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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The Oregon State Fair starts this weekend and I hope that many of you will have a chance to make it down to Salem for this great event! I grew up on small farms in Woodburn and Canby and was very involved in 4-H. The Fair always brings back great memories of showing my sheep and swine with all my fellow 4-H friends. It's a great time for families to spend time together and to celebrate the hard work that goes into the harvest.
Next Monday I am looking forward to speaking at the Forest Grove/Cornelius Chamber of Commerce Luncheon. I will be giving updates on the I-5 Bridge and other transportation projects, as well as providing an overview of important issues for the 2023 Legislative Session. I hope to see many of you there!
This newsletter has information on my upcoming Town Halls, my interim work, useful back-to-school highlights, and much more. I hope that you enjoy reading it and please feel free to share it and encourage friends and family to sign up here to receive important state and local information.
Looking forward to seeing my peers during Legislative Days! Pictured here: Rep. Fahey, Sen. Gelser Blouin, and Rep. Marsh
UPCOMING TOWN HALLS
To accommodate as many people as possible, I am hosting two Saturday town halls in September! I will provide an update on Legislative Days and we'll have a great dialogue on policy issues for the 2023 Session.
September 17th at 10:00 am on ZOOM: REGISTER HERE
September 24th at 10:00 am at the Cornelius Library
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:
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Click on the icons to follow me on Facebook and Instagram!
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INTERIM UPDATE
I have been very busy this August with interim work and a glance at the September calendar tells me things are only getting busier as we get closer to Legislative Days and important bill deadlines. For example, September 23rd is the first deadline to submit bill ideas to Legislative Counsel for the 2023 Session. Legislative Counsel is comprised of lawyers who do the actual drafting of bills, and legislators are working hard to get their bill ideas in.
I have been meeting with businesses, city and county jurisdictions, and citizens about important issues to consider for the 2023 Legislative Session. Here are just a few of the topics I have been working on:
Environment: Meetings on renewable fuel and where the technology is at and how rapidly we can adapt and make the change to renewable sources here in Oregon; planning for pedestrian and bike trails; visiting water systems around Oregon.
Transportation: Exploring safety issues, particularly having to do with infrastructure maintenance; electrification stations and Oregon's electrification infrastructure; electric vehicle rebates; and modernizing our license plates.
Education: Teacher and classified staff needs; student learning statistics and needs/goals for students; local education bond issues (see this article for information on Forest Grove School District's proposed education bond).
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Important Upcoming Legislative Dates:
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August 31 - Revenue Forecast released
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September 20 - Task Force Day
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September 21-23 - Legislative Days
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September 23 - First deadline to request measures from Legislative Council
BACK-TO-SCHOOL INFORMATION
Changes in Student Loan Repayments!
The Biden-Harris Administration announced today it will:
Provide up to $20,000 in debt cancellation to Pell Grant recipients and up to $10,000 in debt cancellation to non-Pell Grant recipients. Borrowers who earn less than $125,000 per year or households earning less than $250,000 are eligible for debt cancellation.
Extend the federal student loan pause a final time through December 31, 2022 to provide borrowers a smooth transition back to repayment.
Make the student loan system more manageable for current and future borrowers by cutting monthly payments in half for undergraduate loans and holding schools accountable when they hike up prices.
Temporary changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program so more public service workers can get their debt cancelled after 10 years of service. Individuals can apply right now – until October 31st - to take advantage of these temporary changes to the PSLF program. Visit PSLF.gov for more information.
STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS FACT SHEET
Forest Grove School District: First Day of School Dates!
September 6 - First day of school for Grades 7, 9
September 7 - First day of school for Grades 1-6, 8 &10-12
September 9 - First day of school for Kindergarten & Pre-Kindergarten
Link to 2022-2023 district and grade level parent calendars
Hillsboro School District: First Day of School Dates!
September 6 - First day of school for Grades 1-7 & 9
September 7 - First day of school for Grades K & 10-12
September 9 - First day of school for Kindergarten & Pre-Kindergarten
Link to 2022-2023 district calendar
Suggested Back-to-School Links & Readings
HILLSBORO AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM REGISTRATION
Students and families in the Hillsboro School District can register now to participate in after-school programming at their assigned elementary school during the 2022-23 academic year.
Each school site has a capacity of 45 students served by five different after-school program providers: Alphabest, Boys & Girls Club, Champions, Vermont Hills, and YMCA.
Among the advantages cited by participating families and after-school program staff:
- The ability to pick up children after 6 pm
- Access to an evening meal to address food insecurity
- Deeper relationships have developed between program site partners and families
- Greater student engagement during the school day due to excitement about participating in the after-school program.
The program also offers day camps on non-school days, allowing students placed on a waitlist to participate during the school year.
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Events that are not to be missed!
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...
CENTRO CULTURAL: El Grito on September 17th
Join Centro to celebrate El Grito! Enjoy music, Aztec dance and Mariachi on September 17th from 2-7pm at Shute Park. More info: centrocultural.org/events
Free Community Swim in Forest Grove this Saturday!
Saturday, August 27, 2pm-4pm, the Forest Grove Elks #2440 will be sponsoring a FREE community swim at the Forest Grove Parks & Recreation Dept Aquatic Center. It's a great way to end the summer season!
Enjoying the last of the summer blooms!
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.
In-home vaccinations: Are you or a loved one who is (5 years or older) 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 Washington County 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.
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.
INFORMATION FOR BUSINESSES
Oregon to Receive $83 Million to Promote Small Business Growth
The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the approval of Oregon’s application for funding under the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) for up to $83.5 million. President Biden’s American Rescue Plan reauthorized and expanded SSBCI, which was originally established in 2010 and was highly successful in increasing access to capital for small businesses and entrepreneurs. The new SSBCI builds on this successful model by providing nearly $10 billion to states, the District of Columbia, territories, and Tribal governments to increase access to capital and promote entrepreneurship, especially in traditionally underserved communities as they emerge from the pandemic. SSBCI funding is expected to catalyze up to $10 of private investment for every $1 of SSBCI capital funding, amplifying the effects of this funding and providing small business owners with the resources they need to sustainably grow and thrive. State governments submitted plans to Treasury for how they will use their SSBCI allocation to provide funding to small businesses, including through venture capital programs, loan participation programs, loan guarantee programs, collateral support programs, and capital access programs.
Oregon, approved for up to $83.5 million, will operate five programs, including two venture capital programs to which the state has allocated $30 million. The venture capital programs are designed to invest in funds in need of additional capital to launch and scale and to make co-investments in companies alongside private investors by matching the lead investor’s structure and terms. Across its programs, Oregon’s plan aims to counter systemic barriers to economic opportunity by providing access to capital in persistently underserved, low- and moderate-income areas and rural communities. Oregon expects these programs to be self-sustaining, providing vital support to small business in Oregon now and over the long term.
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Washington County Chamber of Commerce Presents Grant Workshop
Downtown businesses! Please join the WashCo Chamber for a workshop on August 29 for property owners and tenants to discuss two grant opportunities for retail businesses in Downtown Hillsboro:
- Storefront, Security, and Lighting Improvement Grants: Provide assistance and matching incentives for commercial property owners to enhance the design and appearance of their storefront façades.
- Tenant Improvement Grants: Provide matching funds to food, beverage, and specialty retail businesses and property owners interested in enhancing leased and owned spaces.
Event details:
Monday, August 29, 7:30 pm
Diamond Event Center - 550 SE 10th Avenue
Presentation in English & Spanish
More information: https://www.hillsboro-oregon.gov/.../Cale.../Event/111575/20
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Small Business Webinar on Negotiating Your Lease
Small business owners, join in Thursday, September 1 for a small business webinar to learn best practices when signing a commercial lease and renegotiating a current lease. Juliana Minn of Lewis and Clark Law School will cover common leasing issues, answer your questions, and provide additional resources. This is a webinar you won’t want to miss!
Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/91634284308...
Passcode: 005990
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Propietarios de pequeñas empresas, únanse a nosotros el jueves 1 de septiembre, en un seminario web para pequeñas empresas para conocer las mejores prácticas al firmar un contrato de arrendamiento comercial y a renegociar un contrato de arrendamiento vigente. Juliana Minn de la Escuela de Derecho Lewis and Clark cubrirá problemas comunes de arrendamiento, responderá sus preguntas y proporcionará recursos adicionales. ¡Este es un seminario web que no querrá perderse!
Enlace de zoom: https://zoom.us/j/91634284308...
Código de acceso: 005990
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
Monkeypox (hMPXV) cases have recently been identified in the Portland metropolitan area, including in Washington County. The risk to most people remains low. However, some social groups and some employees who come into regular contact with the skin of customers or clients are at higher risk.
If your business includes skin-to-skin or close personal contact with clients or items that their skin has touched, you can take extra steps to prevent the spread. Read about how to protect your employees and customers at this Washington County resource page.
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 15th and July 1st respectively. Go to the Heat stress or Wildfirestopic pages at OSHA for rules, publication, and training details.
WILDFIRE UPDATES AND RESOURCES
Tillamook State Forest Fire Information
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Track Fire changes online here.
What forest visitors need to know:
OHV trails in the Tillamook and Clatsop State Forests are closed to OHV use from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM each day while the fire danger remains in High.
Campfires are only allowed in the metal fire pits installed by the Oregon Department of Forestry in designated recreation areas.
Links:
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OEM has put together this list of contacts to help speed up the process of replacing these documents:
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Green cards: Phone (800)-375-5283; Website: www.uscis.gov
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Medicare cards: Phone: (800)-772-1213; (TTY) (800)-325-0778 Website: www.medicare.gov
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Military records Phone: 866-272-6272 Website: www.archives.gov/contact/
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Passport Phone: 877-487-2778; (TTY) 888-874-7793 Website: travel.state.gov
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Social Security card Phone: 800-772-1213; (TTY) 800-325-0778 Website: www.ssa.gov
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U.S. Savings Bonds Phone: 844-284-2676 Website: www.treasurydirect.gov
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U.S. tax returns Phone: 800-829-1040 Website: www.irs.gov
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Birth, death, marriage, domestic partnership, divorce certificates Phone: 888-896-4988 Website: www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/Birthdeathcertificates
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Driver’s license, auto titles and registration, ID cards Phone: 503-945-5000 Website: www.oregon.gov/odot
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SNAP (Oregon Trail Card) Website: www.oregon.gov/DHS/Assistance/Food-Benefits
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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
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Real estate and property - Contact your county government.
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Credit cards - Contact your credit card company directly.
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Credit reports from Equifax, Experian, TransUnion Phone: 877-322-8228 Website: www.annualcreditreport.com
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Insurance documents - Check with your insurance agent.
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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.
RESOURCES FOR OUR VETERANS
Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs:
Washington County Veterans Resources:
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.
Education Links
Local Government
Utilities Assistance
Food and Housing Assistance
Yours truly,
 Representative Susan McLain
House District 29
email: Rep.SusanMcLain@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1429
address: 900 Court St NE, H-376, Salem, OR 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/mclain
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