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Friends and Neighbors,
Legislative Updates
My thoughts on the Republican and Independent Member Walkout
It's our job to show up, to debate and to vote.
The Senate has not been able to do work for three weeks now because a handful of Senators are refusing to do their jobs. This Senate Republican walkout is unconstitutional and ignores the will of the majority of Oregon voters, who said they wanted these walkouts to end. In a democracy, elected officials are supposed to listen to the voters.
I’m listening to the people. I have not missed one day, coming every day to committee hearings, taking constituent meetings, meeting with supporters and those that oppose different pieces of legislation that is being proposed. I am confident that I am representing my District’s priorities and values.
Oregonians have also said they’re tired of backroom deals and political games. That’s why Democrats want to have open, public debate on all of the bills and budgets that still need to be passed by the legislature. Unfortunately, Republican leadership is now saying they will only come back on the last day of Session to pass certain bills and budgets without debate in the dead of night. That’s not good governance, and Oregonians will certainly be the ones paying the price.
I also want to express how profoundly sad I am that this walkout comes after incredible, bipartisan work all session. Prior to the walkout, 90% of the bills we have passed out of the Senate have been bipartisan. So much of the political spin that Republican leadership is saying is just simply not factual. As the Chair of Senate Energy & Environment, I personally worked very closely with my Republican Vice Chair, Senator Lynn Findley. We planned committee hearings together, discussed policy concepts and strived to model respectful, bipartisan conversation in our committee. I still remain hopeful that members will return to work. I know they care about their Districts and want to make sure their communities are served well with State resources and support. There is too much left undone and Oregonians are counting on us to deliver.
For those of you who are wondering why a small number of Senators can derail the work of the entire legislature, the answer is our Constitution requires 20 of the 30 Senators to be on the Senate Floor to conduct the business of the State – it’s called a “quorum.” We have consistently had 16 Democrat members (with one member on medical leave) and two Republican members (with one member out on medical leave) present on the Senate Floor. Because we have not been able to establish a quorum, many important priorities – like fixing our homelessness and housing crisis, investing in semiconductor manufacturing, and making our communities safer – are all in limbo.
Week 19 Floor Speeches and Committee Testimonies
Week 19 Committee Snaps
Senate Committee on Housing and Development
Informational Hearings were held on the following:
- Boosting Housing Production - Watch here
- Increasing Access to Homeownership Opportunity - Watch here
Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Public Safety
Work Sessions were held on the following:
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SB 5541: Oregon Youth Authority Budget Bill
- Department of State Police Federal Grant - Computerized Criminal History
- Department of State Police Federal Grant - Firearm Background Checks
- Judicial Department Federal Grant - Best Practices in Indian Child Welfare
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SB 5533: Department of Public Safety Standards and Training Budget Bill
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SB 5542: Department of Public Safety Standards and Training - fee ratification
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SB 619 A: Relating to protections for the personal data of consumers
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HB 2316 A: Relating to driving while under the influence of intoxicants
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SB 5512: Judicial Department Budget Bill
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HB 2225: Relating to courts
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HB 2328 A: Relating to sex crimes
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HB 2645 B: Relating to controlled substances
Joint Ways and Means Committee
The full Ways and Means Committee meets this morning at 9:30. View today's agenda and watch here.
Week 19 - Oregon State Capitol Visits to #S207 (Your Senate District 15 Capitol Office)
 Clockwise from top left: With advocates from Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, with constituents advocating for Developmental Disability Services, Current Intern-Constance Tam and Former Intern-Lily Donis, with advocates from Healing Hurt People, with Washington County Community Corrections Director-Nate Gaoiran, with Yoon and Alex Richards from TSS Microscopy in Hillsboro.
Education Updates
Record K-12 School Funding
Earlier this week it was announced that additional funds would be added to the State School Fund. What great news for our students, staff and communities across Oregon! This is an amazing investment in our schools.
“Today, the presiding officers are announcing a historic $10.2 billion investment into the State School Fund (SSF), $700 million above current service level and the most ever allocated to the fund. When paired with local property tax revenues, the total formula resources for K-12 schools reaches $15.3 billion, a 12.3% increase over current resources, which will ensure Oregon’s schools and educators will have the tools they need to prepare Oregon's students for the future.”
Statewide Computer Science Implementation Plan Engagement Sessions
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) are hosting three engagement sessions to share preliminary recommendations under consideration for inclusion in the Statewide Computer Science Implementation Plan. The purpose of these sessions is to provide an opportunity for feedback while the plan is in draft form, prior to its expected release in September 2023. Your voice is valued in helping to design Oregon’s Computer Science Implementation Plan!
The purpose of this engagement is to:
- Provide information about the computer science directive.
- Share preliminary recommendations under consideration.
- Provide an opportunity for feedback while the plan is in draft form.
Please register for one of the following sessions that works best for you:
Sessions are expected to be 60-75 minutes. Students, families, educators, community members, industry professionals, and anyone with an interest in computer science education in Oregon are encouraged to attend!
Senate District 15 - Small Business Spotlight
The Treatment Place
This shop located in Forest Grove offers all types of massages for individuals suffering from physical and emotional trauma or injury in all forms. It was founded by Maryanne Elizabeth and is run with her treatment placement team. They facilitate healing and recovery through a fusion of Western and Eastern medical massage modalities, including Swedish, Deep tissue massage, Myofascial Release, Tui Na, Thai, Trigger Point and more. With raving reviews and expert licensed therapists, they will help you heal through your visits.
All sizes, All Ages, All genders, All backgrounds. Every client is a unique individual worthy of my undivided attention and loving care tailored to your specific therapeutic massage treatment goals and needs.
You can find more information and contact them through their website.
Community Outreach
Statewide Memorial Day Celebration - Monday, May 29
From the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs
The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs will host Oregon’s annual Statewide Memorial Day Ceremony in person at 11 a.m., Monday, May 29, at the Oregon World War II Memorial located on the grounds of the Oregon State Capitol in Salem.
The event will honor the nation’s fallen service members and include remarks from ODVA Deputy Director Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels, veteran leaders and state dignitaries, along with a color guard ceremony, performance of the national anthem, and the laying of a wreath followed by the playing of “Taps.”
“On Memorial Day, we remember and honor the service members of all branches and eras of service who paid the ultimate price to preserve and defend the freedoms of this nation,” said ODVA Director Kelly Fitzpatrick. “This year’s event will also include guest speakers who served during Operation Iraqi Freedom in remembrance of 111 fallen soldiers, sailors, airmen, airwomen, and marines who did not return home to Oregon, as this year observes the 20th anniversary of the start of the Iraq War.”
The statewide event will be emceed by ODVA LGBTQ+ Veterans Coordinator and Iraq War Marine veteran Ian Michael. Director Kelly Fitzpatrick will honor fallen service members at Memorial Day events in Brookings and Gold Beach in southern Oregon.
The Oregon WWII Memorial is located on the corner of Church and Court Street Northeast. Limited seating will be available. Attendees are welcome to bring their own seating for the park setting and are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather. For those unable to attend in-person, the event will also be livestreamed beginning at 11 a.m. on ODVA’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/odvavet.
Support Fund for Farmworker Families Impacted by Accident on I-5
Last week, a tragic accident occurred on the I-5 freeway south of Salem. Seven farmworkers were killed, and 4 were injured, on their way home from work. PCUN is raising funds to support the families of those involved through the link below:
https://secure.everyaction.com/vi7RCfLsfUuHaKHbc_Gy0g2
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Every May, people across the United States come together to celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. This annual observance recognizes the rich cultural heritage, contributions, and accomplishments of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders throughout history. It is a time to honor their diverse experiences, highlight their achievements, and promote greater understanding and appreciation for their communities. In 1992, the month of May was officially designated as AAPI Heritage Month by the U.S. Congress, providing a designated period for honoring and appreciating the AAPI community's contributions.
It is essential to recognize the countless contributions made by AAPI individuals throughout history. From civil rights activists like Yuri Kochiyama and Grace Lee Boggs to trailblazing scientists like Dr. Michio Kaku and Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu, AAPI individuals have left an indelible mark on society. Their achievements have not only enriched their own communities but have also benefited the entire nation.
As we celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, let us take the time to honor the past, celebrate the present, and work towards a better future for all. Let us recognize and appreciate the diverse tapestry of cultures, histories, and traditions that make up the AAPI community. By doing so, we not only honor their contributions but also reaffirm our commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable society for everyone. There are many activities you can do around Portland like the ones in the Lan Su Chinese Garden. You can find more information here.
National Gun Violence Awareness Day, June 2nd - Wear Orange Weekend
On June 2, 2023, people across the country will join together for the 7th National Gun Violence Awareness Day, which will lead into Wear Orange Weekend.
Wear Orange originated on June 2, 2015—what would have been Hadiya Pendleton’s 18th birthday. After she was shot and killed, Hadiya’s friends wore orange in her honor. Today, Wear Orange honors Hadiya and the more than 100 Americans shot and killed every day, as well as the hundreds more who are wounded. Wear Orange is dedicated to honoring the lives of people in the United States affected by gun violence and elevating the voice of those demanding an end to gun violence.
We Wear Orange to demand a future free from gun violence. Orange symbolizes the value of each person’s life and we wear it to honor those taken and wounded by gun violence and call for an end to this crisis.
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Dial 9-8-8 For Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
In Oregon, 988 resolves or de-escalates nearly 97 percent of calls over the phone.
People can connect with 988 through any phone or internet device in the United States. 988 routes callers by area code, not geolocation. Locked phones or phones that are out of prepaid minutes cannot connect to 988.
- Callers can press 1 to connect with the Veterans Crisis Line.
- Callers can press 2 for support in Spanish.
- Callers can press 3 for support for LGBTQIA2S+ youth under age 25 or text Q to 988.
Find more information on Oregon.gov
Additional Resources
What’s happening around town in Senate District 15? – Event Calendars
Federal Delegation Links
Education Links
Food and Housing Assistance
 Wednesday evening was a beautiful night for a Hillsboro Hops WIN! I love these games. They bring pure happiness because they are all about community! Wednesday night was Forest Grove and Cornelius Night, two Senate District 15 communities that make me #ProudtobeSD15.
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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