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Hello Friends and Neighbors,

This week, the House is continuing to convene and wrap up our work on important legislation before the Session comes to a close. I am taking this final stretch as an opportunity to write thank you letters to all of my colleagues who I am grateful to serve our state alongside. I am also appreciative of all the community members, advocates and local leaders who have taken time to write to my office and meet with me throughout this Session.

Last weekend, I had the chance to meet with many of you at my Town Hall Events, taking place at the Cornelius Library and Shute Park Library in Hillsboro. We received a great turnout at the Cornelius event and although the Hillsboro event was smaller in size due to conflicting graduation ceremonies, I was happy to engage in an intimate, small-group discussion with those who came. At both events, I shared updates on the bills I've sponsored and important packages I've supported this Session, addressing topics such as education and budget, housing and land use, climate and environment, and labor. We heard directly from many community members who expressed their thoughts and concerns around issues that affect our district, ranging from addressing homelessness to protecting our local agricultural industry to improving public transit.

I appreciated everyone approaching the conversation with respect, curiosity and great engagement. As a former teacher of 42 years, a former Metro Councilor of 16 years, and now a state legislator of nine years, I believe in the importance of open exchanges with people who both agree and disagree with us. Town Halls are always an excellent opportunity for the community to come together and identify the issues on our minds and brainstorm collective solutions. My most recent events reminded me of how proud I am to serve our district and why I do the work that I do.

Photos from my Cornelius Town Hall

Photos from my Hillsboro Town Hall

ON THE SENATE FLOOR

House and Senate Members were excited about the Senate Floor achieving quorum yesterday

SESSION AND BILL UPDATES

As of Friday morning, we have exactly 10 days left until June 25th, which is the the Constitutional deadline and mandatory Sine Die date to conclude the 2023 Legislative Session. Almost all Committee work has wrapped up, with a few Ways and Means and House Rules meetings likely to occur next week. We spent much of the week having extended House Floor time so we could pass the remaining bills still on the House docket. The House will reconvene Floor again on Tuesday after the Juneteenth Holiday.

On Thursday, an agreement was announced that brought Senate Republicans back to the Chamber and I am pleased to say that the Senate began voting on bills again for the first time since the end of April. The Oregon Legislature will now move forward on bills and budgets that will protect shared Oregon values and take urgent actions on the homelessness crisis, education, public safety, health care, protections to abortion access, and more.

Bill Spotlights:

House Bill 3395 - Funding Affordable Housing

I was pleased to vote for HB 3395 in both the Ways and Means Committee and on the House Floor. The bill appropriates $48.5 million to suppor4t affordable housing projects. Specifically, the bill will make allowances for additional residential zoning, and provides technical assistance grants to local governments; fund affordable housing support for low-income college students; provide grants for the development of community-based housing for agricultural employees; provide grants to support housing and community development for cities, counties, and tribes; create a matching fund for a revolving loan fund to augment equity accrual for certain home buyers; develop affordable housing loan guarantee funds; and expand the Emergency Housing Account to allow for support of individuals with companion animals.

House Bill 2683 - Expanding Access to the Employment Related Day Care Program

The Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program provides subsidized access to child care for families with working parents. Eligibility is typically considered based on family income but may consider other factors such as whether parents are enrolled in school or the presence of a mental or medical health condition. The program is currently operated by the Department of Human Services (DHS) but will be turned over to the Department of Early Learning and Care on July 1, 2023. The child welfare system encompasses the state's management of foster care, adoption services, residential treatment, shelter-care, and other services for children under age 18 and their families that are typically handled through DHS. House Bill 2683 expands access to ERDC for children who have an open case in the child welfare system without regard to income or other eligibility criteria.

House Bill 3409 - Addressing Climate Issues HB 3409 contains policy and financial support for programs designed to address climate issues through an equitable, community-focused approach, while maximizing Oregon’s federal funding opportunities. The measure is based on recommendations from a bicameral legislative workgroup on climate and energy issues. These programs include, but are not limited to: Support for resilient and energy-efficient commercial and residential buildings Grants to support emergency and natural disaster resilience hubs Support for renewable and clean energies in Oregon Financial assistance to incentivize natural climate solutions Grants to plan and develop green infrastructure projects Electric vehicle incentives for medium and heavy-duty vehicles Positions for environmental justice coordination, which will enable access to federal funds from the Inflation Reduction Act

Historic $172 Million Early Childhood Budget Package

Today, legislative leaders announced a $167 million Early Childhood Budget framework for the 2023-2025 biennium. A centerpiece of the framework is a $75 million investment in the first-ever Oregon state child tax credit. The proposed $1000 tax credit per child would address increased cost-of-living and support Oregon’s working families struggling to make ends meet. 

Last week, the House also passed House Bill 5013, locking in a $1.8 billion budget for the Department of Early Learning and Childcare (DELC) to give the newly independent agency a stable foundation for its vital work.

In addition to the legislature advancing a stable DELC budget, the Early Childhood Budget framework includes: 

• $75 million to invest in a proposed $1000 tax credit per child providing needed relief for families with up to six dependents from ages zero to five (House Bill 3235).

• $50 million to build, renovate, and expand childcare and preschool facilities across Oregon (House Bill 3005) and $5 million to provide technical assistance to those seeking to access this funding. 

• $15 million to the Employment-Related Day Care (ERDC) program to ensure families have access to affordable childcare by increasing provider reimbursement rates, as well as another $8 million to manage caseload capacity.  

• $18.6 million for the Department of Education’s Early Intervention and/or Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE) Services, to meet the increase in caseload and ensure Oregon’s kids are getting the timely resources and attention they deserve.

• $300,000 to study barriers to a high-quality early childhood workforce and to provide guidance for successful careers working with kids and families.

The Early Childhood Budget framework and related policy package also includes House Bill 2727A, which would address childcare deserts in Oregon by directing the Department of Land Conservation and Development to convene a workgroup of agencies, local governments, childcare providers and advocates to examine barriers for existing early learning and care facilities across the state. 

The Early Childhood Budget framework, paired with the $1.8 billion DELC Budget, would ensure a strong economy and work towards making high-quality, culturally specific childcare and early childhood resources more accessible and affordable for Oregon families as the cost-of-living spikes across the country.

IMPORTANT: DMV DATA BREACH UPDATE

As part of a global technology hack that affected many organizations across the world who use the MOVEit transfer software tool, ODOT-DMV was victim of a malicious attack that enabled unauthorized access to files transferred between DMV and other partner agencies. The DMV attack is apparently one of a number of global cyberattacks; the same MOVEit related cyber attacks as seen in Illinois, Minnesota, with various Federal agencies, and Johns Hopkins University.

This hack affected more than 2,000 organizations worldwide and included nearly 3,000 ODOT files. During this broad-based attack some DMV data was copied and taken while DMV was sending it through that software.

Individuals who have an active credential (license, permit, ID card) should assume information related to that credential is part of the breach. 

What you can do to secure your information:

Under federal law, you have the right to receive, at your request, a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each of the three consumer credit reporting companies. A credit report can provide information about those who have received your credit history. You may request a free credit report online at www.annualcreditreport.com or by telephone at 1-877-322-8228.

When you receive your credit reports, check for any transactions or accounts that you do not recognize. If you see anything you do not understand, call the telephone number listed on the credit report or visit the Federal Trade Commission’s Web site on identity theft at http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/.

Additionally, you may wish to ask each of the three credit monitoring agencies to freeze your credit files. Equifax: equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services or 1-800-685-1111; Experian: experian.com/help or 1-888-397-3742; TransUnion: transunion.com/credit-help or 1-888-909-8872.

*PLEASE VISIT THIS ODOT WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND UPDATES*

ADVOCATE SPOTLIGHT

SEIU 503 Capitol Rally

Last week, the Oregon State Capitol Park was filled with SEIU 503 members sporting bright purple and rallying to demand a union contract that includes higher wages, raises and sustainable workloads. SEIU is made up of public service employees and care providers in our state, offering essential services to our Oregon communities. I have always been supportive of workers' rights and representation, and I stand with the members of SEIU 503!

INTERN CORNER

End of Session Reflection

By Our Legislative Intern, Magali Cruz

"Every beginning has an end, and every end has a new beginning…"— Santosh Kalwar.

As a young girl, my grandfather Narciso Alonso often spoke to me about his passion for politics, worker unions, and community organizations, predicting that I, too, would become involved one day. Reflecting on this, I remember being drawn into a conversation with older individuals discussing their experiences and enjoying listening. Today, my internship is finishing, and reflecting on this experience, I realize that my interest in politics and community organization began at home. Before coming to the U.S.A, I had not gotten involved until one year ago when I started participating as a community organizer with Adelante Mujeres. These last six months have been a lot of work, effort, learning, and personal growth that have motivated me to continue learning to work for my community.

As I prepare to say goodbye to my time in the Capitol and finish my final week as a PCC student, I am feeling the bittersweet nature of endings. The days have passed, and the 82nd Oregon Legislative Assembly is concluding its last votes. This session differed from the other one and will be remembered by legislative history for its longest walkout on the Senate side.

 During this session, some important bills, unfortunately, will not pass; however, some have been passed successfully, and I am pleased to highlight some of the bills that have been approved:

SB 628, which creates a coverage health plan and health care service for pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome, is crucial for children's well-being. It will support the lack of access to treatment for these disorders that can negatively impact children and young adults. 

HB 2001 will focus on preventing youth homelessness and offers innovative solutions to address the obstacles in the housing supply. It also includes essential measures to prevent homelessness caused by evictions. This bill is vital for Oregonians facing a crisis due to a lack of housing, services and unfair eviction laws.

HB 2982 is important because numerous residents of Oregon suffered from the loss of their homes and belongings due to catastrophic wildfires. It is crucial to prevent the possibility of facing similar disasters in the future. Insurers will be required to offer 70% of previously purchased coverage without needing an inventory document in case of a major disaster. 

Looking back at my achievements, I am proud to have completed my first internship at a government institution and earned my third associate degree at PCC. I also feel grateful for the people I have met throughout my time in college, university, community, and now in Rep. Susan McLain’s office, who have helped me develop my skills and gain valuable experiences that will guide me toward a successful future.

This chapter is ending, but a new one will begin….

CELEBRATING JUNETEENTH

Juneteenth is a state and federal holiday that gives us the opportunity to honor and celebrate Black history. Find ways to participate in the celebration in Washington County below. 

Juneteenth, which is short for “June Nineteenth,” marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people were freed - even though the troops’ arrival came two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation (https://tinyurl.com/3k5ua5vn). Juneteenth honors the end of slavery in the United States, and on June 17, 2021 it officially became a federal holiday.

Juneteenth provides an opportunity for all Americans to become more educated on the history of race and racism in our country and its perpetuation in the present-day. It is also a great time to begin or continue supporting Black-owned businesses in our community.

Join the Washington County Chamber’s Black Advisory Business Council, the City of Hillsboro, and many other local partners for a Juneteenth Celebration from noon to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jun. 17 at Jerry Willey Plaza. This celebration (https://tinyurl.com/mru8aznd) will include food, music, speakers and Black-owned business vendors.

Also check out the 51st Annual Juneteenth Oregon Celebration (www.juneteenthor.com) taking place on Saturday and Sunday, June 17 and 18, at the Lillis-Albina Park in Portland. Festivities kick off with a parade at 11 a.m. on Saturday, and continue throughout the weekend with live music, food vendors, educational and cultural booths, a kids area, and more!

Learn more about Juneteenth on History.com.

AROUND WASHINGTON COUNTY

The Washington County Election results are finalized and ready to be viewed on the county website. Please use the link below to access the information.

Certified results from the May 16, 2023, Special District Election for Washington County have been posted on the Washington County Elections website. Copies of these results will be sent to the Secretary of State’s Elections Office by June 22, 2023.  The official results and a precinct-by-precinct abstract will also be available. 

SCHOOL DISTRICT UPDATES

This part of the year is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of our future leaders as they move on to the next chapter of their lives and pursue their long-term goals. I am extending my sincere congratulations to the 2023 graduates in our Forest Grove and Hillsboro School Districts! We're proud to have you represent our county. 

BENEFITS AND SUPPORT

Hillsboro's Free Food Market

Get free access to local and quality nutrition in our district every second Tuesday of the month!

Hillsboro's free food market is open every second Tuesday!

Details:

Oregon Food Bank Free Food Market

Every Second Tuesday of the Month, 1:30 to 3:30 pm

Location: Hillsboro Self Sufficiency

5300 NE Elam Young Pkwy

Hillsboro OR 97124

Shop for free, fresh, and healthy fruits, vegetables, and pantry staples.

- This food is free and anybody is welcome

- No identification, name, or address needed

- Please bring bags or boxes

More information and food access resources: https://www.hillsboro-oregon.gov/.../News/News/14606/4300...

PUBLIC HEALTH

Avoid Wildfire Smoke Exposure

Make sure to stay up to date on wildfire information as the summer nears by utilizing the resources below.

Safety matters every day of the year. This National Safety Month is your reminder to plan for how to maintain and protect your health and the health of your loved ones in a disaster or emergency.

As wildfire season fast approaches, stay up to date on alerts for your area by checking Oregon Smoke Information Blog: oregonsmoke.org, Oregon DEQ Air Quality Index (http://ow.ly/H9Ji50OHmln ), or by downloading the free OregonAIR app on your smartphone.

Here's how you can protect yourself and your family from wildfire smoke exposure:

• Stay inside if possible. Keep windows and doors closed.

• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.

• Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated reduces the smoke that can travel deep into your lungs.

• Search for clean air shelters near you at 211info.org.

For more information on protecting your health during wildfires, visit https://ow.ly/Ymc350ONwjm

IMPORTANT RESOURCES & INFORMATION

WILDFIRE-RELATED RESOURCES Click here, or on the image to the right, for important resources related to wildfire prevention and recovery. This list includes links to current fire restrictions and recreation site status maps, the Oregon Department of Forestry's fire prevention tip page, and important resources for wildfire victims.

RESOURCES FOR OUR VETERANS Click here, or on the image to the right, for a list of important resources for Veterans, including links and phone numbers to the various divisions of the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs, local Washington County assistance, supportive and community-based groups like the American Legion, and mental health resources.

EDUCATION RESOURCES Click here, or on the image to the right, for a list of Education-related resources. This includes links to the Forest Grove and Hillsboro School Districts, the Oregon and US Departments of Education, information on how to pay for college, student lunch programs, and much more!

STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT  Click here, or on the image to the right, for links to important local and state government pages, including the Hillsboro, Forest Grove, and Cornelius city government pages. You can also access the Oregon Legislature's page, and other important state agency sites, like the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Unemployment Department, and the Oregon Health Authority.

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