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Hello Friends and Neighbors, As you may have heard, our state is home to one of the world’s leading clusters of semiconductor makers, with perhaps the world’s top concentration of leading talent and expertise. Semiconductors, or chips, are tiny electronic devices that are fundamental to nearly all modern industrial and national security activities. These devices power tools as simple as a light switch and as complex as a fighter jet or a smartphone. They are also essential building blocks of other emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, 5G communications and quantum computing. Right here in our district is Intel’s Gordon Moore Park at Ronler Acres Research Campus in Hillsboro, which is one of the global centers of semiconductor research and development. This week, the members of the Semiconductor Committee met to discuss the Semiconductor Package for this year. They covered their guiding principles, which consist of building public trust by committing our state's tax dollars in a responsible way, protecting due process for community members and looking for opportunities for the entire state to grow manufacturing and supply chain sites. They also discussed the federal CHIPS Act, which will work to expand this industry and our workforce, invest in public infrastructure and strengthen this growing economy that will bring great benefit to our state. I am excited to see our city on a national stage in a booming industry that will generate job opportunities and fuel our state's economy.

REMINDER: TOWN HALL TOMORROW

It's not too late to register for tomorrow's Town Hall! I will be in conversation with Senator Sollman, Representative Sosa and folks around the district. Click the image below to register!

BILL UPDATES

February 21st is the deadline to submit regular bills for the 2023 Session. This week brought a flurry of bill activity at the Capitol as Legislators and advocates work to meet that deadline. Watch this section of the newsletter in coming weeks as I share information about some of these new bills being introduced, and of course continue to update you on the progress of my personal bills and those of colleagues that I want to draw your attention to.    Education Bills This Week: SB 531 appropriates moneys from General Fund to the Department of Education for summer and after-school programs. The bill will give priority to programs that serve youth from rural areas or historically underserved populations, including youth with disabilities. It encourages collaboration between community organizations and education providers to promote the healthy development of youth, and requires the use or expansion of existing programs. The bill was voted out of the Senate Education Committee this week on a 6-1 vote and now heads to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means.  SB 423 increases faculty and non-faculty staff representation on University Boards by requiring faculty and nonfaculty staff members of public university governing boards to be appointed as voting members. It also adds faculty and nonfaculty staff members to the Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) Board of Directors, increasing OHSU board membership from 9 to 11. It will additionally require that all members of the OHSU board to be voting members and prohibits faculty and nonfaculty staff members on OHSU board from participating in board actions and discussions about collective bargaining issues.

Successful Hearing On My Newborn Screening Bill! 

HB 2617 is one of my top priority personal bills and it had a hearing on 2/15/23 in the House Committee On Behavioral Health and Health Care. This bill will improve our newborn screening processes in Oregon and ensure that it is a pristine and transparent process that keeps up-to-date as scientific reviews bring important breakthroughs. If you would like to watch the hearing, you can access it here. 

I testified about the importance of newborn screening and emphasized that Oregon can be a leader in ensuring that children with rare genetic diseases have the opportunity to thrive. A special thank you to Anna Grantham of Hunter's Hope Foundation for testifying about how important it is for states to take the initiative on newborn screening updates and breakthroughs, since the federal government can be slow to act. Nikki Monaco, who has worked tirelessly to improve newborn screening in Oregon, also testified about her son Emmett and his fight with Krabbe Disease. Emmett passed away last year because Oregon does not screen for Krabbe Disease at birth. If Emmett had been born in one of the ten states that do screen for this disease, he could have received early intervention treatment that would have saved his life. Nikki is fighting to ensure that all babies born in Oregon are tested for a wide array of rare genetic diseases so that they can receive life-saving treatments. To learn more about Emmett and his family's tireless efforts, please watch the video below:  

ADVOCATE HIGHLIGHTS

Meeting with advocates in my community and state plays a key role in guiding my brainstorming and decision-making as a legislator. Our advocates are the backbone of the larger movement for social and economic justice. It is important that we celebrate their hard work and dedication to bettering the lives of all Oregonians, especially our state's marginalized voices.

Oregon Library Association

On Wednesday, my staff met with members of the Oregon Library Association. As the Chair of the Education Budget Committee, I have been a long-time supporter of the work they do to advance public and professional education in our state. Dorian Russell and Hillary Ostlund are two constituents from our district who joined the meeting to advocate for OLA's efforts as well.

In this meeting, they discussed their funding ask for three top priorities: Ready to Read Grant, Broadband Infrastructure and the addition of an ODE Library Specialist Staff position. All three of these priorities will allow our state to continue supporting literacy resources for students coming out of the pandemic and investing in our library staff who provide invaluable services for Oregonians. I look forward to continuing my work with the Oregon Library Association and I am excited about the legislative projects they are taking on in this new year!

Oregon Optometric Physicians Association 

Yesterday, I was joined by this wonderful group with Oregon Optometric Physicians Association. For their Advocacy Day, they discussed their legislative priorities to improve the healthcare industry in our state. 

Oregon Credit Unions

Yesterday I was also joined by representatives from various credit unions across the state. Our credit unions are immensely beneficial to our community, offering resources like financial literacy classes, local business assistance and grants. They offer banking services at reduced fees that go directly back to the members. I am proud to be a member of a credit union, and I was pleased to talk with this group yesterday. They even gifted me a great scarf!

AROUND WASHINGTON COUNTY

Great opportunity for our community to get a first glance at our city's budget and ask any questions. Join online or in-person, and bring your friends and family!

Upcoming Town Hall

The public is cordially invited to join the Board of County Commissioners for their first quarterly Town Hall of the year on Thursday, February 23, at 6 p.m. Participants will hear from Board members and key staff about the budget development process and financial challenges that the County is facing.

The meeting will be held at the Washington Street Conference Center, 102 SW Washington Street, Room 1204, in downtown Hillsboro. Although not required, onsite attendees who prefer to wear a mask are encouraged and welcomed to do so. Those who wish to attend virtually are invited to join the meeting via Zoom or watch the live stream on YouTube as described below.

During the presentation, participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and share their perspectives with Board members.

What:  Board of Commissioners’ Town Hall on Budget Development

When:  Thursday, February 23 at 6 p.m.

Where:  Choose from online or in-person options

1. Join the Board in-person at the Washington Street Conference Center, 102 SW Washington Street, Room 1204 in downtown Hillsboro.
2. Ask questions or share your perspective during the event via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84672409624
3.  Watch the presentation live on YouTube
   • For English go to  www.youtube.com/WashingtonCntyOregon
   • For Spanish visit MACC TVCTV - YouTube

Language services:   Spanish and American Sign Language interpretation will be provided throughout the event. Interpretation services for other languages are also available upon request. Contact the Washington County Administrative Office at 503-846-8685 or email cao@washingtoncountyor.gov by Tuesday, February 21 to request these services.

Ask a question:  If you’re unable to participate but would like to ask a question,please send an email before 5 p.m. on February 23 to cao@washingtoncountyor.gov.   

This is an important event for our Spanish-Speaking community who will be filing taxes this year. Learn about this important process by tuning into this event on Zoom!

Upcoming Adelante Mujeres Event

SCHOOL DISTRICT UPDATES

PRESIDENTS DAY

Our schools require input from everyone in order to be truly representative of our community makeup. 

DAG Discussion: Cornelius Elementary Construction

BENEFITS AND SUPPORT

Below, you will find special grants, Paid Leave program updates, shelter information, hotline resources and other assistance. Please make sure to look at the deadlines we provide for grants.

Grant to support migratory and seasonal agricultural workers

This is a one-time funding opportunity of up to $150,000 to support community organizations who provide food, essential needs, and climate health resources to migratory and seasonal agricultural workers and their families. 

This grant will open on March 1 and close on March 31. See details on our webpage or contact Rachel_Miller @washingtoncountyor.gov for more information. 

Summer Kindergarten Readiness Grant

Are you an early childhood educator or childcare provider with an idea or program to promote learning and growth of young children and their families during the summertime? 

Early Learning Washington County is seeking to award up to $200,000 in grants to fund summer programming supporting families, caregivers, and educators of children from birth to kindergarten age.

Applications are due on March 6. Find out more on the Early Learning website or contact Tabria_Harrod@washingtoncountyor.gov

WashCo No-Turn Away Shelters

Paid Leave Updates

Paid Leave Oregon offers website in six languages, adds new features

Paid Leave Oregon has refreshed its website, PaidLeave.Oregon.gov. In response to community feedback, the updated website is now available in six languages: English, Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese. Other new features include:

• An interactive contributions calculator so employers and employees can figure out their payroll contributions
• A safe exit or "quick escape" feature – these buttons are used on websites for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors. The button helps web users quickly exit the site they're browsing and will automatically open a blank search page.
• More detailed information for both employers and employees, as well as new sections for self-employed people, healthcare workers, and service providers
• Videos that feature real Oregon business owners in our communities

Upcoming events

We are starting a Contributions Explained webinar series. Employers can learn more about Paid Leave Oregon and how to file their first Oregon Quarterly (OQ) report with Paid Leave contributions. Experts from the Oregon Department of Revenue and Frances Online will also attend to answer your questions. All sessions will have American Sign Language (ASL) and Spanish interpreters.​

• Tuesdays, Feb. 28-March 28, 3-4 p.m. | Please register in advance

Family Leave, Medical Leave, Safe Leave

Use the following resources if you have questions or need support:

·        Constituents with questions about their UI claims can use the Contact Us form on our website, Unemployment.Oregon.gov, which is accessible by clicking on the yellow button at the top, right corner of all pages. We established this Contact Us form as a way to help people get timely information regarding their unemployment benefits.

·        We are always open for business to help members of your communities find fulfilling work through our WorkSource Oregon centers. Information for job-seekers and employers is at WorkSourceOregon.org. WorkSource Oregon centers are located throughout Oregon, and all services are free. People can use our online scheduling tool to find their local WorkSource Oregon office and set up one-on-one time with an employment specialist.

·        Businesses can go to Frances Online, our newly modernized contributions system, to update their account information, manage account access, file and amend combined payroll reports and a lot more. Need help? Here’s our  Employer Resource page, or call (503) 947-1488 or email Contributions.Unit@employ.oregon.gov​.

PUBLIC HEALTH

Below, you'll find information about the Oregon Health Plan and vaccine updates. It is important to stay up to date on the information coming from our health officials, and do our part in keeping our community safe.

OHP Eligibility

For Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members, we want you to know your eligibility will be reviewed between April 2023 and January 2024.

You will be guided through the process and informed of what you need to do to keep benefits. If you no longer qualify, OHA will help you transition to other coverage by providing information about your options. This may include information about financial help available for Marketplace health plans.

The most important thing to know right now is this: Keep your contact information up to date so we can reach you.

To learn more about why eligibility is being reviewed, read our news release https://content.govdelivery.com/.../ORDHS/bulletins/348979c.

School Exclusion Day

WILDFIRE-RELATED 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-489, Salem, OR 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/mclain