 pm Tuesday        9:00 am - 5:30 pm  (Closed 11:00 am  - 2:00 pm) Wednesday   9:00 am - 5:30 pm  (Closed 11:00 am  - 2:00 pm) Thursday       9:00 am - 5:30 pm  (Closed 11:00 am  - 2:00 pm) Friday            9:00 am - 5:30 pm Saturday       10:00 am -2:00 pm

Community Action: 

Provides emergency food boxes to anyone in Washington County. Food boxes are available Monday - Friday, 5:30 pm - 9 pm and weekends, 9 am - 9 pm. 

Call 503-726-0812 to schedule a pickup or 503-693-3254 for donation inquiries.

The Oregon Food Bank:

The Oregon Food Ban has a network of food pantries and meal sites, which are available to everyone — inclusive of all races, gender expressions, religions and immigration statuses.  It also has an interactive map, the Food Finder, where you can put your address in and find the closest location for a food bank. For general inquiries: 503-282-0555

Intel to Build $700 Million Data Center in Hillsboro:

*From Mike Rogoway | The Oregonian/OregonLive

Intel said Thursday it will build a $700 million research center at its Jones Farm campus in Hillsboro where the company will study new technologies for cooling data centers.

The new “mega lab” will investigate ways to make data centers operate more efficiently, primarily by reducing their heating, cooling and water needs. The 200,000-square-foot facility, slated to open late next year, will also provide space for Intel to test new data center technologies.Also Thursday, Intel published a new design for “immersion liquid cooling” in data centers. The far-out technology submerges computers into a special liquid that doesn’t conduct electricity but absorbs heat generated by the machines.

Researchers say data centers use about 4% of the world’s energy, a total that could grow to 10% as the industry expands. More than a third of that energy is used just to cool the high-performing computers with conventional air chillers.

FINANCIAL AID OPPORTUNITY

COVID-19 UPDATES

Third round of free COVID tests now available

Residential households in the U.S. are now eligible for another order of free at-home tests on USPS.com. Here's what you need to know about your order:

All of the major health systems are providing COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters.  You can use this CDC tool to figure out when to get your booster. 

Washington County Vaccine Team: The team is in the community five days a week providing vaccinations at schools, shelters, and other locations. These are walk-in clinics. No appointment, ID, or insurance is required. This schedule lists public clinics only. We are now giving additional boosters at these clinics. 

In-home vaccinations: Are you or a loved one unable to get to a vaccine clinic because of a disability or other physical or mental health barrier? See if you qualify for a free in-home vaccination by calling 503-846-8123, emailing us or filling out this form.

Tektronix: This is a walk-up clinic operated by Oregon Health Authority. It is located at 2540 SW Alan Blumlein Way (inside Building 58) in Beaverton. The clinic is open Thursday through Saturday from 12-7 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 

Beaverton Resource Center: This clinic takes place every Friday inside the Beaverton Resource Center, 13565 SW Walker Road. Make an appointment at Project Access Now's website. 

La Mixteca Oaxaca: This clinic is open every Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. It is operated by Oregon Health Authority and Vive NW. It is located at 1050 SE Walnut Street in Hillsboro. No appointments, ID, or health insurance required. Testing is also available at this site. Questions? Call the Vive NW hotline at 844-291-4970. 

Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center: Vaccination and testing at the new Hillsboro 7th Avenue clinic (226 SE 7th Ave) is open to all community members. You don't have to be a Virginia Garcia patient. Testing is drive-thru and vaccination is walk-up. Hours are M-F, 9a.m. to 4 p.m. You will need an appointment. Find more information at VG's website.

Centro Cultural: This clinic is located at 1110 N Adair Street in Cornelius. It is open on the last Saturday of each month from 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. No appointment, ID, or health insurance is required. Find more information at Centro's website. 

ATTENTION: Oregon warns recipients of food boxes about recall of Jif peanut butter

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is warning the people of Oregon to be on the lookout for Jif brand peanut butter that may be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria.

J.M. Smucker Co., the parent company for the peanut butter brand, issued a voluntary recall on Friday. The Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners are investigating this outbreak.

The recalled peanut butter was distributed in retail stores and other outlets throughout the country. It includes creamy, crunchy and natural varieties.

Jif peanut butter was included in food boxes distributed through OHA’s food box program. OHA has investigated further and determined that the recall lot does include the Jif peanut butter that was distributed in the food boxes. This only impacts the peanut butter product inside the food box which can be exchanged for a replacement or refunded. 

Starting today, staff with the Oregon Health Authority is visiting all OHA food hubs and inspecting respective food boxes in order to substitute any recall product for new.  This work will require the remainder of this week to accomplish and all food hubs are being notified this evening. All warehoused Jif products that are waiting to be distributed have been thoroughly inspected and replaced.

To see if your jar of Jif peanut butter is being recalled, check the lot number that is printed below the "Best if Used by" date on the label.

Products with lot codes 1274425 – 2140425, with the digits 425 in the 5th-7th position, are being recalled. This information is printed on the back label of the jar.

A list of recalled products and their numbers can also be seen on the FDA's website. If you happen to have a jar included in the recall, you should throw it away immediately. After throwing the peanut butter out, OHA recommends washing and sanitizing any surfaces or containers that might have come into contact with the peanut butter.

For many infected people, symptoms appear 12 to 72 hours after contact and often include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. Most people who are infected recover within four to seven days and do not need any treatment. More serious and severe cases can occur, though, so OHA recommends contacting your health care provider if you believe you have been infected.

Currently, there are 14 cases across 12 states, two hospitalizations, no deaths and no cases in Oregon.

OHA recommends that all peanut butter distributed from April 15 through May 23 be immediately thrown away or exchanged at a retail store.

Product can also be reimbursed directly by Jif by following their instructions at: https://jms-s3-mkt-consumer-p-pmc6.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/recall.html.

Consumers who have questions or would like to report adverse reactions should visit www.jif.com/contact-us or call 800-828-9980 Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM ET.

OPIOID CRISIS: RESPONSE TOOLKIT

Overdose deaths caused by the synthetic opioid fentanyl are rising across the nation and in Oregon. The rising trend among youth and young adults is especially alarming. Fentanyl is extremely potent and addictive—ingesting a small amount can cause a lethal overdose. To help schools and parents address this crisis, Oregon Department of Education and Oregon Health Authority teamed up to create a toolkit for schools. The toolkit will help schools create emergency protocols, access life-saving drugs, advise parents and caregivers and more. Read on to learn more about the Fentanyl & Opioid Response Toolkit for Schools. 

WILDFIRE UPDATES AND RESOURCES

Is your house at risk of a wildfire? This online tool could tell you: A nonprofit research group is releasing a first-of-its-kind tool for homeowners that shows the wildfire risk for properties across the lower 48 states, and shows how that risk will change as the climate gets hotter.

CDC recommendations for preparing for wildfires

Take steps now to prepare for wildfires. More and more people make their homes in areas that are prone to wildfires. You can take steps to be ready for a wildfire and prepare your home and landscaping to reduce your risk from a wildfire.

Wildfire Resources:

OEM has put together this list of contacts to help speed up the process of replacing these documents:

• Green cards: Phone (800)-375-5283; Website: www.uscis.gov
• Medicare cards: Phone: (800)-772-1213; (TTY) (800)-325-0778 Website: www.medicare.gov
• Military records Phone: 866-272-6272 Website: www.archives.gov/contact/
• Passport Phone: 877-487-2778; (TTY) 888-874-7793 Website: travel.state.gov
• Social Security card Phone: 800-772-1213; (TTY) 800-325-0778 Website: www.ssa.gov
• U.S. Savings Bonds Phone: 844-284-2676 Website: www.treasurydirect.gov
• U.S. tax returns Phone: 800-829-1040 Website: www.irs.gov
• Birth, death, marriage, domestic partnership, divorce certificates Phone: 888-896-4988 Website: www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/Birthdeathcertificates
• Driver’s license, auto titles and registration, ID cards Phone: 503-945-5000 Website: www.oregon.gov/odot
• SNAP (Oregon Trail Card) Website: www.oregon.gov/DHS/Assistance/Food-Benefits
• State taxes (Oregon Dept. of Revenue) Phone: 503-378-4988 or 800-356-4222 TTY: All relay calls are accepted. Website: www.oregon.gov/dor
• Real estate and property - Contact your county government.
• Credit cards - Contact your credit card company directly.
• Credit reports from Equifax, Experian, TransUnion Phone: 877-322-8228 Website: www.annualcreditreport.com
• Insurance documents - Check with your insurance agent.
• Medical records - Call your doctor or your medical insurance company; medical and prescription records are tracked electronically.

The Governor’s office has put together a Wildfire Resources page that you can access from the Governor’s home page.  It has links to many of the most important updates about the status of fires and resources for evacuees.  This website will be updated regularly.  

Legal Resources: Oregon State Bar’s Lawyer Referral Program, Oregon lawyers, through the Oregon State Bar, are partnering with FEMA and the American Red Cross to provide legal assistance on FEMA claims, contract claims, insurance claims, landlord-tenant matters and more.

The Department of Forestry’s Wildfire Response and Recovery Overview has ongoing updates about firefighting efforts, damage reports, and more.  

FEMA Updates: FEMA has provided several different Fact Sheets and resources for accessing benefits, determining eligibility and avoiding scams.

• How to Appeal a FEMA Disaster Assistance Decision
• Oregonians Affected by Wildfires: Flood Risk and Insurance; Fraud Awareness
• FEMA Rental Assistance May Be A Valuable Housing Solution for Oregon Wildfire Survivors
• Citizenship and Immigration Status Requirements for FEMA Disaster Assistance
• What to Expect When Applying with FEMA
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available for Oregon Wildfire Survivors
• Look Out for Disaster Fraud, Scams
• Understanding a FEMA Determination Letter, How to Appeal
• FEMA Approves Direct Housing Mission
• Apply with FEMA Even if You Have Insurance

VETERANS RESOURCES

Washington County Veterans Resources 

American Legion Post 104: (503) 642-4907

American Legion Post 006: (503) 648-7191

Washington County Disability, Aging, and Veteran Services: (503) 846- 3060

Hillsboro VA Clinic: (503) 906-5000

Paws Assisting Veterans: info@paveusa.org

Veterans of Foreign Wars: (503) 895- 1342

Hillsboro Elks Lodge: (503) 648- 1862

Rock Creek Veteran Resources | Veteran Resources at PCC : (971) 722-7743 or 7744

Veterans Support | Pacific University

Mental Health Services: 

• Washington County Crisis Line | 503-291-9111
• Crisis Text Line | Text “Connect” to 741741
• Suicide Prevention Lifeline | 1-800-273-8255
• Trevor Lifeline | 1-866-488-7386

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Employers and Employees

The following list of resources is from Oregon’s Secretary of State’s Office. The fastest way to get in touch with the SOS team is by emailing business.sos@oregon.gov, using the “Need Help?” button found on most state agency websites or visiting www.oregon.gov/smallbusiness.

• Unemployment options (including the Workshare program)
• Phone lines are busy and it has been difficult to get through.  Work is being done to ease this bottle neck, but for now, keep calling (multiple times per day) until you can get through.  
• Information about employer obligations and responsibilities from Oregon Labor and Industries
• Business Oregon's list of financial resources (including non-bank lenders) 
• Information about US Small Business Administration disaster assistance loans 
• The latest COVID-19/Coronavirus information on resources for workers and business owners  

Education Links

• Hillsboro School District (en inglés y español)
• Forest Grove School District (en inglés y español) 
• Oregon Department of Education
• COVID-19 Resources for Oregon Higher Education Partners

Local Government

• City of Hillsboro (en inglés, español y más idiomas) 
• City of Cornelius (en inglés, español y más idiomas)
• City of Forest Grove
• Washington County

Utilities Assistance

• Portland General Electric (en inglés y español) 
• NW Natural
• City of Hillsboro Utility Billing 
• Comcast 
• CenturyLink
• AT&T 

Food and Housing Assistance

• Community Action.org
• Oregon Food Bank
• Meals on Wheels

Yours truly,

Representative Susan McLain
House District 29

email: Rep.SusanMcLain@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1429
address: 900 Court St NE, H-477, Salem, OR 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/mclain