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Friends and Neighbors,
Upcoming Events
Join me tomorrow morning for a Community Conversation #108 from 11AM - 12PM at BJ's Coffee Co in Forest Grove. I hope to see you there!
Location: 2834 Pacific Ave C, Forest Grove, OR 97116
Legislative Updates
Oregon's Economic and Revenue Forecast
This week, the Office of Economic Analysis' June 2023 Revenue Forecast indicated that Oregon's economy and state revenue are growing at a strong rate.
Our state's recovery from the pandemic is strong because Oregonians are working hard. However, many families are still feeling the affects from inflation and we must do what we can to make smart investments to solve our most pressing challenges.
We must prioritize:
- ending the homelessness crisis,
- reducing barriers to health care,
- improving our schools,
- and making our streets safer in every corner of the state.
This is an incredible opportunity, but if we’re going to take advantage of it, be responsible stewards of our tax dollars, and deliver the solutions Oregonians are counting on, every lawmaker needs to be in Salem doing their job.
Forecast document: https://www.oregon.gov/das/OEA/Documents/forecast0523.pdf
This Week's Testimony
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Senator Sollman testifies on House Bill 2951 with testimony translated to Spanish by Maria Gomez (HB 2951; Spanish language traffic safety education course).
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Week 17 Committee Snaps
Senate Committee on Energy and Environment
An Informational Hearing was held on Marine Reserves and Ocean Plastic Pollution, watch here.
Work Sessions were held on the following bills:
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HB 3179: Modifies definition of "renewable energy facility" for purposes of county permitting process for solar photovoltaic power generation facility.
Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Public Safety
Informational Hearings were held on the following:
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Oregon State Bar - Legal Aid Services and Access to Legal System, watch here
Work Sessions were held on the following:
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HB 5031: Oregon Military Department
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SB 1034: Relating to the payment of costs for educational services provided by programs operated by the military.
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SB 5505: Criminal Justice Commission
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SB 344: Relating to criminal justice
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SB 5514: Department of Justice
Listen. Learn. Act.
Week 17 Capitol and SD 15 Visitors
 From Left to Right - Oregon Wing - Civil Air Patrol; Oregon Worker Relief; Sen Steiner and Wash Co. Commissioner Pam Treece, Testimony team for HB 2951 - Nansi Lopez from Centro Cultural came as well!, ODE & HECC testifying at an infromational hearing, Advocates for the Technical & Regional Universities Advocacy Day
Youth Led Town Hall
Thank you Allison Wannberg for organizing the Youth Town Hall this past weekend for her Senior Project. The topics for discussion that were selected by students: gun violence prevention and mental health. I'm always in awe of the perspective and strength students bring.
 Left - Right: B Genduso (Student Representative), Allison Wannberg (SD15 Intern & Youth Town Hall Coordinator), Hilary Uhlig (Moms Demand Action OR Chapter Leader), Meeta Heauss (Mental Health Clinician), Nickole Vargas
Bienestar & the Welcome Home Coalition's Community Conversation
Earlier this week my team attended a Community conversation hosted by Bienestar and the Welcome Home Coalition. This community conversation focused on housing affordability. It was a Spanish-language forum (with translation into English) where members of the Latinx community were able to connect with local elected leaders to share and hear community stories, and discuss housing policy and the housing crisis facing our community.
Intern Corner
Written by: Mari Park
This Wednesday is the Liberty High School Colorguard’s annual Spring Showcase! This is where the members choreograph their own performances to showcase the growth and talent they have accrued throughout their season and time with the guard. They add things such as favorite tricks, and equipment, and it can be performed to any music whatsoever. It is a great opportunity to spend time with friends after the season ends, and to have fun showcasing favorite parts of guard.
“I think it’s gonna be really fun. I just enjoy performing with Genevieve, so I’m glad that I get to do it one last time before she graduates. We've had a lot of fun writing this piece and I'm just excited to show our friends and family.” -Addison Soon (Sophmore, Cologuard Co-Captain)
“It’s nice to do one last show before I graduate and it was fun to have the chance to write my own show with Addie.” -Genevieve Keplinger (Senior, Co-Captain)
Senate District 15 - Small Business Spotlight
Multinational Market, Cultural Hub - M&M Marketplace
- From M&M website-
The M&M Marketplace was founded by the Miranda family in October 2000 with only twenty independent businesses/business owners selling products and services to the Hillsboro community. Within three months the market would have grown to forty independent businesses.
Over the next years, the market has continues to grow and it now has eighty independent businesses selling a wide variety of products ranging from clothing, shoes, jewelry, videos, music, household goods, and food. The M&M market includes a full-service muffler shop, tire shop, and an automotive/mechanical repairs shop. In 2008, they inaugurated Hillsboro Futsal (Indoor Soccer), which was added to provide the youth and adult community with opportunities for entertainment, sport and recreation. Today Futsal has grown to include leagues of all ages and genders.
The M&M Marketplace is a culturally diverse hub that serves the community, encourages entrepreneurship and promotes business. All culture and nationalities are invited to be part of the market. Visit the M&M Marketplace any weekend, they are open year-round!
Located: 346 SW Walnut St, Hillsboro, OR 97123
Hours of Operation:
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Friday 2–7 PM
- Saturday 10 AM–7 PM
- Sunday 10 AM–7 PM
Community Outreach
Volunteer Opportunity Courage Card Event - Sunday, May 21
-From Project Never Again-
This year, Project Never Again will be preparing 5000 courage cards for our duffel bags. Courage Cards are greeting cards that stand to inspire and encourage children as they live through their foster experiences. Volunteers will personalize these cards through handwritten messages, art and decor. This is an engaging activity for families and small groups, so please join us. Together, let us be the Change our children need!!!
Age Requirement to write cards: 10+. Children under 10 are welcome to decorate cards.
Learn more about: Project Never Again #dignitythruduffels
To Sign Up to Volunteer visit here.
 This week staff and legislators stopped by S-207 to write some words of encrouragement for our foster youth.
Oregon International Air Show begins today
-From Oregon International Air Show Facebook page -
This weekend, the Oregon International Air Show returns. This event will be held May 19-21.
There’s still time to secure your tickets to see world-class performers take to the skies! And if you come today, you'll also get to experience the amazing firework display (Friday only)!
You don’t want to miss out on this amazing show featuring the U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team, warbirds from Erickson Aircraft Collection and the Planes of Fame Air Museum , and world-class civilian performers!
Get tickets here:https://bit.ly/3In1IYc
Applications Are Open: Youth Participation & Scholarship Program
-Information provided by City of Hillsboro website-
High School Seniors: Do you want to work with the Community Advisory Group to advise the Hillsboro Chief of Police?
The Hillsboro Police Community Advisory Group is accepting applications for their Youth Participation and Scholarship Program. One youth selected to serve on the advisory group during the 2023-24 school year will receive a $2,000 scholarship!
Apply to join the Community Advisory Group for the 2023-24 school year by July 31!
- If you are selected, you will receive a $2,000 scholarship.
- The Advisory Group meets once per month on Wednesdays, 6:30 to 8:30 pm.
- Earn up to 20 volunteer hours by June 2024.
If you're interested in applying please visit this webpage
Forest Grove Electric Vehicle Charger Incentives
-From City of Forest Grove's webpage-
Forest Grove Light & Power offers and incentive of $500 to purchase an electric vehicle (EV) 240-volt Level 2 charger. The incentive applies to all prior and future prucahses of Level 2 chargers. Conttact Eddie Littlefield, Power Services Manager at 503-992-3296 or email: elittlefield@forestgrove-or.gov
Click here to complete an application.
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
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