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Hello Friends and Neighbors,
This week, my colleagues and I convened on the House Floor for two extended meetings, taking up almost all of Monday and Tuesday. I am proud that my fellow Caucus members and I took the time during Floor to hear from the perspectives of all of our counterparts and we engaged in a productive and cordial debate. These two Floor meetings resulted in the passage of House Bill 2002, the Reproductive Health and Access to Care bill and House Bill 2005, the Gun Violence Prevention bill. I believe both of these bills reflect our state's celebration and commitment to safeguarding the rights, protections and the lives of community members of all backgrounds and identities across Oregon. These topics are ongoing conversations and I always appreciate hearing from a diverse array of viewpoints, which I take into consideration when making a decision on how to vote on any legislation. I encourage you to watch the Floor proceedings from Monday and Tuesday on OLIS: House Floor - 5/1 (HB 2002) and House Floor - 5/2 (HB 2005). They were great examples of our State Legislature's democratic processes and constructive conversations.
You can find summaries of the Two Bills below.
The Reproductive Health & Access to Care Bill (House Bill 2002)
This bill is built on the belief that every single Oregonian–no matter your income, race, gender, or zip code–should have the right to make deeply personal health care decisions without interference from politicians.
Here's what the bill does:
1) Expands access to abortion and gender-affirming care
2) Shields providers' licenses and insurance from anti-LGBTQ+, anti-abortion states, and
3) Protects the rights we had under Roe v Wade.
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The Gun Violence Prevention Bill (House Bill 2005)
Here's what the bill does:
1) Makes our communities and schools safer
2) Gets guns out of the wrong hands and respects responsible gun owners
3) Helps law enforcement do their jobs.
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HOUSE FLOOR OPENING
DAUGHTER SHOUTOUT
My daughter, Emily and I finally got our first picture together in my new office! It always makes my day when she comes to visit me at work. She makes me proud every day!
CELEBRATING OLDER AMERICANS MONTH
Established in 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated every May. Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), OAM is a time for us to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of older Americans, highlight important trends, and strengthen our commitment to honoring our older citizens.
This year’s theme, Aging Unbound, encourages exploration of a wide range of aging experiences, and focuses on the importance of enjoying independence and fulfillment by paving our own paths as we age. We can take this opportunity to discover diverse aging experiences, discuss how communities can combat stereotypes, promote flexible thinking about aging, and bring attention to how we all benefit when older adults remain engaged, independent, and included.
ADVOCATE SPOTLIGHTS
Medical Interpreters
On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to briefly chat with a group of medical interpreters and take a photo with them before the long Floor session began! My team sat down with them to discuss funding for language access and the creation of an online portal for interpreters to access state funded appointments. Currently, language interpreters in our state are not receiving the living wages, benefits and treatment that they deserve. Our interpreters are essential for Oregonians from all communities to access services that could save their lives in medical settings. I am a firm believer in the importance of healthcare equity in our state and I believe that our interpreters and our communities deserve better.
Oregon’s Technical and Regional Universities (TRUs)
Yesterday, I sat down with students from Oregon’s Technical and Regional Universities (TRUs) to discuss their roles as critical access institutions.
Oregon TRUs are:
- Oregon Institute of Technology (“Oregon Tech”)
- Eastern Oregon University
- Western Oregon University
- Southern Oregon University
TRUs play a unique role in our state and I admire the positive impact they have on our students, faculty and greater community.
Bienestar
I recently met with members of Bienestar, a fantastic organization in my district that focuses on housing and community building for our Latinx immigrants and families in need across our state. They are currently advocating for House Bill 3555, which would create funding for housing for farmworkers. This funding is not only much needed across the state, but could also help Bienestar in its efforts to develop a new project in in Forest Grove. Bienestar is currently working with partners to secure rights to develop the old Tuality hospital site at 19th and Maple in Forest Grove, and funding for farmworker housing could help them build up to 80 units of new housing for low-income families, including farmworker families, on this site.
INTERN CORNER
Our office's two Legislative Interns, Ishaan and Magali! See their Session Highlights below.
Magali Cruz's Session Highlights
During my time as Legislative Intern in Representative Susan McLain’s office, I have had the opportunity to learn about different bills. As a woman, student, and member of a multicultural community, I am interested in learning about different problems which affect minorities in the country but mainly in the state. During this Legislative Session, I have seen a wide variety of bills that I consider very important to pass because they will help different issues which affect my community. However, today I will talk about three bills I believe are necessary to pass.
The first bill is HB 2957 A which I believe is important because, as a member and friend of an intercultural community, I have learned that it does not matter where you are from or what your migratory status is; all Oregonians deserve to have opportunities. This bill will help support our DACA recipients who contribute to our state to give them the security to continue studying, living, and working in Oregon, their home.
The second bill is HB 3555, which creates housing for farmworkers in Oregon. It is essential because Oregon has about 174,00 migrant and seasonal farmworkers. The salary for many farmworkers is estimated at $29,630 in annual wages, and the rent increases yearly. According to the data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, the average rent price in Oregon is about $1,284, which makes it inaccessible for them to afford a decent and safe home close to the essential services.
Finally, I want to share that I feel proud that HB 2005 passed out of the House Chamber. It is a bill that punishes manufacturing, importing, offering for sale, or transferring undetectable firearms. I understand that gun control is necessary for the security and protection of our community. Gun control is affecting the security of our people, and this bill is not removing the gun rights of Oregon State but rather helping to have better regulations around undetectable arms.
Ishaan and Senator Gelser-Blouin!
Ishaan Sinha's Session Highlights
One of the most fulfilling parts of my job is seeing how bills I’m researching and interacting with actually impact my community. One such bill is SB 819, which would require parental consent for children with special needs to be placed on a Shortened School Day (SSD) program.
I first heard about the bill when reading a letter we received from one of our constituents. It was truly inspiring to hear how the writer’s children persevered past the challenges of our special education system. This bill would also make a positive difference for people in my life as well. I knew I wanted to find a way to contribute.
I contacted the office of Senator Gelser Blouin, the chief sponsor of the bill, to arrange a meeting with the Senator. In our meeting, I shared how the bill would make a positive difference in my life. Leaving the meeting, I know that one thing I can do to help is testifying in support of the bill.
I appreciate this internship and how it has helped me learn about Oregon’s leaders and how legislative change really gets done. One day, I hope to be one of those leaders.
AROUND WASHINGTON COUNTY
Read more about Washington County's role in closing the general fund gap to ensure service levels are being met in our communities
Washington County Proposed Budget
Washington County’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2023-24 closes a $25.3 million structural gap in the general fund through a combination of targeted and organization-wide reductions. The balanced budget proposal reflects investments to continue delivering significant services to the community and avoids layoffs or furlough days.
“As our proposed budget will demonstrate, our resource-constrained organization is struggling to meet this dynamic and growing need, and has been for quite some time. Our community is multi-faceted and continues to experience our emerging post-pandemic life differently. Our organization, on the other hand, has limited financial capacity to address these needs over the long term and much of our success is being supported by one-time or temporary revenue…Although taking these steps will reduce our level of service to the community, they also represent a significant step toward setting the organization on a more sustainable, stable financial path that delivers services equitably.” – County Admin. Tanya Ange.
Read the full media release:
Washington County closes $25.3 million general fund gap with proposed budget
I believe it is imperative that we focus on increasing the success of reading and literacy in our schools through holistic investments in our students’ learning. Literary resources such as the StoryWalk program in our district provide innovative and inclusive approaches to encourage different types of learners to read, and it is a necessary library resource to continue supporting. Be sure to visit Shute Park with your family to read Hillsboro's first StoryWalk!
Hillsboro StoryWalk
Hillsboro's first StoryWalk® opened at Shute Park. The story begins on the path between the library and the senior center. Talk a stroll, enjoy the fresh air, and read a story all at the same time! Happy National Library Week!
Be sure to check your mailboxes since ballots for the Special District Election were delivered to voters in our county last week
Ballots Mailed in WashCo
Ballots for the May 16, 2023, Special District Election began to be sent to registered voters last week. If by May 4, 2023, you have not received your ballot, you can request a replacement ballot by using the Ballot Request Form at washcovotes.org or contact the Elections Office at 503-846-5800.
SCHOOL DISTRICT UPDATES
Thank you for sharing your inspirational messages about what you would do as Mayor of Hillsboro! It's exciting to hear from our future leaders.
Congratulations to this year's Oregon Mayors Association "If I Were Mayor" Student Contest Winners!
1st: Maria – 4th grade at Witch Hazel Elementary School (Unable to attend)
2nd: Nethyu – 5th grade at Imlay Elementary School
3rd: Christina – 5th grade at Quatama Elementary School
Our office's Legislative Intern, Ishaan holds a leadership role on Hillsboro's YAC. He has greatly benefited from the program in a myriad of ways. This critical program has provided him with an environment to become more involved in local community decision-making, form strong bonds with his peers and learn how to educate the public and our elected officials on issues affecting Hillsboro's youth
Serve the Community through Hillsboro’s Youth Advisory Council
High school students are encouraged to apply by May 26 to be part of the City of Hillsboro’s Youth Advisory Council for 2023-24. Up to 30 students will be selected to serve. For additional information, visit the City’s website: https://bit.ly/3nkiIqM.
YAC’s current student leaders, Naim Ferris (PCC Early College) and Mariana Monroy Gonzalez (Century HS), recently appeared along with YAC Coordinator Michaela Canete (Century HS graduate) on Community Conversations with Hillsboro Mayor Steve Callaway to share their experiences on YAC – and their advice for students who are interested in serving. Watch or listen to the conversation: https://bit.ly/3nkRKzh.
BENEFITS AND SUPPORT
If you're behind on housing payments, there is FREE help available - take advantage of a valuable resource and set up a meeting with a housing counselor today!
Free Counseling Advice for Housing
Contact a certified housing counselor today to discuss your options. To find a list of free counselors: bit.ly/OR_H-Counselors
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Comuníquese con un asesor de vivienda certificado hoy mismo para ver cuáles son sus opciones. Vea la lista de agencias con asesores certificados aquí: bit.ly/OR_H-Counselors
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
New plants and furniture lining the building!
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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