You can read our previous newsletters here.

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Back-to-School time is here and as a teacher of over 42 years, I still get a little nostalgic this time of year.  With school starting soon, I encourage parents and students to read the "Back-to-School" section of this newsletter.  It has important updates on health and safety, and useful links to information on the free lunch program, school calendars, adopted curriculum, transportation options, and more.  I want to wish all the educators, school support staff, and students a joyful last few weeks of summer.  May your preparation for the new school year be exciting and productive.

I also want to congratulate all of the graduate-level students who graduated from Pacific University last weekend in the first in-person ceremony in several years.  August Commencement is the culmination of years of rigorous academic and clinical work for graduate and professional students from the following programs: Audiology, Dental Hygiene Studies, Graduate Psychology, Healthcare Administration & Leadership, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies, and the PhD in Education & Leadership.  I am proud of your accomplishments and wish you success in your future endeavors.  

UPCOMING TOWN HALL: AUGUST 20TH 

Join me this Saturday for my next Town Hall!  Come with questions and comments and we'll have a great discussion about my interim work and priorities for the upcoming 2023 Legislative Session!  

STAY IN TOUCH Get more information about my Legislative efforts, community events, and important news updates on my Facebook and Instagram pages.  I love hearing from you and besides posting on Social Media, the fastest way to reach my office during the Interim is via email:  rep.susanmclain@oregonlegislature.gov     Click on the icons to follow me on Facebook and Instagram!

INTERIM WORK 

I have been keeping very busy with interim work and preparation for the upcoming Legislative Session.  Here are a few updates on ongoing work and outreach:

Community Outreach - I have had the opportunity over the last few weeks to meet with constituents and hear about their priorities.  I held a Town Hall on July 26th and have another one coming up on August 20th.  I have enjoyed seeing many of you while out at community events and always appreciate the good conversations that those opportunities provide.  I have been to the Cornelius City Council and the Hillsboro City Council to provide updates on my interim work, and I will be visiting the Forest Grove City Council in early September.

Oregon Recycling System Advisory Council - I was recently appointed to the Recycling System Advisory Council and we have our second meeting coming up tomorrow.  The Council was created to advise DEQ and the Producer Responsibility Organizations on key recycling system elements, including the uniform statewide collection list, PRO program plans, and more.  I have worked on the issue of recycling since my time as a Metro Councilor and I look forward to engaging on this issue more.

Western Washington County Emergency Taskforce - I have been a member of this task force since it first began meeting as a small group in 2019.  The Task Force is a voluntary group of elected officials, community organizers and activists, local law enforcement, and school officials.  We come together once a week to discuss issues like homelessness and food scarcity in Western Washington County and we work together to actively find solutions for some of our community's biggest problems.

Preparation for 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.  Because I serve as a Co-Chair of three committees, I am working with my co-chairs and legislative staff to create the agendas and prepare the hearing content for the next Legislative Days, which is September 21-23.  Stay tuned for more information about the upcoming Legislative Days - I'll provide links to watch committee meetings and content on how you can participate. 

I-5 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT UPDATES

I-5 Bridge Plan Moves to Environmental Review Stage

WHAT'S IN THE INFLATION REDUCTION ACT 

The Inflation Reduction Act, which President Biden just signed into law, is the most significant legislation in U.S. history to tackle the climate crisis and strengthen American energy security. It will lower energy costs for households and businesses, create manufacturing jobs for American workers, and deliver a clean, secure, and healthy future for our children and grandchildren. The savings, jobs, and other benefits provided by this legislation will reach communities across the nation.  Here's a look at some of the ways we will benefit here in Oregon:

LOWER ENERGY COSTS: Through rebates, tax credits, and grants, the Inflation Reduction Act will make it more affordable for Oregon families to purchase energy efficient appliances when they need to, make repairs around their homes, and save money on their utility bills each month.

GOOD-PAYING JOBS: In 2021, there were already 53,869 Oregon workers employed in clean energy jobs. The Inflation Reduction Act will expand these opportunities, bringing an estimated $1.2 billion of investment in large-scale clean power generation and storage to Oregon between now and 2030. It provides a historic set of tax credits that will create jobs across solar, wind, storage, and other clean energy industries. These credits include bonuses for businesses that pay a prevailing wage, so that Oregon workers earn a good paycheck as we build the clean energy future in America. 

DOMESTIC MANUFACTURING: Manufacturers employ 187,300 workers in Oregon, and the Inflation Reduction Act will help us make the technologies of the future at home— supporting local economies and strengthening supply chains. The Inflation Reduction Act will boost U.S. manufacturing of clean energy and transportation technologies, as well as investments for a new Advanced Industrial Facilities Deployment Program to position America to lead the growing global market for clean steel, aluminum, cement, and more.

SMALL BUSINESSES: Oregon is home to 396,925 small businesses, representing 99.4% of all businesses in the state, and the Inflation Reduction Act will help them save money. Commercial building owners can receive a tax credit up to $5 per square foot to support energy efficiency improvements that deliver lower utility bills. Other programs that will benefit small businesses include tax credits covering 30% of the costs of installing low-cost solar power and of purchasing clean trucks and vans for commercial fleets. 

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: The Inflation Reduction Act will make it easier and cheaper to purchase an electric vehicle, with upfront discounts up to $7,500 for new EVs and $4,000 for used EVs, helping middle-class Americans skip the gas pump and save on fuel costs. In Oregon, millions of people will be eligible for these discounts. Oregon recently submitted a state plan for using funds from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to build out EV charging stations along highways. 

CLEANER AIR: The Inflation Reduction Act will significantly reduce pollution, resulting in 100,000 fewer asthma attacks in America in 2030, and position the U.S. to achieve President Biden’s climate goals. Lowering greenhouse gas emissions will not only avoid costly climate impacts from more extreme weather, but also improve local air quality— preventing premature deaths and reducing air pollution. In addition to reducing pollution across the economy, the Act will benefit communities most in need of cleaner air, with in environmental justice block grants, investments for cleaner buses and trucks, and a Clean Energy and Sustainability Accelerator that will prioritize emissions-reducing projects in disadvantaged communities. 

RURAL OPPORTUNITIES: The Inflation Reduction Act supports climate-smart agriculture practices, which will help Oregon’s 37,100 farms lead on climate solutions and reward their stewardship. Electric cooperatives, which serve about 215,000 homes, businesses, and other customers in Oregon, will for the first time be eligible for direct-pay clean energy tax credits. And this legislation dedicates investments for rural electric cooperatives to boost resiliency, reliability, and affordability, including through clean energy and energy efficiency upgrades. 

RESILIENT COMMUNITIES: The Inflation Reduction Act will upgrade affordable housing, including projects that boost resilience in the face of intensifying extreme weather. In Oregon, tens of thousands of people live in affordable housing units that are eligible for upgrades like flood-proofing and storm resistance, as well as clean energy and electrification. A new Neighborhood Access and Equity Grant Program includes support for transportation projects and planning to protect against flooding, extreme heat, and more. The Inflation Reduction Act also invests in strengthening America’s forests, including programs focused on preventing wildfires and for tree planting projects that help protect communities from extreme heat.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL INFORMATION 

Health, Safety, & Continuity of Services Plans for Schools

Local school districts are in charge of setting health and safety rules. Here are the links to the 2022-23 plans submitted to the Oregon Department of Education by Forest Grove and Hillsboro School Districts.

FOREST GROVE SCHOOL DISTRICT 

HILLSBORO SCHOOL DISTRICT

REMINDER: Layered health and safety measures like getting vaccinated, wearing face coverings and improved airflow and circulation can keep Oregon school doors open through the challenges of winter. 

Free Back-to-School Health Event at Century H.S.

Century High School's School Based Health Center (SBHC) will be opening their doors to the community and offering FREE sports physicals, well child checks, immunizations, and vaccinations. Insurance is not required, and you do not have to be a Virginia Garcia patient and it’s open to any student living in the Hillsboro School District.

Century SBHC will host their event on Thursday, August 25, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

There will be free KONA Ice to all those that receive services, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

An appointment is required. For more details, please visit: https://virginiagarcia.org/back-to-school or call 503.597.4580 to make an appointment.

Students Can Still Apply for Oregon Tribal Student Grant 

As of August 12, approximately 400 students have submitted complete Oregon Tribal Student Grant applications and are tentatively eligible for the grant for the 2022-23 academic year, including 357 who completed applications by the August 1 priority deadline. While the August 1st priority deadline has passed, the HECC Office of Student Access and Completion is continuing to accept and review applications for the Oregon Tribal Student Grant for 2022-23 until funds are exhausted.

The Oregon Tribal Student Grant is a new state financial aid program supported by the Oregon Legislature’s 2022 historic investment in equitable college access and success for tribal students. The grant is expected to pay for most or all public undergraduate college-related expenses—including tuition, housing, books, and other costs not covered by other grants—for eligible students who are enrolled members of Oregon’s nine federally recognized Tribes. Current and prospective students can learn more and apply here.  Students planning to attend college in the 2022-23 academic  year—including fall term—are still encouraged to apply. 

Suggested Back-to-School Links & Readings

Apply Online for Free and Reduced School Meals  Hillsboro School District 2022-23 Calendar Hillsboro School District Transportation Information Hillsboro School District Back-to-School Packet  Forest Grove School District 2022-23 Calendar Forest Grove High School Back-to-School Packet Forest Grove School District Transportation Information Forest Grove District Curriculum Adoption Information SAT and ACT Dates for 2022-23 Study: Oregon’s early education system is one of the best in U.S.

AROUND WESTERN WASHINGTON COUNTY

Adelante Mujeres Presents Fiesta of Hope

Come and join Adelante Mujeres this August 27th starting at 5:30 pm at Downtown Forest Grove to celebrate their 20th anniversary! At Fiesta of Hope, you’ll enjoy delicious food served with a lot of love by businesses from Adelante's Empress program; they will have @lapopular_makatlan with a delicious menu selected especially for this wonderful occasion! Get your tickets today:https://secure.givelively.org/.../2022-fiesta-of-hope-in...

Forest Grove Uncorked!

Get “Uncorked” in Forest Grove on August 20th from 4-9pm on Main Street. Celebrate in the streets of Forest Grove for the downtown annual “Uncorked” event. This event features Oregon's abundance of fine wineries,  micro-brew beer, spirits, skillfully crafted food, fine arts, and local music talent.  Stroll Main Street to see what’s what, hear the live music (dance in the street if you like), enjoy all there is to taste, and participate in a raffle for a chance to win a half wine barrel full of wine-related wares!100% of the raffle proceeds are donated to our charity.  

-Admission is $15 online until August 18 or at the gate

-Portion of gate proceeds will go to local Public Safety Charities or Veteran Organizations. 

-This is a 21 and over only event

-No dogs allowed

-Nominal tasting fees may apply

​

Forest Grove Video We all know how great Forest Grove is, and Discover Forest Grove just made this video about our town. Check it out, and share on social media just how awesome your city is! Click the image to the right to view the video. Don't forget to share it on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! "The city of Forest Grove Oregon is more than just beautiful mountains, placid lakes and roaring rivers. It's a diverse community of artists and entrepreneurs, students and families, dreamers and thinkers."

Visit the Downtown Hillsboro Farmers Market

Last week I highlighted that it was National Farmers Market Week and encouraged you all to visit your local Farmers Markets.  I spotlighted the Forest Grove and Cornelius markets, which are run by Adelante Mujeres, but I neglected to mention the Downtown Hillsboro Farmers Market, which I am proud to say is also in my district.  My apologies to the hardworking people who make this market a success.  This is their 40th anniversary year, and I encourage you all to get out and visit when you get a chance!

About the Market: A tradition since 1982, the Downtown Hillsboro Saturday Market is a seasonal open-air market located in the heart of Hillsboro. This market celebrates the city’s rich agricultural history by connecting the community with local farmers and artisans that provide fresh, seasonal produce and products. Spend the day with your family shopping, grabbing a bite to eat, enjoying featured musicians, and engaging in interactive programs.

Day: Saturdays
Time: 9am - 1pm
Season: April 23 - Oct 29

150 E Main Street, Hillsboro

BEAT THE HEAT AND STAY COOL 

Cooling Centers: Map of Places to Get Cool The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Advisory in effect from Wednesday, August 17 at 12 pm to Thursday, August 18 at 10 pm.  The former Salvation Army Building shelter in Hillsboro is PET FRIENDLY and Washington County staff will be on hand to offer support to people with pets.  Crates, leashes, cat litter supplies, and food and water bowls will be available if needed.  Animals must remain in creates while not using the relief area, and at those times must be on a leash and with their person.  Domestic animals only; no farm or exotic animals.  Extended Library Hours in Forest Grove and Cornelius:  Both Libraries are serving as cooling centers and will be staying open till 8pm thru Thursday, August 18th.

First-Aid for Heat Illness: English Español / Spanish اللغة العربية / Arabic 简体中文 / Simplified Chinese 繁體中文 / Traditional Chinese 한국어 / Korean Русский / Russian Af Soomaali / Somali Tiếng Việt / Vietnamese

HOUSING UPDATES AND INFORMATION

Oregon Housing and Community Services Update

OHCS has exceeded the 2019–2023 Oregon Statewide Housing Plan goal to fund 1,000 units of permanent supportive housing (PSH). Last week, the Housing Stability Council approved funding for almost 250 PSH homes and has now committed to funding 1,255 PSH homes, a year ahead of the scheduled target date of 2023. PSH is an evidence-based model for supporting people and households experiencing homelessness. It is also a nationally recognized strategy to address chronic homelessness by providing deeply affordable and permanent housing with wraparound services to house people regardless of barriers they may face. For more information about this work, visit the OHCS website.  

Homeowner Assistance Fund accepting new applications The Oregon Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) continues to accept new applications. As of August 5, 2022, homeowners had submitted 459 applications for review by homeowners or housing counseling agencies. Forty-five applications, of which 24.4% were from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color and 13.3% were from Hispanic or Latino/a/x homeowners, have been approved. This amounts to about $1.43 million in assistance. If homeowners were withdrawn because they were ineligible to apply in earlier phases, they should check to see if they are eligible for Phase 3 happening now. Homeowners may apply directly at oregonhomeownerassistance.org. Applications already submitted will continue to be processed. If you need assistance with your application, you can contact a participating homeownership center for help with applying or translations. Homeowners with additional questions about HAF can visit the website or call 833-604-0879.

PUBLIC HEALTH UPDATES AND INFORMATION

Questions about Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is officially in Oregon with 60 documented and 35 suspected cases so far. The Oregon Health Authority just launched a website full of information and rescources regarding Monkeypox (hMPXV) and I recommend taking some time to familiarize yourself with the information.

Washington County COVID-19 Vaccine Locations

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. 

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. 

Forest Grove Farmers Market: This vaccination clinic is held every Wednesday night from 3-8 p.m., inside the farmers market located at 2030 Main Street in Forest Grove. 

M&M MarketPlace: This clinic is located at 346 SW Walnut Street in Hillsboro. It is open every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. No appointments, ID or health insurance required. Testing also available at this site. Call the Vive NW hotline at 844-291-4970 with questions.

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 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. No appointment, ID, or health insurance is required. Find more information at Centro's website. 

HEALTH INFORMATION FOR BUSINESSES 

The purpose of this section is to support businesses by providing the most up-to-date information and resources regarding public health risks, whether from infectious diseases or environmental hazards. Businesses play an important role in promoting a healthy and safe community, and I appreciate how hard they work to protect employees and customers from unsafe conditions.

Oregon mask guidelines:

Masks are not required for most indoor settings, but you still need to wear a mask in health care settings to keep everyone safe. Some businesses and schools may still choose to require masks. People may also choose to continue to wear well-fitting masks to protect themselves and others. Oregon’s full rule on masking, including a list of health care settings where masks are still required, is located here.

**To download mask signs for your business, visit the Oregon Health Authority's mask information page.

CDC Quarantine Guidelines Updated for COVID-19

If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19:

• You do not need to stay home (quarantine) unless you have symptoms. This is new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as of August 11, 2022.
• Wear a high-quality mask around others for 10 days and get tested on day five.  
• Watch for symptoms for ten days. If you develop symptoms, stay home, isolate from others and follow the advice above.

Monkeypox Information For Businesses 

Heat Illness Prevention & Wildfire Smoke Exposure Rules 

Oregon OSHA has new rules related to heat illness prevention and wildfire smoke exposure, which became effective June 15^th and July 1^st respectively. Go to the Heat stress or Wildfires​topic pages at OSHA for rules, publication, and training details.

WILDFIRE UPDATES AND RESOURCES

With fire danger rising, public use restrictions in effect on Tillamook State Forest

As heat rises in the northwest corner of the state, fire managers increased the fire danger level to High (yellow) for recreationists in the Tillamook State Forest. This change took effect on Tuesday, Aug. 16. 

All off-highway trails in the Tillamook State Forest will close at 1 p.m. daily during High (yellow) Fire Danger level. Additionally, all campfires and barbeques are prohibited in undesignated dispersed campsites across the forest.

With fire danger at high, campfires are only allowed across the Tillamook State Forest in designated metal fire rings at campgrounds and camping facilities managed by ODF.

Fireworks, exploding targets/tracer ammunition, sky lanterns are prohibited at all levels during fire season. 

Fire season is in effect throughout Oregon. To find public use restrictions on state forestland or any lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry, visit https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx.

Information on wildfire prevention and preparedness may be accessed at:

• ORAlert.gov
• Keep Oregon Green
• Oregon Wildfire Response & Recovery
• Office of Emergency Management

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

RESOURCES FOR OUR VETERANS

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

Everything is blooming in the Willamette Valley!

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