6/26/23 Senate District 15 Newsletter

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Senator Janeen Sollman

Friends and Neighbors,

2023 Sine Die

The 2023 82nd Legislative Session came down to the last day as we passed the Sine Die Resolution yesterday afternoon in Salem.

Senate Democrats Build an Oregon that Works for You and Your Neighbors

Oregon Priorities: 

  • Homelessness and Housing 
  • Public Safety 
  • Jobs/Cost of Living 
  • Behavioral Health 
  • Health Care + Reproductive Rights
  • Climate/Wildfires
  • Education
  • Good Governance & Strengthening Democracy 

Accomplishment Highlights:

  • Tackled housing and homelessness crisis with policy changes and millions toward building more homes and keeping people housed
  • Further codified Roe v. Wade and gender-affirming care in the wake of Dobbs
  • Fully funded K-12 schools at a historic $15.3 billion
  • Banned ghost guns and supported public safety 
  • Addressed the fentanyl epidemic and improved Measure 110

Statement from Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber on adjournment of the 2023 Legislative Session

SALEM, Ore - Oregon’s 82nd Legislative Assembly adjourned the 2023 Legislative Session today having delivered major victories for the people of Oregon. Senate Democrats stood up to political obstruction to build an Oregon that works for everyone. Caucus members prioritized legislation fixing the homelessness crisis and building affordable housing, making Oregon communities safer, growing family-wage jobs and reducing the cost of living, ensuring access to vital health care, supporting a sustainable environment and protecting against wildfires, investing in Oregon’s students and schools, and promoting good government.

Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber (D - Beaverton & SW Portland) issued the following statement on the major wins Senate Democrats delivered for the people of Oregon:

“Senate Democrats showed up everyday and kept our promises to the people of Oregon. We did our jobs so every Oregonian, in every corner of the state, can live with dignity in safe, sustainable communities free from racism and discrimination with equal access to quality health care, world-class schools, and secure, good-paying careers.

“Senate Democrats are committed to listening to you and your neighbors, standing up for you and your community, and building an Oregon that works for all of us.”

Senate Democrats’ 2023 Oregon Works agenda focused on making life better for every Oregonian, from the waters of the Columbia to the Steens Mountains and the Rogue Valley and the Wallowas. Legislation passed to accomplish this goal includes but is not limited to:

Addressing Homelessness and Tackling Housing Affordability

Strengthening Community Safety and Justice for all Oregonians

Promoting Economic Opportunity and Protecting Oregon Workers

Ensuring Access to Affordable Healthcare and Caring for Oregonians

Supporting a Clean and Sustainable Environment and Protecting Against Wildfires

Supporting Oregon’s School Workforce and Students

Safeguarding Democracy and Ensuring Efficient Government


2023 Personal Session Accomplishments

I am proud of the hard work put forward by all of us on the Senate District 15 Team this session to get these important bills across the finish line. This list reflects wins for Oregon's advanced manufacturing industry with the CHIPS Act, environmental wins, supports for students, important restructuring of our public defense system and recognition for community members. I look forward to continuing the work on the Right to Repair bill concept (SB 542) and a tax exemption for military veterans (SB 540), and also hearing from constituents on issues that are important to you.

  • SB 4:  Directs Oregon Business Development Department to develop grant and loan program to support businesses applying for financial assistance under Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors for America Act of 2022 (P.L. 117-167).
  • SB 337:  Establishes Oregon Public Defense Commission within judicial branch.
  • SB 543: Prohibits food vendor from using polystyrene foam container in sales of prepared food.
  • SB 545: Directs Oregon Health Authority to adopt rules allowing restaurants to allow consumers to fill consumer-owned container with food.
  • SB 546:  Requires Oregon Health Authority to adopt and maintain list of designated high priority chemicals of concern used in cosmetic products and to periodically review and revise list.
  • SB 548: Directs Department of Human Services to maintain inventory of luggage carriers for use when transporting personal effects of foster children.
  • SCR 6: In memoriam: Former state Representative Ralph Davis Brown, 1944-2022.
  • HB 2004: Establishes ranked choice voting as voting method for selecting winner of nomination for and election to offices of President of United States, United States Senator, Representative in Congress, Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer and Attorney General.
  • HB 2005: Defines "undetectable firearm." Punishes manufacturing, importing, offering for sale or transferring undetectable firearm by maximum of 10 years' imprisonment, $250,000 fine, or both.
  • HB 2426:  Authorizes self-service dispensing of Class 1 flammable liquids at retail dispensary.
  • HB 2656:  Requires school districts to make available to students of school district specified informational surveys and to provide parents and guardians with notice and opportunity to review survey before it is administered.
  • HB 3141: Provides that Governor's appointment of chief administrative law judge is subject to confirmation by Senate.
  • HB 3198: Establishes Early Literacy Success Initiative.
  • HB 3409: Requires State Department of Energy to report on rate of heat pump technology adoption and to collaborate with designated state agencies to reduce barriers to home energy efficiency and resilience.
  • HB 3426: Requires 9-8-8 crisis hotline centers to have policies and train staff on serving firefighters and other first responders.
  • HCR 8:  Designates rescued shelter dogs and cats as official state pet.
  • HCR 11:  Recognizes and honors Indian community and extends congratulations and support for ongoing celebrations of India's independence.

Collage

Collage

Secretary of the Senate

Secretary of Senate

From Left: Secretary Brocker, Britton Taylor, Kristina Wallsten, James Goulding, Bonnie Allen. Not included in the picture: McKenzie Barker and Wendy Cortes


Lori L. Brocker

Secretary of the Senate

Britton Taylor

Deputy Secretary of the Senate

McKenzie Barker

Measure Liaison

James Goulding

Publications Coordinator

Wendy Cortes

Assistant to the Secretary

Bonnie Allen

Reading Clerk

Kristina Wallsten

Sergeant at Arms (Session Only)

 

We are very fortunate to be served by such a professional, knowledgeable, and fair Secretary of the Senate Office. They are patient, kind and always ready with a smile. The office is non-partisan and serve the entire body of the Senate. Secretary of the Senate, Lori Brocker opened our final day of the 82nd Legislative Session with a positive message of hope and shared one of her favorite quotes. “Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain.”  For all of us serving in the legislature, or anyone living in our rainy (but green) Oregon, this is solid advice for learning to keep our heads up and roll with the challenges day in and day out.

The Secretary of the Senate is an officer of the Senate and serves as the Senate's chief legislative officer and parliamentarian. The Secretary is elected by the 30 members of the Senate to a two-year term.​

The Secretary of the Senate's Office is responsible for coordinating and documenting the actions of the Senate. In accordance with Senate Rules, the Secretary of the Senate's Office prepares the daily agenda, distributes information about measures throughout session, and keeps the Senate Journal. In addition, the Secretary of the Senate's Office assists the Senate with the confirmation of executive appointments. 

For more information: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/secretary-of-senate


Additional Resources

Senate District 15 – Event Calendars

Federal Delegation Links

Education Links

Food and Housing Assistance

My office is taking some much needed rest this week. Email, phone coverage, scheduling and the Friday newsletter will resume next week. I look forward to no alarm clocks for a bit, no daily drives to Salem, enjoying home-cooked dinners with my husband and eating some of our small garden goodness that is growing.

I am open to visiting your business or meeting you for an iced tea. I look forward to connecting with you all over the interim, in and around Senate District 15. Maybe I’ll even see you at a Hillsboro Hops game soon! I’ll be walking with some amazing SHEro Moms Demand volunteers in the Fourth of the July Parade in Hillsboro. See you along the parade route.

Be good to yourself and each other. ❤

Onward & Upward,

janeen

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