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Hello Friends and Neighbors,
I am excited to report that we have been and will continue to vote on a number of important bills in the Joint Transportation Committee. We are focused on improving and expanding our multimodal transportation system in Oregon, which will help us meet the needs of all Oregonians and plan responsibly for our transportation future. When we discuss multimodal transportation work, we are referring to the diverse ways that we travel and transport goods within our communities and across our state. The wide spectrum of transportation ranges from personal vehicles, freight, trucks and rail to walking and biking. This Session, many of our bills in the Joint Transportation Committee prioritize a multimodal decision-making framework and provide a cohesive approach to make everyday travel function for all Oregonians. You can find these multimodal bills in our bill section below.
In addition, the Oregon Revenue Forecast is upcoming on May 17th, which is when the Education Budget committee will know what our budget capacity is for the next biennium. Next week's newsletter will provide information from the Forecast and how the Education Budget process works.
Western Oregon University Chamber Singers performed for the Floor yesterday
TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK (MAY 8-12)
As a former teacher of over 40 years, I understand the challenges and joys that come with teaching students. This week, we are recognizing and celebrating the contributions of teachers across our state. Thank you for preparing our communities for a brighter future!
May 8-12 is Teacher Appreciation Week (www.nea.org/TAW)! With a theme of “Teachers Go Above and Beyond for Students,” this year’s celebration recognizes teachers for always doing what it takes to support their students. Please take a moment to reach out and thank a teacher who has been meaningful to you, and/or post your words of praise to social media using #ThankATeacher
Join the National Education Association and National PTA for a live National Town Hall event on Sunday, May 7 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (Pacific Daylight Time): www.nea.org/TAW. Featuring Emmy award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph from ABC sitcom Abbot Elementary, the event will include a lively discussion with teachers, education leaders, community leaders, parents, and students about critical topics facing public school educators and students and the solutions our communities need to ensure every student has access to a high quality, equitable, and inclusive education.
BILL UPDATES
Multimodal Transportation Work this Session
Below is a handout that my office made that highlights the important work we are doing this legislative session to promote Oregon's multimodal transportation system:
McLain Bills Status
Here is an update on where all of my bills are with just over a month and a half left in Session!
ADVOCATE SPOTLIGHTS
Oregon Student Association
Yesterday I met with a wonderful group of students from different community colleges and universities across our state. I was happy to offer a courtesy to recognize their presence in the Capitol and honor their work on behalf of the Oregon Student Association for Higher Education Advocacy Day. As the Co-Chair on the Education Budget Committee and a former educator, I always look forward to meeting with students in our state to discuss their advocacy for a better education system.
INTERN CORNER
A Good Day at the Capitol
By Ishaan Sinha
When I first started my internship, I wasn’t excited to drive for over two hours each day commuting to the Oregon Legislature. However, my time working at our Capitol Office has proved to be more than fulfilling.
This past Wednesday was a packed day for me. Due to staff shortages, I answered calls our office received. I also took meetings with a lobbyist group to hear their support for a gun control bill. I made a connection with one of the lobbyists who was from Hillsboro.
As summer slowly breezes in, more and more people have been going outside to enjoy the weather. One day, I chose to eat my lunch at the patio outside where I met some other legislative staff playing cards. They invited me to play cards with them and I had a great time playing games.
Nowadays, I look forward to the drive because I’ve found meaningful work and new friends here at the Capitol.
AROUND WASHINGTON COUNTY
School Board Elections
Every community member should participate in our school board elections, as they are a chance to represent all of our voices in public education and state policy.
Three positions on our School Board are up for election (https://bit.ly/3VNaJiQ) on Tuesday, May 16. Please review the Washington County Voter Pamphlet (https://bit.ly/3NNSUye) for information about each candidate and remember to vote before 8 p.m. on election day: https://bit.ly/3MbCi2g.
Missing Ballot?
If you haven't received your ballot yet, be sure to call the Washington County Elections Office as soon as possible to get a replacement.
If you still need your ballot contact the Elections Office at 503-846-5800 or request a replacement online by using the Ballot Request Form at washcovotes.org
Grand Lodge summer concert series dates announced, features legendary Herbie Hancock
June 7: Rodrigo y Gabriela — the acoustic Mexican guitar duo will bring a mix of genres, including nuevo flamenco, rock and heavy metal.
June 22: Yonder Mountain String Band, Leftover Salmon & Railroad Earth — the headliners in Yonder Mountain String Band will bring their progressive bluegrass sound to a lineup that features other country and rockabilly inspired bands.
July 9: Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade — Best known as the bassist and singer for Primus, Les Claypool will bring his new eclectic band to the Grand Lodge stage. Tickets are already sold out as of publication on Thursday, May 11, however.
July 15: Lyle Lovett and His Large Band — Lyle Lovett won a Grammy Award for his country album of the same name, and he’ll bring his talents to Forest Grove this summer.
July 18: The Dead South — Continuing the summer’s theme of country music, The Dead South hails from Saskatchewan, Canada.
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July 21: Blues Traveler and Big Head Todd and The Monsters — If you can’t guess what kind of music you’ll get with a night headlined by a band called Blues Traveler... well, take another look at the name. The New Jersey rock group will be supported by Colorado-based Big Head Todd and The Monsters.
July 29: John Craigie and Shook Twins — Craigie brings a mix of music and comedic storytelling to his act and will be supported by indie folk duo Shook Twins, hailing from Portland.
Aug. 2: RAIN – A Tribute to The Beatles — The first of two tribute concerts in the first weekend of August will pay homage to the Fab Four.
Aug. 4: The Australian Pink Floyd Show — Keeping the British Invasion tribute weekend going will be a cover show dedicated to Pink Floyd. What makes the show Australian? Get tickets and find out.
Aug. 7: The Front Bottoms — Moving into the pop-punk realm, The Front Bottoms hail from New Jersey and will bring an energetic show.
Aug. 8: Michael Franti & Spearhead + SOJA — An evening of reggae, rap and hip-hop-inspired tunes from three different acts.
Aug. 25: Pink Martini — Founded in Portland in 1994, Pink Martini is known for drawing from a wide array of influences, from jazz and classical music to Latin and traditional pop.
Sept. 19: Herbie Hancock — The legendary jazz pianist graces the Grand Lodge stage with a show that’s sure to feature influences from his storied career spanning more than six decades.
SCHOOL DISTRICT UPDATES
Forest Grove School District's Summer Meals Program
Summer meals in the park will begin on June 26th. We are excited for their program to start again and for the opportunity to feed our kids during the summer. We will also need volunteers to help set up and serve food to students. Please consider volunteering and helping the program to be successful. If you are interested, please sign up and share the opportunity with your friends and family. You can sign up here.
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ESS Aspiring Educator Scholarship
This is an excellent, financial opportunity to help interested students jumpstart their education careers! Be sure to review the list of qualifications and apply soon.
Our substitute service provider, ESS, is offering four $1000 scholarships to HSD graduating seniors who plan to major in elementary or secondary education at a college or university.
Applicants for this scholarship should demonstrate a commitment to teaching as a profession, a desire to continue their own education, and a passion for positively impacting students. This is not an academic scholarship, but the committee may reference GPA and class rank when deciding between otherwise equally-qualified applicants.
Applicants will need to submit a one-to-two-page essay describing their interest in education and what experiences have inspired them to become an educator.
Qualifications:
Student must be a graduating senior at an HSD high school.
Students applying for this scholarship should demonstrate a commitment to teaching as a profession, plan to continue their own education, and have a passion for positively impacting students.
Immediate family members of full-time ESS Corporate employees are not eligible for consideration.
Deadline to apply is Friday, June 2, with winners notified by mid-June; click here to learn more and apply: https://bit.ly/3pqBu0B.
PUBLIC HEALTH
Heat Resources
With temperatures rising, it's important that we take measures as individuals and as a community to protect ourselves from the heat. Below are some helpful resources.
Please use this link to locate Washington County Cooling Centers near you.
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 non-emergency dispatch at [include local non-emergency dispatch number] to request a welfare check.
More information, including cooling center information can be found at oregon.gov/heat.
RSV Vaccine Approved
Learn more about a new vaccine for seniors
RSV is a common virus that causes cold-like symptoms. RSV can cause severe illness, especially in children younger than 2 (especially infants younger than 6 months) and older adults.
In older adults, RSV is a common cause of lower respiratory tract disease, which affects the lungs and can include life-threatening pneumonia and bronchiolitis. Each year, RSV leads to 60,000-120,000 hospitalizations and 6,000-10,000 deaths among adults ages 65 and older, according to the CDC.
While timing for when the new RSV vaccine will arrive in Oregon has not been determined, it is expected to be available through pharmacies and clinics that carry and provide immunization services, as with any other vaccine.
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
Capitol in the Spring (Taken from Register Guard)
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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