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Friends and Neighbors,
Upcoming Events
Happening Tonight at 6:00pm! Town Hall for Gun Violence Prevention
Join me and local students for a Students Demand Action Town Hall discussing gun violence prevention. I hope you can join us tonight at 6:00 for this important discussion.
Environmental Updates
Oregon Department of Energy Awarded National State Leadership in Clean Energy Award
From the Oregon Department of Energy
SALEM – The Oregon Department of Energy recently announced that it has been awarded a State Leadership in Clean Energy (SLICE) award from the Clean Energy States Alliance.
ODOE’s Solar + Storage Rebate Program was one of only six state programs recognized at CESA’s national membership meeting held this week in Washington, DC. CESA, a nonprofit coalition of public agencies working together to advance clean energy, established the biennial awards to highlight model programs and projects that accelerate the adoption of clean energy technologies and strengthen clean energy markets. ODOE previously won a SLICE Award in 2018 for its Renewable Energy Development Grant Program.
The Solar + Storage Rebate Program stood out to the 2022 SLICE judging panel for its collaborative approach and focus on expanding access to renewable energy to Oregonians who may not otherwise be able to afford the investment in solar, noting that “This program was thoughtfully designed to maximize participation by low-income communities, with impressive results.”
Homeowners are eligible for rebates up to $5,000 for solar and an additional $2,500 for paired energy storage installed together. Oregonians with low or moderate incomes are eligible for higher incentive rates per watt of solar installed. Low-income service providers – such as nonprofits, municipalities, or other organizations serving low-income Oregonians – are eligible for rebates up to $30,000 for solar plus $15,000 for paired storage. At least 25 percent of rebate funds are reserved for low- or moderate-income residential customers and low-income service providers.
The rebate program was established in 2019 with bipartisan support from the Oregon Legislature and an initial $2 million program budget. ODOE’s community partners, like the Oregon Solar + Storage Industries Association and the program’s approved contractors, helped make the program a success — with all funding reserved for rebates within nine months of program launch. In 2021 and 2022 the Legislature allocated an additional $15 million total to continue the popular program. To date, ODOE has reserved funds for more than 1,800 projects in 29 counties.
“We’re grateful to the Clean Energy States Alliance for again recognizing Oregon as a leader in clean energy,” said ODOE Director Janine Benner. “The Solar + Storage Rebate Program makes a difference in communities across the state by expanding access to renewable energy, strengthening community resilience, and supporting local solar jobs”
ODOE is currently accepting rebate reservations from approved contractors – learn more on ODOE’s website.
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Investments to Enable Families to Plug-In, Charge Up, and Drive Across America
The Biden Administration is proposing new standards to make charging electric vehicles (EVs) a convenient, reliable, and affordable for all Americans. And, the Administration is announcing a fleet of new actions that advance the President’s goal to build out the first-ever national network of 500,000 electric vehicle chargers across America.
Strong standards ensure everyone can use the network –no matter what car you drive or which state you charge in – to plug-in, charge up, and drive across America, including driving long distances.
This will lower costs for families, create good-paying jobs, and combat climate change by:
- Providing tax credits that make EVs more affordable, so families’ budgets aren’t hurt by volatile gas prices.
- Spurring good-paying jobs for America’s steelworkers, electrical workers, and laborers to build, install, and maintain the network.
- Reducing emissions, increasing cleaner air, and delivering investments in overburden communities as part of the Justice40 Initiative.
Read more about the proposed EV investments here.
Education Updates from Senate District 15
High School Graduations
Attending local high school graduations is a highlight of my year and I was so glad to be able to celebrate with Glencoe and Liberty High Schools earlier this month. In my 8 years on the Hillsboro School District School Board I did not miss a graduation ceremony. They are truly a magnificent milestone for students, familes and staff members. I was especially excited to watch each of my four high school interns graduate this year. Lily Donis, Juan David Alonso Garcia, Ishaan Sinha and Ceph Tronco have been a huge part of the Senate District 15 team over the last several years, helping in many areas and providing outreach to constituents. I will miss them and wish them the best as they transition to new and amazing adventures.
Forest Grove High School Mechatronics Classroom Visit
Before school let out for the summer, I was able to visit my old high school, Forest Grove High School, to see their #STEMtastic Mechatronics classrooms. The students told me they most like the problem solving, teamwork and hands-on learning they get to do in class. They can see their future in these classes and know the jobs will be ready and waiting for them. Measure 98 dollars are a game-changer and have made this possible. These classes and students were very impressive, but also male-dominated. I look forward to seeing how we can get more female students interested in these classes as well. Read more about the program in this article from the Forest Grove News Times last year.
Community Outreach
Transit Oriented Development, Explained - Highlighting Hillsboro's Orenco Station
One of my constituents recently shared the below video with me. Watch Dave from City Beautiful highlight Orenco Station's Transit Oriented Development.
PlanetCon - This Saturday at Century High School in Hillsboro
Intergenerational Youth Pickleball Clinic
This 4th of July - Keep it Legal, Keep it Safe
From the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal
“Keep it Legal. Keep it Safe.” is the message from the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal this June and July as fireworks legally go on sale in Oregon on June 23rd.
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Be Prepared: Before lighting fireworks: keep water available by
using a garden hose or bucket.
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Be Safe: Keep children and pets away from fireworks. Never use
fireworks near or on dry grass or vegetation.
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Be Responsible: Never relight a dud. Wait for 15 to 20 minutes,
then soak it in a bucket of water before disposal
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Be Aware: Use only legal fireworks and use them only in legal
places.
Celebrating Pride Month
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As we continue to celebrate Pride Month throughout June, here are some further resources to share:
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Additional Resources
Senate District 15 Links
Federal Delegation Links
Education Links
Food and Housing Assistance
 Onward & Upward,
 Senate District 15 lies on Kalapuya land. The Atfalati were the northernmost band of the Kalapuya that lived along the Tualatin River in present day Washington County. Many of the Atfalati descendants are members of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon today. The Indigenous Peoples of this land experienced a painful history of colonial violence, sickness and removal from their land. The Atfalati are the foundation of Oregon’s past and we must honor them well into our future.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1715
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, S-207, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Sen.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/sollman
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