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Hello Friends and Neighbors,

This has been an important week for our Joint Transportation Committee. Last night, we held a public hearing for the Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement bill, House Bill 2098. There were over 60 members of the public who testified and we heard broad support for replacing the I-5 Bridge. We are still working on the details to match Washington State's allocation of $1 billion. Oregon's match of $1 billion in this Session is necessary to be competitive for the $2.5 billion+ in federal grant money.

Thank you to all the community members and jurisdictional partners who brought support to the hearing. I want to specifically thank Erin Doyle from Washington County, who brought support from the County Board of Commissioners, Portland Commissioner Mingus Mapps, and Gwenn Baldwin who represented Beaverton and spoke of the urgency of getting in line for federal grants and replacing the I-5 Bridge. May 5th is the deadline for posting Work Sessions on bills in our Joint Committee. We had almost 100 bills to process in this committee. We are still trying to get as many public hearings as possible, as we greatly value the public's input on transportation issues that directly affect their community. Joint Transportation still has a lot of work to complete and we look forward to future meetings and hearings to get that work done. 

Month of May: Celebrating American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, dedicated to celebrating the achievements and contributions of Asians and Pacific Islanders of the United States. Originating after U.S. Congress action in 1997, this commemoration serves to highlight the vastness of the Asian and Pacific Islander communities, which spans more than 30 countries where over 100 different languages are spoken, and where the experiences are equally as varied. This coming month I am proud to celebrate the achievements and lives of our Asian and Pacific Islander communities in our district and across our state!

ADVOCATE SPOTLIGHTS

Community Resilience Hubs Coalition

A group of enthusiastic and passionate advocates with the Community Resilience Hubs Coalition came to visit me on Tuesday to support House Bill 2990, which would create a grant program through the Office of Resilience and Emergency Management that will go directly to communities to build and implement Community Resilience Hubs and networks.

Community Resilience Hubs are trusted places and networks designed by and for communities to cultivate physical, social, and ecological well-being with a sense of belonging and safety. If we invest in building our communities, we will create the resources and connections needed to make it easier on Oregonians the next time a disaster strikes. Resilient communities can make the difference between surviving and thriving. I am proud to be voting for this bill when it arrives on the House Floor.  

OHSU University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities

On Thursday, I had the pleasure of meeting with a group of social workers and trainees from UCEDD at OHSU, which works to promote the health and quality of life for people with disabilities and their families across Oregon, some of which were constituents working and advocating in my district. They focus on education, research, service and information sharing to enhance the lives of people with disabilities.

They sat down and spoke to me about the OHSU LEND training program at the Institute on Development & Disability, which purpose is to improve the health of infants, children, and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other neurodevelopmental and related disabilities across the state of Oregon. This is accomplished by providing interdisciplinary training at the Child Development & Rehabilitation Center to enhance the clinical expertise and leadership skills of dedicated professionals. The OHSU LEND program is funded through the Autism CARES Act. The LEND program serves as a resource for community-based professionals throughout the state of Oregon. I am glad I got to meet with this big group to discuss their compassionate and essential work. 

Good luck to all the students competing in the State Speech and Debate Championships this weekend!

BILL UPDATES

2nd Chamber Deadline Approaching There's a frenetic pace at the Capitol this week as we approach another major deadline! May 19th is the last day for all bills to be voted out of their second chamber committee. But in order for a bill to be heard in committee by the second chamber deadline, it has to be posted on an agenda for a work session by next Friday, May 5th.* If a bill misses the first deadline on May 5th, it is officially dead for this Legislative Session.  *The following committees are exempt from session deadlines: House Rules, Senate Rules, Senate Finance & Revenue, House Revenue and joint committees, including Ways & Means and Joint Transportation. Below is an update on where my bills currently stand. Please note that many bills referred to Ways and Means will only have work sessions after the next Revenue Forecast on May 17th. The information from that forecast will help determine the budget for the next biennium and what programs we can afford to fund. HB 2608 - Newborn Screening Fee Appropriations Passed House Committee and referred to Ways and Means  HB 2609 - Eliminating Fee for Educator Preparation Providers Passed the House Floor and referred to Senate Education - no hearing currently scheduled  HB 2610 - Reduced-Risk Pest Management Study for Specialty Crops Passed House Committee and referred to Ways and Means  HB 2611 - Part-Time Faculty Healthcare - Dental and Vision Expansion Passed House Committee and referred to Ways and Means on March 23r HB 2615 - Veteran Eligibility for the Oregon Promise Grant Passed House Committee and referred to Ways and Means  HB 2617 - Newborn Screening Advisory Board Changes Passed House Committee and referred to Ways and Means HB 2618 -  Appropriate Caseloads for School-based Health Practitioners  Passed the House Floor and hearing held in Senate Education - no work session currently scheduled  HB 2998 - Creates Oregon Soil Health Initiative  Passed House Committee and referred to Ways and Means  HB 3080 - Modernizing Auto Sales and Allowing E-Signatures Hearing held in Joint Transportation HB 3197- Changes to Land Use Application of "Clear and Objective Standards" Referred to Rules Committee and hearing held on 4/27 HB 3300- Mental Health Regulatory Agency Licensing Changes Referred to Ways and Means  HB 3458- Changes in Appeal Process to Land Use Board  Passed the House Floor and hearing scheduled in Senate Committee on Natural Resources on 5/3 HB 3595- Youth and Juvenile Corrections Education Funding Passed House Committee and referred to Ways and Means

UPDATE ON REPLACING THE I-5 BRIDGE

I-5 Bridge Replacement Program Resources:

With any complex policy topic there is always a lot of information to sift through. The Interstate Bridge Replacement Program (IBR) is the best place to start to get up to speed on the project. The IBR is the official bi-state project office that has been tasked by both Oregon and Washington  to complete the planning, design, and construction work on the new I-5 Bridge. Here is the most up-to-date information:

• Cost Estimate & Financial Plan Fact Sheet (April 2023)
• IBR Program Cost Breakdown (Feb 2023)
• Legislative Factsheet (Jan 2023)
• Identifying Climate-Smart Solutions (July 2022)
• IBR Recommended Modified LPA (May 2022)
• IBR Program General Factsheet (May 2022)

AROUND WASHINGTON COUNTY

Make sure to look out for your ballot in the mail to participate in the Special District Election this year! Our involvement in these elections is very important, as we get to decide who will oversee the public services that our community relies on, such as fire protection, water supply, sanitation, parks, libraries and more.

Ballots Mailed to WashCo Voters

Our district's new dispatch facility will support our county's first responders in better serving the public during emergencies. I am excited about this anticipated development!

New Dispatch Center Opening in Hillsboro

My office met with Metropolitan Youth Symphony recently and they informed us about the satellite program in Hillsboro that they started 3 years ago. They also have a low income string program at Lincoln Street Elementary, which offers coaching, teaching and performance opportunities to community members. I encourage young musicians to audition for the string ensembles!

New String Ensembles: Audition June, August, November or by Appointment 

Rehearsal on Saturdays at Lincoln Street Elementary School in Hillsboro

Metropolitan Youth Symphony provides music education and performance opportunities for musicians of all ages and levels of experience. We enroll over 500 youth from the greater Metropolitan and SW Washington areas in our orchestra, band, jazz and percussion ensembles. 

At MYS we are passionate about giving our students an excellent musical experience in a fun, supportive setting that develops leadership abilities, life skills and celebrates community. Through small group sessions with coaches from the Oregon Symphony, a strong in-school concert outreach program, and a variety of leadership opportunities. MYS musicians develop their skills and use their music to give back to their school and communities. We would love to have you share this experience with us! We encourage at least one year of experience to audition. 

Find out more: https://playmys.org/audition-requirements/

Call: 503-239-4566

Be sure to check out the Forest Grove Farmers Market starting this upcoming Wednesday, May 3!

Forest Grove Farmers Market

The outdoor Forest Grove and Cornelius Farmers Markets attract a weekly total average of more than 2,500 visitors of all ages and demographic groups to share good food and listen to local musicians. We strive to provide an outlet for small farmers and food producers so that they may connect with the community by offering fresh, local goods.

SCHOOL DISTRICT UPDATES

I am extending a warm congratulations to our new Hillsboro Superintendent, Travis Reiman! We are thrilled to welcome your extensive experience and unique perspective in leading our district's community. 

BENEFITS AND SUPPORT

Free opportunities to attend legal clinics and meet directly with lawyers in our county for small business advice and support.

Free Legal Services for Small Businesses

Another financial opportunity provided by our friends at OHCS for low to moderate-income homeowners across the state. Call to find out more!

FLEX Lending Program

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