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Dear Friends and Neighbors,

"September is upon us!" A phrase I remember my Grandma saying.  She meant school was beginning, harvest seasons were coming to an end, Fall leaves would be falling.  There would be transitions to seasons ahead.  Fall has always been a favorite time for me as a mother, teacher, and now as a Legislator.  Children growing and starting new stages and activities, the new school year for students, Interim work coming into final stages, community activities, Legislative Days, and a new Session on the horizon.

This week I had the opportunity to visit the Forest Grove/Cornelius Chamber of Commerce Luncheon and speak about Interim work and the upcoming Legislative Session.  I am appreciative to the group for the invitation and for the work they do in our community.  I also attended the grand opening of the Valfre at Avenida 26, a 36-unit affordable housing complex that is named after my friend Val Valfre.  Please read more about these new apartments and about Val in the "Around Washington County" section.  Also in this newsletter is a reprint of an op-ed that I co-wrote with Senator Lee Beyer and Senator Annette Cleveland (WA) on the Interstate 5 Bridge replacement effort, information on the new Revenue Forecast, links to participate in Legislative Days, and much more!

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 UPDATE 

Upcoming Town Halls on 9/17 and 9/24

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 

I-5 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT UPDATES

I had the privilege of joining my Co-Chairs on the Bi-State Bridge Committee, Senators Lee Beyer (OR) and Annette Cleveland (WA), in writing the below opinion editorial that was published in the Portland Tribune and the Forest Grove News-Times.  I hope you will take a moment to read our perspective on the importance of looking to the future as we plan and build the new Interstate 5 Bridge.

Oregon and Washington state lawmakers: 'The new I-5 bridge will be future-compatible (and) climate-friendly.'

When the Interstate 5 Bridge was an idea in its infancy in 1912, prominent Portland businessman J.H. Nolta argued, "We should not build the bridge for today, next week, or next year, but for the next 40 years."

Little could he imagine that the bridge they built would connect two cities, two states and three countries on the I-5 corridor for more than a century. Yet, 105 years later, that Bridge stands as a testament to the vision and commitment of political and civic leaders who knew they had a responsibility to build a Bridge, not just for their time but for future generations.

The current Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) program is also a legacy project — a once-in-a-generation opportunity to modernize the infrastructure that can significantly improve our region's economic resiliency, support our climate goals, and ensure that the needs of future generations are met.

As the primary route connecting Canada and Mexico, I-5 is a vital regional, national, and international trade route that connects communities along its corridor.

Right now, the current I-5 bridge acts as a stop sign on this critical international trade route and essential community connection and falls far short of meeting our needs for safe, equitable, and environmentally responsible transportation.

The current bridge poses critical safety and congestion issues that are immediate as we face the possibility of failure if a major earthquake occurs. Crash rates in the area are over three times higher than the statewide average. And as we're sure many residents can attest, the existing shared-use path does not provide adequate space for people walking, biking, or rolling.

These safety issues also directly influence congestion, which in turn negatively impacts our economy and the environment.

In 2019, over 143,000 vehicles crossed the bridge each weekday, resulting in seven to 10 hours of congestion during peak travel periods.

The I-5 bridge is the worst bottleneck in Washington, the second worst bottleneck in Oregon, and the 33rd worst bottleneck in the nation (ATRI 2022 Report). Slow travel times and idling vehicles contribute to increased air pollution. In 2017, $71 million in freight commodity value crossed the Interstate Bridge daily. Quite simply, we cannot afford to allow these problems to persist. With future generations in mind, the IBR program is committed to fiscal responsibility, centering equity, and advancing our shared climate goals. To ensure fiscal responsibility, the program will conduct multiple studies analyzing various tolling scenarios and costs, including a low-income toll report to help determine equitable toll rates. As work progresses, the program will follow best practices (such as value engineering, cost-risk analysis, etc.) to help identify and address cost escalation risks and other financial considerations. The bi-state legislative committee, on which we serve as co-chairs, provides a critical oversight role in ensuring fiscal transparency and accountability. The IBR program is already demonstrating fiscal responsibility through its efforts to maximize federal funds. The replacement of the I-5 Bridge has an opportunity to receive an infusion of federal dollars into the local economy. Without this program, these federal dollars would go elsewhere in the United States. Centering equity through intentional and active community engagement has been a key tenet of the IBR program since its inception. Tangible ways in which this has been accomplished is through the Equity Advisory Group (EAG), which makes recommendations to program leadership regarding processes, policies, and decisions that have the potential to affect equity-priority communities. They also developed an Equity Framework that informed the development of design options, transit investments, and screening criteria — all of which led to the identification of the program's primary replacement option. The IBR program had substantial community outreach in 2021 and will continue that work over the next several years. Finally, the IBR program will advance our shared climate goals. By expanding mass transit options, creating a safer route for people walking, biking, and rolling, and extending light rail from Portland to Vancouver, the IBR program is committed to designing with climate resiliency in mind and minimizing climate impacts through design, construction and operation.

Looking ahead, the new I-5 bridge will be future-compatible, climate-friendly infrastructure. The IBR program is a once-in-a-generation bi-state effort overseen by federal, state and local regulatory agencies — and individuals like you. Large projects like these take years to develop and depend upon strong partnerships between individuals, communities, and organizations who share a common vision for our future.

As the IBR program moves forward, we'll join our colleagues in asking tough questions and demanding answers, all while remaining committed to seeing this through.

The best ideas often result from the marriage of diverse perspectives. We encourage you to engage, share your ideas, voice your concerns, and commit to ensuring that our region has a bridge that will meet the needs of our communities for another hundred years.

NEWS FROM SALEM

September Revenue Forecast Released 

Speaker Rayfield statement on continued strength of Oregon economy following revenue forecast SALEM – Today, Oregon House Speaker Dan Rayfield (D-Corvallis) issued the following statement after the release of the latest quarterly state economic and revenue forecast: “The Oregon economy continues to be fundamentally strong. Hiring has increased, our unemployment rate is near its lowest level on record, and we hold record reserves following years of sound fiscal management by Democratic leadership. After a session in which we made critical one-time investments in all corners of the state, we’ll keep prioritizing the issues Oregonians care most about like housing, behavioral health support, abortion access and more. And we’ll keep making targeted investments to support working families and build toward an economy that works for everyone.”

Employment Department Update on New Online System

The new system, Frances Online, will support both unemployment insurance (UI) and Paid Leave Oregon, the new program for family, medical and safe leave. Beginning with the third quarter filing in 2022, Frances Online will replace the Oregon Payroll Reporting System (OPRS) and the Employer Account Access (EAA) portal. The system will include the Statewide Transit Tax (STT) and Paid Leave Oregon contributions starting the first quarter of 2023. Employers will use Frances Online to: Easily update your account information, manage account access add and make changes to your staff access, and connect your clients to your account. File and amend your combined payroll report(s) and find your tax rate(s) as well as those of your clients. View the letters we send, send and receive secure messaging from inside the system, and more! Wondering how to start using Frances?   Starting Sept. 6, you can create your account in just a few steps. Visit the Employer Resource page to download infographics on how to create your account, watch how-to videos, access updated file specifications, and check out our FAQs. Here's a preview of the tools you'll find: If you file your own payroll report (single-BIN filer) use this guide: Frances Online Employer Registration If you file on behalf of another client(s) (Multi-BIN filer or Third Party Administrator) use this guide: Frances Online TPA Registration If you file your own payroll report and have more than one BIN or you need to add clients to your Frances Online account (Multi-BIN filer use this guide: Adding and Filing for Multiple Clients

BACK-TO-SCHOOL INFORMATION 

Hillsboro Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship

The Hillsboro School District, in partnership with the City of Hillsboro and local businesses, has launched the Hillsboro Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship, Oregon’s first-of-its-kind, industry-recognized youth apprenticeship program. This innovative two-year program provides a unique and equitable pathway for high-school students to receive hands-on, paid training that prepares them for a career in advanced manufacturing.

The program’s first cohort includes six Century High School juniors, who are participating in the school’s Industrial and Engineering Systems Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. The youth apprentices will begin their work with two Hillsboro-based companies, Jireh Semiconductor and Tosoh Quartz, on September 6.

As apprentices, students are employed by the partner company and have the unique opportunity to learn on the manufacturing floor. Upon successful completion of the program, they will receive accreditation from the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) and will become certified to work anywhere as a manufacturing technician. Nationally, apprentices earn on average $300,000 more over the span of their careers than non-apprentices.

The Hillsboro Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship program positions Oregon as a leader in the development, modernization and diversification of registered youth apprenticeships. The program has been designed to be replicated in schools across the state of Oregon, not just for advanced manufacturing, but for other industries like health care and construction. 

Learn more about this innovative program and download the press release here.

Correction to Bus Route Mailer From the Forest Grove School District:  Please be aware of an error contained in the bus route postcard which was mailed to all district families. The error was with the "Wednesday, Late Start Days AM Pickup time." The correct time for the Late Start AM Pickup should read "One hour later than regular pickup time." For example, if your student's Regular AM bus pickup time is 7:22am, your student's Late Start AM Pickup time will be 8:22am. We apologize for the error and the resulting confusion. As a reminder, the first Late Start Wednesday will be September 14, 2022.

Forest Grove School District: First Day of School Dates!

Hillsboro School District: First Day of School Dates!

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

AROUND WESTERN WASHINGTON COUNTY 

The Valfre at Avenida 26 Opens!

I was proud to attend the grand opening of The Valfre at Avenida 26 this week! This Affordable Housing project will provide 36 much needed homes to low-income families in Forest Grove.  It is named after a dear friend and colleague, Adolph "Val" Valfre. Val served 24 years in the US Air Force, retiring as an Air Force Officer and Vietnam Veteran. Beyond his service in the US Air Force, he is a former Forest Grove City Councilor, prior Executive Director of the Housing Authority of Washington County, a longtime public servant, and resident of Forest Grove.  He is a fierce proponent of affordable housing in our community and very deserving of this honor.

Forest Grove Corn Roast and Harvest Festival, 9/17-18

On Saturday, celebrate Forest Grove’s agricultural roots with this fun annual festival, which offers fresh-roasted corn, along a variety of food, games, crafts, music, and events for kids.  On Sunday, there's a kids bike parade (sponsored by Washington County Bikes) followed by the FIRST EVER pet parade!  Enjoy the sidewalk art and catch a free horse-drawn carriage street art tour in celebration of Forest Grove's 150th birthday!

September 17th, 11-5 at Pacific University (2043 College Way)

September 18th, 10-12 on 21st Avenue between Main and “A” Street

32nd Annual Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival - September 17

People of all ages and skill levels will register for a square of sidewalk that includes a box of colorful pastel chalk. They will spend the day creating their masterpieces on one of the hundreds of squares that line the downtown corridor.  Valley Art hires various entertainers to perform throughout the day. One of our favorites is Joe Mishkin, the Balloon Man.

The cost to participate is $14 for 24 pieces of chalk, or $18 for a box of 48 pieces. It also includes one reserved sidewalk square. There is a $5 discount per box of color chalk for current Valley Art members. Everyone is welcome to observe the fun. There is no fee to watch the artists or enjoy the music.

To register, please visit the big tent out in front of Valley Art on the day of the event (Sept. 17) from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.  You can also preregister on the Thursday prior to the event (Sept. 15) from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. inside of Valley Art, 2022 Main St.

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

PUBLIC HEALTH UPDATES & INFORMATION

Wildfire Smoke and Your Health

Prolonged exposure to smoke can be harmful to people of all ages, depending on the AQI reading as a measure of smoke density. Smoke can eventually damage your body's ability to remove large particles and excess phlegm from your lungs and airway. Small particles (PM 2.5) pose the greatest risk, because they can get deep into your lungs, and even into your bloodstream.

Symptoms of smoke exposure usually include irritation of eyes, nose, and throat or breathing discomfort, even in otherwise healthy people. More severe symptoms may include chest tightness, wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing. Anyone experiencing symptoms or with a known or suspected medical condition that could be worsened by smoke should contact their healthcare provider for further advice or call 911 if warranted.

Who's Most at Risk?
Take precautions at appropriate AQI level if you are in a sensitive group: 

• Children should take precautions and limit outdoor activities
• Recommendations for pregnant or nursing mothers
• Older adults and people with pre-existing conditions

How Do I Protect Myself? 

• Limit your exposure to smoke. Pay attention to local air quality reports online with the Oregon DEQ and take extra safety measures such as avoiding spending time outdoors.
• Avoid anything that increases indoor pollution like candles or vacuuming
• Close windows and doors.
• Run a standalone, HEPA grade indoor air purifier. They come in many sizes, so choose one right for at least one room where you spend the most time, or get more than one. You can always move it from a bedroom at night to a living space during the day. 
• Run an air conditioner if you have one. Keep any fresh-air intake closed (many systems do not have one) and the filter clean. You can use a high-efficiency filter with a MERV 13 rating. Consult a local heating and air conditioning company to see if your system can handle a high efficiency filter like MERV 13. Air purifiers and filters can be purchased at your local hardware store or online.
• Fine particles, but not hazardous gases, can be filtered with an N95 or N100 face mask. Please do not wear an N95 mask with one-way valves around other people. Exhaled air is not filtered in these masks and does not reduce COVID spread to others. 
• Ensure a tight fit and check how long your mask is effective. Bandanas and paper dust masks are ineffective and only trap large particles.
• Avoid smoke exposure during outdoor recreation. Before you travel to a park or forest, check to see if any wildfires are happening or if any prescribed burns are planned.
• Follow your doctor’s advice about medicines and about your respiratory management plan if you have asthma or another lung disease or cardiovascular disease. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.

Health Recommendations

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. 

INFORMATION FOR BUSINESSES 

Economic Symposium - Latinos in Oregon 

Tickets are now on sale for Centro Cultural’s Economic Symposium – Latinos in Oregon: Corazón de la economía! On Wednesday, October 12, 2022, spend your afternoon mingling with the business and civic community of our region. As Centro continues their 50-year anniversary campaign, their eyes are turned toward the future and the heart of our economy—Latinx professionals who continue to evolve the economic landscape of Oregon. Learn more and reserve your tickets here: https://centrocultural.org/symposium

Oregon Mask Guidelines for Businesses:

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.

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

Governor Brown Declares State of Emergency

Governor Kate Brown declared a state of emergency yesterday due to the imminent threat of wildfire across Oregon. Much of the state continues to experience high temperatures, wind, storms with dry lightning, and persistent drought. With the extended forecast in Oregon calling for continued warm and dry conditions—and with many parts of the state in drought emergencies—the threat of wildfire in Oregon is imminent.

Pursuant to ORS 401.165 et seq, Governor Brown determined that a threat to life, safety, and property exists due to the imminent threat of wildfire. The Governor's declaration authorizes the Oregon Department of Forestry and the Office of the State Fire Marshal, in coordination with the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, to utilize personnel, equipment, and facilities from other state agencies in order to respond to or mitigate the effects of the wildfire emergency. The declaration allows state agencies to temporarily suspend any rules that impair the response to wildfires, if needed, and also allows the state to request assistance from other states through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact if necessary.

The emergency declaration is focused on helping to ensure that the state is prepared to marshal all available and necessary resources as quickly as possible as wildfires arise throughout this season. When state and national resources are limited, the Oregon National Guard will deploy firefighting resources in accordance with Operations Plan Smokey 2022.

**For the most up-to-date information, please visit Oregon's Wildfire Updates page.

WILDFIRE RESOURCES

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 
• 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

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