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Friends and Neighbors,
Upcoming Events
September Community Conversations
Save the date for two upcoming opportunities to join in community and have a conversation. The only way we grow is to listen and learn from each other. I hope to see you there!
Reusable Containers Roundtable Discussion - Happening Friday!
One of the policies I am working on for next session is looking at ways that Oregon can incorporate reusable containers in grocery stores. Reuse is smart and practical. Join us for this event on Friday! Register here, or at the link below.
 Do you buy in bulk to reduce single-use packaging? Use reusable produce bags and refillable containers? Did you know that Oregon’s Health Code actually does not allow for consumer or store-owned reusable containers? Join us to hear from small businesses and Oregon leaders in waste reduction on opportunities and challenges establishing “legal” reuse systems and consumer opportunities for reusables under Oregon’s Health Code.
The event is hosted by Surfrider Foundation and facilitated by Senator Sollman, both of which are participating on a subcommittee of Oregon Dept. of Agriculture’s Food Safety Advisory Committee that is exploring rule changes to the state’s health code to better enable reusable containers. The purpose of the event, sponsored by Environment Oregon and Oceana, is to share information on the current process but also to gather feedback and hear important stakeholder interests from small business stakeholders actively operating in the reuse and zero waste retail space.
Speakers include:
- Senator Janeen Sollman, OR District 15
- Charlie Plybon, Oregon Policy Manager, Surfrider Foundation
- Brit Snipes & Ryan Knowles, Owners, The Realm Refillery
The OR Dept of Agriculture and OR Dept. of Environmental Quality will join a facilitated Q&A at the end of the event.
Register at bit.ly/reusable-roundtable
Out and About in Senate District 15
8th Annual Farm Fresh Dinner
Friday night was the 8th Annual Washington County Chamber of Commerce Farm Fresh event at the Rice Rock Museum in Senate District 15. It was a beautiful night under the stars, sharing good laughter with friends showcasing local farm fresh ingredients from the bounty of Washington County.
Jazz Music in Orenco Station
This weekend I rode my scooter up for a beautiful afternoon to listen to good jazz in Orenco Station with my mom and mother-in-law. I just love supporting my friend, the talented Dan Bosshardt and band. I love how they tie in the local sculpture art with their musical art. Visit the City of Hillsboro's Event page for future opportunities to connect with community.
Small Business Funding Updates
Oregon receives $83.5 million for small businesses from US Treasury, Oregon Capital Chronicle
State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)
From Business Oregon
The state of Oregon has applied for federal funds to bolster existing small business financing programs, as well as create new programs to provide and support access to capital for new and growing Oregon businesses. The U.S. Treasury announced in August 2022 that Oregon's application was approved and the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) will steer $83.5 million into Oregon.
While there are many elements of how these programs will operate that are established based on federal regulations, state requirements, and/or agency program requirements, Business Oregon is engaging with the capital and technical assistance communities regarding how some of these strategies may best be executed. Business Oregon is ensuring awareness and accessibility to this funding for businesses statewide with particular emphasis on businesses owned by individuals that have historically been socially and economically disadvantaged.
Business Oregon will hold upcoming forums where staff will present information, answer questions, and solicit input on certain aspects of each program. Registration will close at 5:00 pm on September 2, 2022. When registering for the SSBCI and Oregon’s Approach meeting, you will be able to specify which program-specific forums you are interested in attending. For those that miss registration and/or cannot make a specific event, all forums will be recorded and made available on this site after the event.
Register and find more information here.
Oregon Health Authority Updates
Public health officials say child case is linked to previously confirmed case
PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is confirming the state’s first pediatric case of monkeypox virus (hMPXV).
OHA and county public health officials say the case is linked to an adult monkeypox infection that was confirmed last month.
“We have a known connection to a previously diagnosed case,” said Dean Sidelinger, M.D., health officer and state epidemiologist at OHA. “This child did not get the virus at school, child care or another community setting.”
To protect patient confidentiality, OHA is not disclosing the child’s sex, age, county of residence or how the child is connected to the previously diagnosed case.
The pediatric case is one of 116 presumptive and confirmed cases of monkeypox in Oregon, which also includes 112 men and four women. Illness onset ranges from June 7 to Aug. 9. The cases are in seven counties: four in Clackamas, one in Columbia, one in Coos, 20 in Lane, one in Marion, 73 in Multnomah and 16 in Washington. About 27.6% of cases identify as Hispanic/Latino.
Nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are nearly 12,700 cases in 49 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. They are among more than 38,000 cases in 93 countries.
The Oregon child was tested for monkeypox Aug. 11, and the test results were reported to public health Aug. 15. Since receiving test results, the local public health authority, with support from OHA, has been conducting a case investigation and contact tracing to determine whether there are other exposures. During these investigations, public health provides guidance on how to avoid spreading the virus to others and offers vaccines to close contacts.
Sidelinger acknowledged concerns of parents who are preparing to send their students back to school in the coming weeks, as monkeypox cases continue to rise in Oregon and other states. But he emphasized that risk of monkeypox spreading in school settings is low, since the most common means of person-to-person transmission is direct contact with the rash, scabs or body fluids of a person with the virus.
“Monkeypox is not COVID-19. This virus is not easily spread unless you have that prolonged, close, skin-to-skin contact with an infected person,” Sidelinger said.
Symptoms of the virus can include fever, swollen lymph nodes, chills, headache, muscle aches and fatigue. Not everyone will have these symptoms, but everyone will experience a rash or sores. The rash can affect the skin of the face, arms, legs and torso, as well as the genitals, in and/or around the anus (butthole), or in the mouth.
Initially, the rash can look like a pimple with an area of red skin underneath it. From there, the pimples can get a little bigger, form indentations, and fill with fluid or pus. Typically, they then scab. It usually takes two to four weeks to heal over with fresh skin.
OHA recommends people who test positive for monkeypox or who are awaiting test results isolate at home to avoid spread of infection to others. There are additional precautions they and household members can take to further reduce transmission risk that can be found on OHA’s If a clinician recommends that you receive an Orthopoxvirus test page. The CDC also has information on its Preventing Spread to Others page.
People who suspect they have monkeypox should contact their health care provider to let them know before going in to be seen. Those who don’t have a health care provider can call 2-1-1 to get help finding a clinic or health care provider, or reach out to their local public health authority to find a clinic or provider.
Federal Updates
Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which is administered by the Federal Communications Commission, gives low-income households a discount on internet services.
The Affordable Connectivity Program provides:
- A $30 per month benefit to help households afford access to high-speed internet service.
- Up to a $75 per month discount if the household is on qualifying tribal lands.
- A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50).
Some people who may get the discount:
- Have income at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines
- Participate in certain assistance programs like SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline
- Are approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program
How to Participate in ACP
Check your eligibility and enroll in the ACP at http://getinternet.gov. There is no fee to apply.
New: $30 Internet Plans
The federal government has secured 20 leading internet providers to offer ACP-eligible households a high-speed internet plan for no more than $30 per month. Eligible families who pair their ACP benefit with one of these plans can receive high-speed internet at no cost. Visit http://getinternet.gov for more details.
Community Outreach
End of Summer Party at Outdoors In - Happening Today!
Shared from Hillsboro Parks and Rec Facebook
End of Summer Party at Outdoors In, 8/24, 2-3:30pm. Free games & activities, bounce slide, splash pad, Kona Ice and tons more fun! No registration required.
18th Annual Back To School! - This Saturday at M&M Marketplace
¡Es hora de celebrar el 18º Evento Anual de Regreso a la Escuela! Únase a nosotros el 27 de agosto de 1 a 4 pm para obtener útiles escolares gratuitos, actividades para niños, entretenimiento, comida y más en el M&M Marketplace.
346 SW Walnut St, Hillsboro, OR 97123 | Evento comunitario GRATUITO
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Time to celebrate our 18th Annual Back To School Event! Join us on August 27th from 1-4 pm for free school supplies, children's activities, entertainment, food, and more at the M&M Marketplace.
346 SW Walnut St, Hillsboro, OR 97123 | FREE community event
Adelante Mujeres Fiesta of Hope - This Saturday!
Help support the work of Adelante Mujeres by attending their Fiesta of Hope. There are both virtual and in-person options. Visit here for more information.
"Powerful Tools for Caregivers" Series
Shared from Washington County Disability, Aging and Veteran Services Facebook
FREE "Powerful Tools for Caregivers" series starts Thursday, September 8, 1-2:30 p.m. at the Beaverton City Library. Learn how to reduce stress, improve confidence, communicate more effectively, get connected with resources, and take care of YOU while you care for your loved one. Every Thursday through October 20 (no class 9/29). Registration required. Call 503-846-3090. For unpaid caregivers only.
Additional Resources
Senate District 15 Links
Federal Delegation Links
Education Links
Food and Housing Assistance
It was wonderful to spend an afternoon with my good friend last week. She surprised me with a trip to Lee Farms in Tualatin for their Sunflower Festival. I absolutely LOVE sunflowers. I love that each one looks different and bee-autiful! Please take some time to enjoy Oregon’s beauty yourself. You can learn more about our pollinator friends here:
Bee good to yourself and each other. 🐝❤
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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