|
Friends and Neighbors,
Upcoming Events
Youth Led Town Hall - Happening Tomorrow!
Community Conversation - Saturday, May 20th
Legislative Updates
The Senate Republicans have denied quorum for floor sessions for the past nine days. Voters were clear when they passed Measure 113 by an overwhelming margin, in every Senate District, that they want their elected representatives in the Capitol doing their jobs. Oregonians are hard working and show up for work every day. Their elected officials should not be held to a different standard. Democrats have run a highly bipartisan and transparent process around all legislation this session. 90% of the bills passed have done so with bipartisan support. The Senate President has put a pause on floor sessions through the weekend so that further discussions will allow us all to convene on Monday and continue to pass the bills we have all focused our energy on and are important to our districts.
Week 17 Committee Snaps
Senate Committee on Housing and Development
The public hearing and work sessions have come to an end in Senate Committee on Housing and Development. There will be several informational meetings to help inform on the issues Oregon faces. Final work sessions were held on the following bills:
-
HB 2127 A: Removes deadline by which City of Pendleton must apply to Land Conservation and Development Commission to become part of affordable housing pilot program.
-
HB 2634 A: Defines "recreational vehicle park" for the purposes of residential tenancy law.
-
HB 2680 A: Amends requirements for residential landlords accepting applicant screening charge.
-
HB 2889 A: Amends Oregon Housing Needs Analysis and land use requirements for local governments related to urbanization.
-
HB 2984 A: Allows conversion of building from commercial use to housing within urban growth boundary under certain conditions.
-
HB 2987 A: Authorizes Oregon Health Authority to establish by rule maximum percentage of grant funds that grant recipients under Healthy Homes Program may use for administrative expenses.
-
HB 3042 A: Limits terminations and rent increases for three years after tenants' housing is withdrawn from publicly supported housing.
-
HB 3151 A: Limits improvements that landlord of manufactured dwelling park may require of tenant.
-
HB 3309 A: Directs Housing and Community Services Department to provide report to appropriate interim committee of Legislative Assembly on department's financial support of dwelling units with certain accessibility features.
-
HB 3417 A: Expands landlord guarantee program to include landlords providing housing to tenants who have received rental assistance under specified rehousing initiative.
-
HB 3442 A: Authorizes local governments to allow, prohibit, require zone change for or subject to conditional use permit development of certain affordable housing on certain lands within tsunami inundation zones or 100-year floodplains.
-
HB 3462 A: Provides that, if certain state agencies provide temporary housing to displaced individuals in response to emergency, agencies shall ensure housing is safe and provided in compliance with state and federal laws relating to discrimination.
Senate Committee on Energy and Environment
An Informational Hearing was held on Policy Resources for Legislators, watch here.
Work Sessions were held on the following bills:
-
HB 2426 A: Authorizes self-service dispensing of Class 1 flammable liquids at retail dispensary.
-
HB 3043 A: Revises provisions relating to chemicals in children's products.
-
HB 3143 A: Authorizes public utility, upon approval by Public Utility Commission, to issue bonds and securitize debt for costs and expenses incurred or to be incurred by public utility associated with events subject to federal or state declaration of emergency.
-
HB 3220 A: Modifies provisions of electronics recycling program.
Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Public Safety
Informational Hearings were held on the following:
- Public Safety Employee Wellness Programs, watch here.
- State and Local Emergency Preparedness, watch here.
- Conflagrations, watch here.
- Deferred Maintenance, Capital Improvements, and Capital Planning, watch here.
Work Sessions were held on the following:
Joint Ways and Means Committee
The full Ways and Means Committee met this morning at 9:30. View today's agenda and watch here.
Week 17 - Oregon State Capitol Visits to #S207 (Your Senate District 15 Capitol Office) and out and about Salem
 Clockwise from Top Left: Visitors from Early Learning Washington County, Advocates with Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, City of Cornelius Councilor Angela Godinez-Valencia, City Manager Peter Brandom, and Councilor Eden Lopez, Visitors from ACLU Oregon, speaking to the Oregon Chamber of Commerce members, with Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle.
In the News
Oregon bans plastic foam and PFAS in food containers, promotes reusable alternatives, Grist.org
Senate walkout continues for eighth day after legislative leaders meet, Oregon Capital Chronicle
Oregon State will lead federal semiconductor research project, OregonLive.com
Intern Corner
Meet Kellan Bates
I am happy to introduce Kellan Bates, a new college intern in my office who will be with us through the end of session. I have known Kellan and his family since elementary school days at Tobias Elementary School, where my boys attended school so many years ago.
Hello! My name is Kellan Bates, and I’m excited as ever to be working for Senator Sollman for District-15! I was born and raised in Hillsboro and I’m prouder than ever to call it my home. Education wise, I’m currently finishing up my Oregon Associate of Arts Transfer degree at PCC, where I will then transfer to PSU. When I go to PSU, currently I’m planning on prepping for Pharm School, but I could also easily go into politics professionally. I’ve always had a deep interest in politics, where I get excited to do ballots, I watch election processes like it’s a sport, and I’ve taken many poli sci classes through H.S and PCC to feed my curiosity about the world of politics. Besides my interest in politics, for hobbies I’m a former long time Ballet dancer (studio had to close with post-COVID finances), I main the Bassoon, and like most people my age I play video games on the side, but all mostly pertaining to strategy and city-planning games. For the cat lovers out there, I have 4; Purcilla, Henna, Indie, and Pōā.
Again, I’m very excited to be working in the capitol with Senator Sollman. Politically, I like issues regarding environment, Civil rights, technology, urban planning, political reform (Ranked choice voting especially), and preparing our communities for resiliency against the test of time and the prospect of the Cascadia earthquake event. I look forward to and I am honored to be working with Senator Sollman on improving and evolving district-15 and Oregon through her legislative work!
|
Senate District 15 - Small Business Spotlight
Puppernickel
Established in 2018, Puppernickel is a woman-owned and operated business located in the heart of Historic Downtown Hillsboro, Oregon. As a family business we know that the health of our family members is so important which is why we are dedicated to baking all natural wholesome dog treats and supplying high quality toys to improve the well-being and happiness of your family.
Puppernickel has two locations, one in downtown Hillsboro and one in Beaverton. They sell wholesome dog treats and toys for our furry friends. Plan a visit to one of their shops soon to spoil your beloved pets with goodness and joy. Visit their website to learn more.
|
Community Outreach
With hot temperatures in the forecast this weekend, it’s important to stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay informed! Sign up for emergency alerts to receive heat advisories and warnings at oralert.gov.
Watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Please check on your neighbors, especially older adults and anyone who might have a health condition that could put them at higher risk for heat-related illness. If you are worried about a friend, family member or neighbor you can't get in touch with, you can call Washington County non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111 to request a welfare check.
More information, including cooling center information can be found at oregon.gov/heat.
If you’d like additional information about heat resources, check out these websites:
Pround to Be HSD Festival - Tomorrow! Saturday, May 13th
Teacher Appreciation Week - May 8th - 12th, 2023
As a mom of two teachers and a former school board member in Hillsboro, my heart of gratitude goes out to all educators working each and every day to inspire students and help them thrive. My own educational path started at Gales Creek Elementary and journeyed through Neil Armstrong Junior High, Forest Grove High School and Portland Community College. There have been educators that have helped me though traumatic times in my life through empathy, compassion and humor. I am forever grateful. This week we celebrate educators and all they do for our students. Visit Senate District 15 school district sites to participate in the celebrations.
National Nurses Week - May 6th - 12th, 2023
From American Nurses Association
National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6th and ends on May 12th, Florence Nightingale's birthday. These permanent dates enhance planning and position National Nurses Week as an established recognition event. As of 1998, May 8 was designated as National Student Nurses Day, to be celebrated annually. And as of 2003, National School Nurse Day is celebrated on the Wednesday within National Nurses Week (May 6-12) each year.
|
Where's My Refund?
The Oregon Department of Revenue has begun issuing refunds due to taxpayers who have filed their 2022 tax returns.
To check the status of their refund, taxpayers can use the Where’s My Refund Tool on Revenue Online. They will need their:
- Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN);
- Filing status; and
- The exact refund amount shown on:
- Line 46 of their Form OR-40, or
- Line 71 of their Form OR-40-N, or
- Line 70 of their Form OR-40-P
Here are common reasons refunds may take longer and what to do about it.
-
Filing a paper return. Paper returns take longer to process and, as a result, it takes longer to issue related refunds. File electronically instead.
-
Filing electronically and requesting to receive a refund via a check takes longer. Request direct deposit instead.
-
Filing more than once. Sending a paper return through the mail after e-filing will a delay a refund. Taxpayers should file just once.
-
Filing during peak filing periods. Refunds are also issued slower during peak filing periods, like the last few weeks before the April 18 deadline. Filing well ahead of the deadline will help taxpayers get their refunds sooner.
-
Refunds may be delayed when errors are identified on returns. Taxpayers who receive a letter requesting additional information are urged to respond promptly through Revenue Online to speed the processing of their return.
- Taxpayers who check Where’s My Refund one week after they file and receive a message saying their return is being manually processed should watch their mailbox for correspondence from the department. If it has been 12 weeks or more since they filed their return and they haven’t received a letter from the department, taxpayers should call (503) 378-4988 or (800) 356-4222 to speak with a customer service representative.
For federal income tax returns, visit the IRS' Where's My Refund? page here.
Additional Resources
What’s happening around town in Senate District 15? – Event Calendars
Federal Delegation Links
Education Links
Food and Housing Assistance
 Last weekend, since we needed to be in Salem for a floor session, Senator Kate Lieber and I decided to serve our colleagues with a yummy pancake breakfast, complete with 80s music and smiles.
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
| 
