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Hello Friends and Neighbors,
Spring is approaching and the days are getting longer, allowing more time for important work to get done. This week in my Education Budget Committees, we heard from members of the Department of Education discuss the State School Fund, which provides a great deal of general operating dollars to school districts and education services districts (ESDs).
As a former educator, I am always excited to see Pamplin Media Group honoring the hard work and dedication of community educators across our state each year. This year, I am sending a sincere congratulations to three honorees from our district: Perla Rodriguez (Cornelius), Victor Rodriquez (Forest Grove) and Sherie Brownlie (Hillsboro). Thank you for going above and beyond to provide the most quality education to our students, and for shaping our future leaders!
BILL UPDATES
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Two of our bills passed today out of committee! House Bill 2611, which requires that dental and vision are included in health benefits available to part-time faculty members, and House Bill 2610, which directs Oregon State University to research reduced-risk pest management tools for Oregon's specialty crops.
The House passed two bills this week that support Oregon's transition to green energy; House Bill 2530 A and House Bill 3097 A. The first, HB 2530 A, would direct the Oregon Department of Energy to convene a work group to examine, evaluate, and develop statewide strategies to accelerate development of state’s renewable hydrogen industry. HB 3097 A, which I carried on the House Floor, will allow municipal corporations or people’s utility districts to apply for water use certificates for hydroelectric power generation upon written authorization by the underlying water right holder.
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House Passes $200 Million Affordable Housing and Emergency Homelessness Response Package
The Oregon House responded to the state’s homelessness and affordable housing crisis by passing the $200 million Affordable Housing & Emergency Homelessness Response Package (House Bill 2001/House Bill 5019) with bipartisan support this week. The package takes bold and effective action to help shelter Oregonians living on the street, prevent more homelessness, ramp up affordable housing production made in Oregon by Oregonians, and more.
The Affordable Housing & Emergency Homelessness Response Package achieves the
following:
● Funds the Governor’s Homelessness State of Emergency: This $130 million
investment will allow state agencies to unleash an urgent and coordinated response to
address homelessness.
● Invests in rural and coastal communities: The package invests $27 million in the
Rural Oregon Continuum of Care so that the response on the ground reaches rural and
coastal Oregon.
● Prevents evictions that can lead to homelessness: This provides renters faced
with eviction for non-payment with more time to access Rental Assistance and other
services that will help them stay in their homes. A compromise between tenant advocates
and landlords, the package lengthens the eviction timeline to 10 days and includes a right
of redemption.
● Provides critical support for homeless youth: Youth homelessness is the number
one predictor of adult homelessness. This invests $25 million in critical support to
some of Oregon’s most vulnerable youth and families, connecting them with rental
assistance, shelter facilities, outreach, culturally-specific services, mental health or
substance abuse services, other transitional options, and more.
● Makes building affordable housing production our #1 priority: Building the
housing we need, where it is needed at a price people can afford will be our top priority.
The Oregon Housing Needs Analysis will help cities focus their housing production
priorities and then the state will work in partnership to help make sure local partners use
the most effective strategies and tools available to them to boost production of safe,
accessible, and affordable housing for all Oregonians.
● Ramps up the production of affordable modular housing made right here in
Oregon: This invests $20 million in the production of affordable modular homes
using Oregon mass timber and other conventional materials to support our state’s
homegrown industries and create good paying family wage jobs.
● Creates innovative financing models to build housing for middle-income
families: The Revolving Loan Fund ($3 million) supports local governments and
developers in building affordable housing for middle-income and working families, like
teachers, construction and health care workers, and other family wage jobs.
Improves on-site workforce housing for farmworkers: Responding to the needs
of Oregon’s agricultural producers, the package provides grants ($5 million) for
farmers to improve the health and safety conditions of existing on-site housing for
farmworkers.
Upcoming Bills to Watch
House Bill 3043 - Expanding the Toxic Free Kids Act
Children’s products contain toxic chemicals, including heavy metals and flame retardants, that can cause health problems. The risks of exposure to and negative health impacts from these chemicals are higher for children than adults because they handle—and place in their mouths—toys and accessories. In some states, manufacturers are required to limit the use of and report the chemicals used in children’s products.
Senate Bill 478 (2015) directed the Oregon Health Authority to establish a list of high priority chemicals for children’s health used in children’s products; required manufacturers to provide notice including the name, registry number, amount, and function of the chemicals on the list used in the children’s product; and required manufacturers to remove or substitute for the chemical under certain circumstances. Similar legislation has been passed in other states, notably Maine’s Protect Children's Health and the Environment from Toxic Chemicals in
Toys and Children's Products and Washington’s Children’s Safe Products Act. House Bill 3043 would authorize Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to consider including classes of chemicals on the list of high priority chemicals of concern for children’s health when used in children’s products.
House Bill 2759 - Regulating Robocalls
Oregon’s anti-robocall statutes, ORS 646.569 and ORS 646A.374, prohibit calling someone on a do-not-call list and making scam robocalls. It is common for robocalls to originate outside the United States, using gateway providers and intermediate telemarketing providers to reach consumers. As a result, it is difficult to enforce current law when violations occur.
House Bill 2759 amends anti-robocall statutes to hold a telecommunications company, who knows or consciously avoids knowing, that another person is engaging in a practice that violates anti-robocall statute, liable for any loss and subject to any penalty for the violation to the same extent as the person that engaged in the act.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
ADVOCATE SPOTLIGHTS
Regional Inclusive Services
Advocate Lisa, her daughter & young advocate, Jemma and I
Yesterday I was visited by Lisa Bosotina, and her daughter, Jemma Bosotina who is a third grader at Harvey Clarke Elementary in Forest Grove School District. Jemma is a student with a hearing impairment and she has greatly benefited from Regional Inclusive Services along with many of her peers. This program provides training, technical tools and support for students, teachers and parents so that all schools can successfully instruct students across the disability spectrum. One example of their instruction and professional learning is teaching student skills for engaging at school such as assistive technology or reading braille. They also teach students and parents advocacy skills so that they have the confidence to ask for what they need from instructors, which is an aspect of the program that Lisa and Jemma have both immensely appreciated.
I am inspired by stories like Jemma's and I will always be a vocal advocate for inclusive, representative and accessible education services for all of our students in Oregon.
Solange Boyd and Zuri Boyd, two students at Connections Academy, and I
This week, I had a surprise visit by two young advocates and students, Solange and Zuri Boyd. They came into my office with their supportive father and they informed me about the important learning opportunities they've been afforded through Connections Academy. Connections Academy is a tuition-free, online, K-12 school that offers curriculum designed by experts and delivered by teachers specially trained to teach online. As a former teacher, I know firsthand that every student's circumstance is different and every brain learns in a unique way. It is critical to meet our young students where they are at and offer them the most quality, accessible education possible.
Wonderful team of administrators who work within the Northwest Regional Educational Service District and I
On Wednesday, I met with the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators (COSA) who were hosting a lobby day for K-12 school administrators of color. I met with several administrators from the Northwest Regional Educational Service District (NWRESD), which has school districts served in our legislative district. We discussed the K-12 budget and the work they are doing to support and develop educational leaders with professional development opportunities. I am proud of the work they are doing to uplift educators, especially educators of color, and to foster an inclusive, barrier-free academic environment.
AROUND WASHINGTON COUNTY
I am proud of OHCS and our Woodspring team for settling an agreement that benefits our community by ensuring affordable housing to residents!
Washington County Proposes Purchase & Sale Agreement to Preserve Woodspring’s Affordability
After two years of discussions with Woodspring’s property owner, the Housing Authority of Washington County has received authorization today at a Housing Authority Board of Directors’ special meeting for the executive director to negotiate and enter into a purchase and sale agreement. This enables the Housing Authority to pursue the necessary property and financial due diligence to purchase Woodspring. If successful, we'll be able to preserve the property’s affordability rates for all current residents!
As a former Metro Councilor and 5th-generation Oregonian, I am committed to ensuring that future generations can experience the same clean air and climate that I was lucky enough to experience. I’ve been a proud supporter of strong climate legislation throughout my time in office and I will continue to be a vocal advocate.
Climate Justice in WashCo
In case you missed it, the Washington County Office of Sustainability recently hosted a panel discussion in celebration of @UN World Day of Social Justice, featuring leaders from local organizations focused on climate justice.
Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5tsgSTeBiM
SCHOOL DISTRICT UPDATES
I am always interested in hearing new proposals for increasing our usage of solar power in cost-effective, incentivizing ways. In 2021, I voted in favor of HB 2021, which was a historic piece of legislation propelling responsible clean energy development, job creation, and climate action. In our district, I am proud to have the Blooming Nursery in Cornelius, where the state's largest solar thermal project heats a 54,000-square-foot greenhouse. I am glad to see solar making an appearance in our Hillsboro school district!
Bond Update: Liberty High School Solar Array Canopy
Construction crews are now installing the mountings on Liberty’s solar array canopy for over 170 photovoltaic panels, which can generate up to 55 kW of power. Students will gain hands-on education in sustainable technology once the project is completed in early April. Learn more and stay updated at Liberty’s bond project page: https://bit.ly/3yyK9PR.
Our students' mental health and well-being is imperative to their ability to learn and thrive in the classroom. I am glad to see these essential resources made available to our Forest Grove students.
Forest Grove School District Counseling
FGSD counselors work hard to ensure students have access to the support, assistance and resources they need regarding mental health. This short video showcases the importance staff places on supporting our students with their needs.
Navigating life after high school can be difficult and daunting. Programs like these offer support and guidance to students seeking direction post-graduation, whether that be a trade/career pathway or college pathway.
Career and College Pathways Shuttle Programs - High School Forecasting
In addition to the more than sixty career and college pathway programs (CCPs) offered across our four comprehensive high schools, we are pleased to offer district-wide access to a selection of unique CCPs including: Aerospace (Pilot and Mechanic paths), Automotive Technology, Bioscience Technology, Diesel Technology, Fire Science, Machine Welding, Mariachi, Veterinary Science, and the Ground Up Marketing Lab. Students who apply and are accepted access the CCP via our HSD CCP Shuttle System, which transports students to and from the school where the program is located.
For more information and student application, please go to hsd.k12.or.us/ccpshuttle.
BENEFITS AND SUPPORT
Below are some grant, assistance fund, support clinic and coverage opportunities and updates available to communities across Oregon.
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 closes on March 31. See details on our webpage or contact
Rachel_Miller @washingtoncountyor.gov for more information.
Oregon Homeowner Assistance Fund Program Reopened
The Oregon Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Program has reopened to eligible applicants!
HAF provides financial support to homeowners facing foreclosure due to Covid-19 hardships. Funding will be focused on homeowners in active foreclosure and those typically underserved by mortgage markets. To learn more about HAF and how to apply:  bit.ly/HAF_OR
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¡El Fondo de Asistencia para Propietarios de Vivienda de Oregon (HAF por sus siglas en inglés), recibirá solicitudes A PARTIR DE HOY!
HAF brinda asistencia económica a propietarios de vivienda que hayan experimentado dificultades financieras debido a la pandemia del coronavirus. Tienen prioridad las solicitudes de propietarios que se encuentren en procesos de ejecución hipotecaria, y quienes hacen parde de poblaciones que tradicionalmente no reciben asistencia del mercado inmobiliario. bit.ly/HAF_OR
Upcoming Free DACA Renewal Clinic
Above are two flyers about the upcoming free clinic for DACA recipients!
Expanded OHP Coverage Update
Above are postcards about expanded Oregon Health Plan (OHP) coverage for kids. Please share widely! This expanded coverage started in January 2023, so OHP (and ALL CCO’s!) should be approving any screening, detection, and treatment for kids under 19 if it is medically necessary and appropriate for them. Legal Aid or the Oregon Law Center may be able to help if you or someone you know has a child on OHP who receives a health care denial.
Se adjuntan postales en inglés y español sobre la cobertura ampliada de Oregon Health Plan (OHP) para niños. Por favor, comparta ampliamente. Esta cobertura ampliada comenzó en enero de 2023, por lo que OHP (¡y TODOS los CCO!) deberían aprobar cualquier detección, detección y tratamiento para niños menores de 19 años si es médicamente necesario y apropiado para ellos. Legal Aid o Oregon Law Center podrían ayudar si usted o alguien que conoce tiene un hijo en OHP que recibe una denegación de atención médica.
PUBLIC HEALTH
Below are some COVID-19 reminders and OHP technical assistance help.
Mask mandate in health care settings ends April 3
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The Oregon Health Authority has announced that the mask requirement in health care settings ends April 3. We understand this decision is being met with a wide variety of emotions from community members. Washington County Public Health encourages anyone who is ill, at high risk for severe illness, or is otherwise more comfortable wearing a face mask, to continue to do so. Additionally, health care facilities can establish their own masking policies apart from the statewide rule, so it may be helpful for people to share their concerns directly with their provider or health system.
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Booster Recommended for Everyone 6 Months and Older
A single dose of the updated (bivalent) COVID-19 booster is recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older. The original (monovalent) booster has not been available since the updated (bivalent) booster was authorized in September.
Children under 5 who completed a three-dose Pfizer primary series are not eligible for a booster dose at this time. The bivalent booster can, however, be given as the third dose in this series.
To find an updated COVID-19 booster near you, visit Vaccines.gov.
OHP MEMBERS: Creating a ONE Account
If you are an Oregon Health Plan member, creating an account at one.oregon.gov is the easiest and fastest way to keep your contact information up to date. Once you've entered your contact information, check the boxes to receive important text and email messages from Oregon Department of Human Services about your benefits.
You can also confirm or update your contact information:
• Via your coordinated care organization (CCO). Members can find their CCO contact information by visiting: bit.ly/ccoplans or by phone at: 833-647-3678
• By mail at: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309
• By phone at: 1-800-699-9075 or TTY 711. Phone lines are open Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. PST. Hold times are shortest in the morning from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
• By calling a toll-free language line: You can connect with an interpreter in 16 different languages before being transferred to the Customer Service Center by selecting a toll-free language line at: benefits.oregon.gov
• By contacting an OHP-certified Community Partner at bit.ly/ohplocalhelp
• In person at any Self-Sufficiency Program, Aging and People with Disabilities or Area Agency on Aging office. Find locations and phone numbers at: bit.ly/ONEOfficeLocations
WILDFIRE-RELATED RESOURCES
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
Sunrise from my window- starting another day at the Capitol
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
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