|
Friends and Neighbors,
Legislative Updates
The Oregon CHIPS Act, also known as Senate Bill 4, just passed the Senate with bipartisan support. This groundbreaking economic plan will open the door to once-in-a-generation federal investment in our state semiconductor industry.
In 2022, President Biden signed the CHIPS Act into law, which includes $52 billion in funding to grow domestic manufacturing of semiconductors and chip-making equipment. The legislation requires states to set up programs and incentives in order for local companies to access the federal funding.
Oregon CHIPS lays that necessary foundation. This $210 million investment is an extraordinary commitment to Oregon's future. These funds will support siting of new employers, as well as investments in our research institutions, community colleges and workforce partners.
Semiconductors power Oregon’s economy. They are Oregon’s largest manufacturing sector in employment, exports, and contribution to state GDP. More than 40,000 Oregonians depend on the semiconductor industry for their paychecks. Protecting and growing Oregon’s semiconductor industry is critical to the future of our state.
Investing in Oregon's semiconductor industry is an essential step to creating good-paying, long-term jobs across the state, directly in and outside of the industry.
Watch the Floor Carry of SB 4 here.
 SB 546 - Toxic Free Cosmetics
SB 546 has passed unanimously out of the Senate Energy and Environment Committee! This bill will ban a list of harmful chemicals from makeup and personal care products sold in Oregon. The bill was moved to Ways & Means and I look forward to passing this bill on the Senate floor and ensuring health and well-being for all Oregonians.
Week 11 Committee Snaps
Joint Committee On Semiconductors
The Joint Committee on Semiconductors is on pause while the R&D Tax Credit Workgroup meets. We plan to reconvene on Wed., April 5th.
Senate Committee on Energy and Environment
A public hearing was held on the following bill:
-
SB 123: Requires Department of Environmental Quality to study recyclability claims.
Work sessions were held on:
-
SB 546: Requires Oregon Health Authority to adopt and maintain list of designated high priority chemicals of concern used in cosmetic products and to periodically review and revise list.
-
SB 1015: Allows taxpayer to fully depreciate, over two tax years, property that shows demonstrable reduction in carbon emissions.
-
SB 582: Requires state agency that authorizes or funds, in whole or in part, installation of electric vehicle charging system located on customer's side of meter to require installing contractor or contractors to hold all legally required licenses and one or more electricians who hold Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program certification to supervise or participate in installation.
-
SB 123: Requires Department of Environmental Quality to study recyclability claims.
Senate Committee on Housing and Development
Public hearings were heard on the following bills:
-
SB 977: Requires Housing and Community Services Department to study housing.
-
SB 918: Requires Housing and Community Services Department to study housing.
-
SB 861: Appropriates moneys from General Fund to Housing and Community Services Department to provide grants to promote innovative and cost-effective housing types.
-
SB 847: Freezes tax assessed value for certain new residential construction for five property tax years.
-
SB 611: Increases amount residential landlord owes tenant for landlord-cause termination of tenancy.
Work Sessions were held on:
-
SB 919: Requires Housing and Community Services Department to study housing.
-
SB 894: Authorizes issuance of bonds under Article XI-Q of Oregon Constitution to support use of Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center as regional emergency and
-
SB 893: Directs Housing and Community Services Department to study issues related to homelessness and to report to appropriate committee or interim committee of Legislative Assembly on or before September 15, 2025.
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Public Safety
Informational meetings were held on the following:
-
HB 5017: Oregon Department of Emergency Management
-
HB 5031: Oregon Military Department
A public hearing was heard on:
A work session was held on:
Week 11 - Oregon State Capitol Visits to #S207 (Your Senate District 15 Capitol Office)
 Clockwise from top left: With Tualatin Valley Water District CEO, Tom Hickmann and Board Chair, Todd Sanders, constituent Iris Smith and daughters testifying at the Capitol, FFA Students Ivette and Nyla, Youth Voices speaker, Helena Vargas, puppy therapy at the Capitol, Youth Voices speaker, Lucia Donovan.
In the News
Oregon Senate passes $210 million bill to expand semiconductor sector, Oregon Capital Insider
Fentanyl Awareness & Safety, shared from the City of Hillsboro
It’s 2023. Will Oregonians finally pump their own gas?, Pluribus News
Oregon semiconductor aid plan awaits one more vote, Portland Tribune
Oregon’s major semiconductor bill clears state Senate, OPB.org
Oregon Senate passes $210 milion CHIPS bill with bipartisan vote, KEZI News
Oregon's $210 million semiconductor bill passes state Senate, KGW News
Bill to boost Oregon chip production passes Senate, Oregon Capital Insider
Factory or farm? Oregon may alter land use for chipmakers, OPB.org
Community Outreach
Naturalization Ceremony in Hillsboro
I had the honor of witnessing 40 people become citizens of the United States.
I recently found more pictures of my mother’s naturalization ceremony from the 1970’s. I found the book she studied from for her test. She served her community her entire life. ♥️
By Gina Roletto
Hillsboro City Councilor, Ward 3
Rice Museum of Rocks & Minerals Benefit Auction
 Shared from Rice Museum of Rocks & Minerals
The Museum has once again partnered with Dr. Rob Lavinsky and Mineral Auctions for an online auction to benefit the Rice Museum. Bidding opened March 30th, and closes April 8th. Proceeds will go directly to support the care of our collections and future educational programming.
The online event features fabulous lots, including mineral specimens, gemstones, and objet d'art, some of which were once part of the Rice Family Collection.
Registration is required to bid. Payment information is required to activate accounts, but this information is not saved or stored on the site. Winners will receive a personal invoice after the auction with shipping and insurance costs added. Mineralauctions.com does not add buyer premiums to auction items.
Congratulations to Beaverton School District Superintendent, Dr. Gustavo Balderas
Shared from the Beaverton School District
BSD Superintendent Dr. Gustavo Balderas has been named Superintendent of the Year by the National Association of Bilingual Education (NABE). This national award recognizes a superintendent who has demonstrated dedication to promoting equity and high-quality educational opportunities for multilingual learners.
Dr. Balderas was honored at the NABE General Session at the Oregon Convention Center in February.
Congratulations, Dr. Balderas!
Tips For a Safe Yard Sale
Shared from the Forest Grove Police Department
 If you are planning on doing any garage or yard sales in the coming weeks, we want you to keep in mind that some sales can become easy targets for shoplifters and thieves if not managed safely.
After all, you are inviting strangers into your yard, maybe even your home, to check out your possessions! Here are some tips for keeping your sale on the safe side.
- Keep eyes on the sale at all times. Do not leave merchandise unattended and try to have someone posted at the checkout table as well as walking around greeting potential customers.
- Do not let strangers come into your house for ANY reason. If someone needs the restroom, direct them to a business or public place nearby.
- Lock up! Keep the front door of the house locked, as well as any entrances from the garage. Keep an eye on gates, fences, and windows as well. If you see any suspicious behavior, contact the police immediately.
- Keep your cell phone nearby, and make sure non-emergency dispatch is programmed into the phone: 503-629-0111. If you ever feel like you are in danger or threatened by a customer, call 911.
- Keep the sale in plain sight. If possible, sell items outside the garage or toward the sidewalk so that you aren’t backed into a location others can’t see.
- Greet everyone who walks up. People are less likely to steal if they know someone is watching.
- Keep enough cash on hand to make change, but keep extra money locked up in the house. Make decisions ahead of time as to whether you will accept large bills or personal checks and keep these rules posted.
- Keep larger, higher priced items closer to the checkout for better supervision. Make sure that items that are not for sale are covered or removed from the sale area.
- Consider not involving younger children who may need more supervision. In a busy event, it can be harder to keep an eye on little ones, and little ones could distract you from items possibly walking off.
- If you actually do have a box of Happy Meal toys, the TY ‘Teenie’ beanie babies and Fraggle Rock set are supposedly worth some cash, so, you know, hang onto those ones. You're welcome.
Senate District 15 - Small Business Spotlight
Next Level Pinball Shop and Museum
If you are looking for a retro activity, make sure to stop by the Next Level Pinball Shop and Museum in Hillsboro. It has been named World's Best Place for Pinball by the TWIPY Awards. It contains over 200 pinball machines and another 200 video game machines giving you hours of enjoyment. Not only does it contain games, it has numerous pop culture memorabilia to look over. Both the arcade and museum are the result of years of collecting by the Carlson family – first by Fred Carlson and then by his son and daughter-in-law, Jordan and Whitney Carlson.
All of Next Level’s pinball and arcade games are set to free play, so no coins or swipe cards are needed. Visitors of all ages pay $20 for a day pass for unlimited play. So if you're planning a party or are just looking for a fun weekend activity, don't forget to stop by!
Additional Resources
What’s happening around town in Senate District 15? – Event Calendars
Federal Delegation Links
Education Links
Food and Housing Assistance
Be 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
| 
