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Friends and Neighbors,
Friday was a dark day for our nation. The Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson, which overturns nearly 50 years of legal precedent, has triggered a national emergency. This decision places over 33 million women at risk of losing access to vital reproductive health care. More than half of US states will restrict access to critical care.
I am outraged. I am broken-hearted. I am fearful for those living in other states. Abortion and reproductive services are health care. Every person should be able to decide for themselves whether and when to parent. The choice is very personal between a woman and her health care provider.
In 2017, the Legislature took a big step for reproductive rights by passing the Oregon Reproductive Health Equity Act, which expands coverage for folks in need of abortion services, including our undocumented neighbors. Oregon’s Reproductive Health Equity Act codified the right to an abortion into Oregon state law. Fortunately, the Dobbs decision has no effect on Oregon’s Reproductive Health Equity Act that guarantees right to receive abortion in Oregon. However, there is still work to do.
The impact of overturning Roe will be felt largely by Black, Latino and Indigenous people, immigrants, people living with low incomes, and people in rural areas— communities who have long faced barriers to abortion access due to systemic barriers and discrimination. In an effort to increase access and build resources, during the 2022 Legislative Session, Oregon Senate Democrats passed $15 million to support the Reproductive Health Equity Fund. The resources in this fund will be used to help make sure that folks without sufficient access to abortion services, particularly those living in service deserts in rural parts of the state, are in control of their bodies and their futures.
I will work to make sure that we continue to build on Oregon’s legacy of abortion access. We must make sure that reproductive health care, including abortion, remains safe and accessible for all. Now that the decision is up to each state, it’s more important than ever to elect leaders that will protect abortion and reproductive health care. Elections matter and have can have dire consequences. We are seeing and feeling it.
Out and About in Senate District 15
Students Demand Action Town Hall for Gun Violence Prevention
Last Wednesday night was a powerful evening talking about gun violence prevention facilitated by powerhouse students from Students Demand Action. I am thankful for the students that brought their heart and soul to this topic,  and for fellow panelist, Doreen Dodgen-Magee for sharing her experience and passion for change  .
You can listen to the Town Hall on Sunset Politics podcast here.
Bipartisan Safer Communities Act
I am thrilled that the Federal Government took action and passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which was signed into law this weekend. However, there is more work to be done at both the state and federal levels to continue to prevent gun violence and create common sense gun legislation. I will continue to use my voice towards this positive change and support efforts to make our communities safer.
The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act includes:
- It funds crisis intervention, including red flag laws to keep guns out of the hands of people who are a danger to themselves and to others.
- It finally closes what’s known as the “boyfriend loophole,” so if you assault your girlfriend or boyfriend you can’t buy or own a gun.
- It requires young people aged 18-21 to undergo enhanced background checks.
- It includes the first federal law that makes gun trafficking and straw purchases distinct federal crimes.
- It clarifies who needs to register as a federally licensed gun dealer and run background checks before selling a gun.
- And it provides historic funding to address the youth mental health crisis in this country, especially the trauma experienced by survivors of gun violence.
- And it invests in anti-violence programs to work directly with people who are most likely to commit gun crimes or become victims of gun crimes.
Read more about what the bill contains here.
Eastern Oregon Economic Summit
I recently traveled to Hermiston for a the Eastern Oregon Economic Summit. The beauty of our state is truly the people in our state. The Summit was a great way to ground a better understanding of the challenges facing Oregonians in that region and also to see the success of investments made to better their lives. I took the workforce tour as we explored their CTE Measure 98 investments, partnerships with local unions and business to train and retain workers, Blue Mountain Community College CTE and certification programs and Early Education supports for the workforce and our youngest Oregonians. We also heard of housing issues and opportunity for growth. We heard about what local farmers are doing to protect and conserve water...it's science! I truly appreciated the opportunity to visit and grow with my colleagues. We showed the attendees that we (Democrats and Republicans) can and do work more with each other versus against each other. It was a great visit.
I also toured a house built by high school students in Hermiston through the Columbia Basin Student Homebuilders Program. Read more about it here: Homework to homebuilding: Eastern Oregon high school students sell eighth ‘Street of Dreams’ style house, The Oregonian.
Education Updates
Summer Food Service Program Offers Free Nutritious Meals to Combat Childhood Hunger
From the Oregon Department of Education
Families can look up meal locations in their area by calling 2-1-1, or texting “Food” or “Comida” to 304-304 or by visiting Summer Food Oregon.
(Salem, Ore.) – The Oregon Department of Education is encouraging Oregon families to take three steps this summer to help combat childhood hunger:
- Find a summer meals site.
- Spread the word about summer meals sites.
- Review the changes to how meals are served this summer.
When schools let out for the summer, thousands of Oregon children lose access to breakfast, lunch, and afterschool meals, available during the regular school year. Many children and families rely on these school meals to supplement what is available at home.
The Summer Food Service Program helps fill this gap by providing free nutritious meals to children and teens over the summer months. Free meals and enrichment activities are offered at more than 700 locations throughout the state including many schools, parks, and other non-profit organizations.
Meals are available to any child 18 and under without regard to race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), age or disability.
Read the full press release here.
Environmental Updates
Plastic Free Ecochallenge 2022 - Begins July 1st
 From Ecochallenge.org
Plastic Free Ecochallenge is a 31-day global challenge to reduce and refuse single-use plastics. Inspired by the Australian-founded initiative, Ecochallenge.org has partnered with the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium to help you discover, learn, and explore new ways to take care of wildlife and the world we all share.
We invite you to take action and create plastic-free habits with us while we prioritize public health and safety as much as possible!
Throughout the Ecochallenge, share your progress, success, and reflections with fellow Ecochallengers. The combination of collective inspiration, camaraderie, and friendly competition makes change a little easier — and a lot more fun!
Find more information and sign up here.
Community Outreach
Governor Kate Brown Encourages Oregonians to Apply for Membership to State Boards and Commissions
Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown is calling on Oregonians who have an interest in serving the state to apply for membership on any one of the 150 state boards and commissions that are actively recruiting new members, including two new councils — the Emergency Preparedness Advisory Council and the Local Government Emergency Management Advisory Council.
“State board and commission members are dedicated Oregonians who bring a diverse set of backgrounds and life experiences to address a wide range of issues facing our state. They are vital participants in statewide decision-making and have the opportunity to participate in developing a wide variety of important governmental policies,” said Governor Brown. “I encourage all Oregonians with interest in serving our great state and helping make it better for all those who call it home to apply.”
Public members of boards and commissions are people who may not have regular, ongoing experience in a specific topic area, but have a general interest in a particular board or commission’s work arena. Major issues range from consumer protection, economic development, and education, to conservation and health care — all of which are critical to the ongoing success of the state.
Governor Brown is committed to ensuring that all boards and commissions represent the growing age, racial, and gender diversity of the state. This is an amazing opportunity to pool collective viewpoints, visions, and hopes for Oregon — and all community members are welcome and encouraged to serve.
A full list of boards and commissions with one or more vacancies is available here.
To submit an application, please visit the state boards and commissions website and follow the instructions to apply.
Welcome Home Project
From Washington County
Washington County Supportive Housing Service (SHS) and the Office of Equity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement have partnered with Sonrise church on the Welcome Home Kit Project. The Welcome Home Kit Project is local volunteer effort to support the newly housed. Led by Sonrise Church, this is an opportunity to help people transitioning out of homelessness feel welcome in new apartments and neighborhoods with all the supplies needed to create a home. Together we are hoping to partner with faith-based organizations and volunteer groups who can help support these newly housed individuals with Welcome Home Kits.
Welcome Home kits are part of a community-led volunteer effort to provide new residents with a gift basket of move-in items upon placement in their new apartments. Sonrise Church will serve as the hub for local donations of new goods such as bedding, towels, dishware, and more. In the fall, 54 new residents will be housed at the newly remodeled permanent supportive housing site, the Aloha Inn. We hope to provide each resident with a Welcome Home Kit.
With the new regional SHS program focused on ending homelessness, approximately 500 individuals will be moving into housing over 12 months. That’s exciting, enormous, and transformative work for the individuals transitioning out of homelessness and our entire community.
Community donations can be dropped off at the Sonrise Church Lobby every Tuesday from 1 PM-5:45 PM between June 21st-August 16th. You can find a list of items on this Amazon wish list. To learn more about the project or if you have questions please reach out to welcomehomeproject@isonrise.com.
Fifth of July Beach Cleanups
Sharing from Surfrider Foundation Oregon Chapters Facebook
The Fourth of July holiday represents the most significant single-day contribution of litter and marine debris on Oregon's beaches – often with increased litter and debris in the days leading up to and following the holiday. Debris from fireworks and holiday celebrations poses significant ingestion and entanglement risks for marine life. That’s why we’ve teamed up with several partners to host a series of Fifth of July Cleanups throughout Lincoln County.
The group will host more than a dozen cleanups on July 5th from 11 am to 1 pm. Visit https://x.gldn.io/Surfrider_Newport_Oregon to find a cleanup near you.
Portable AC Units Available through West Tuality Habitat for Humanity
Sharing from the City of North Plains Facebook
Need an AC unit but just don't have the budget for it? West Tuality Habitat for Humanity is offering free AC units for families in Western Washington County, including North Plains, who qualify as low-income and own their own home. Read more and apply at this link.
You can also call them at (503) 359-8459 or visit https://www.westtualityhabitat.org/repair-program.
Which way should your ceiling fan rotate in summer?, KOIN 6 News
Do you know which way your fan blades should rotate during the summer?
Follow the link to read more and find out.
Cruis'n the Grove Car Show & Block Party 2022
Saturday, July 9, 2022 - 10:00am to 3:00pm. Visit here for more information.
Additional Resources
Senate District 15 Links
Federal Delegation Links
Education Links
Food and Housing Assistance
Oh, what a night! The Denim and Diamonds FUNdraiser this weekend for The Family Justice Center of Washington County was a success. I was happy to emcee for such an amazing cause and am proud to serve on the Board. 
 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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