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***NOTE: THIS IS AN UPDATED VERSION OF LAST WEEK'S NEWSLETTER. IT NOW CONTAINS A REVIEW OF FRIDAY'S WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE MEETING.
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I've enjoyed being back in Salem this week for Legislative Days! It's great to see colleagues and to begin critical dialogue about the upcoming 2024 Short Session! In addition to important testimony in committee hearings, I've had the opportunity to meet with a variety of different organizations, from SEIU, to Family Forward, and the Oregon Farm Bureau. One of my favorite meetings was with the new president of Western Oregon University, President Jesse Peters. I am a proud alumni of the College of Education (as it was previously known) and have been very impressed with the work that WOU has done in recent years to ensure student success, especially among underrepresented populations. Completion rates are on the rise at WOU, due in large part to the commitment that the university has made to ensuring students are supported through their entire educational careers.
IN THIS NEWSLETTER YOU WILL FIND THE FOLLOWING:
♦Review of Friday's Ways and Means committee hearing
♦Overview of new laws taking effect
♦Upcoming Constituent Coffee events
♦Information on the Oregon Promise Grant
♦Forest Grove Fall leaf pick-up schedule
♦How to order new COVID-19 tests
Rep. McLain with President Peters of WOU
Visiting with teachers, one of whom is a former student of mine!
REVIEW OF WAYS AND MEANS WORK DURING LEGISLATIVE DAYS
On Friday, the members of the full Ways and Means Committee met for the second time during Legislative Days to approve important grant applications and to receive several Legislative reports. The Committee, of which I am a member, considers interim challenges and budget review items from agencies on specific programs. We also acknowledge receipt of reports that have been requested by the Legislative and review grants that agencies and programs have applied for that have deadlines during the Interim. If awarded, these grants will positively impact a wide variety of policy areas. Below are just a few of the highlights from Friday's meeting. As you can see, we did important work to improve our infrastructure system and address our housing crises, to name just a few agenda items.
♦Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement Project Grant: The full Ways and Means Committee approved the submission of a federal grant application to the U.S. Department of Transportation in the amount of $600 million to fund a portion of costs related to the Interstate Bridge Replacement program. The application is one of three federal revenue sources that comprise $2.6 billion of estimated resources in the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program’s financial plan. Receipt of these funds will ensure Oregon and Washington can successfully replace the I-5 Bridge without a significant burden to taxpayers in our respective states. The project is currently working through a federal environmental review. Bridge designs will be modified after public comment and review of the draft supplemental environmental impact statement on the locally preferred alternative bridge design. Once the final environmental impact statement is approved, the program can apply for permits, update cost estimates, and establish contracts in anticipation of construction beginning in 2026.
♦I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Grant: The full Ways and Means Committee approved a grant application to advance community-centered transportation and connection projects that benefit disadvantaged communities. ODOT worked with the Historic Albina Advisory Board to determine the suite of projects that would be prioritized through this grant opportunity, which include:
- Safety and operation improvements, such as shoulder widening and auxiliary lanes;
- Right of way purchase and utility relocation;
- Construction of a highway cover;
- Multi-modal local street improvements; and
- A bicycle and pedestrian bridge.
♦$2 Million Bikeshare Grant: The full Ways and Means Committee approved the submission of a federal grant application to the U.S. Department of Transportation in the amount of $2 million for integrated planning for local and intra-city transit with shared mobility modes. If awarded, the grant will be used by ODOT and the City of Eugene to plan and deploy an application platform that integrates trip planning and payment across multiple transportation providers, with the goal of providing door-to-door transit while reducing reliance on personal automobiles. If such a project is funded and proves successful, the technology could be replicated, scaled, and shared in other cities.
♦Grant to support Increased Housing Development: The full Ways and Means Committee approved the submission of a federal grant application to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in the amount of $3 million to support increased housing production through development and zoning code updates, and policy guidance resources created for local governments. If awarded, the Department of Land Conservation and Development will use the grant to support communities working to remove barriers to affordable housing production. A total of $2 million would be distributed to local governments to update development and zoning codes to reduce regulatory barriers related to housing production. The remaining $1 million would be used to create policy guidance documents that local governments can use to increase housing production and affordability
♦Ways and Means Committee Receives OHCS Report: The full Ways and Means Committee acknowledged receipt of a report by the Housing and Community Service Department on shelter and rehousing investments, pursuant to a budget note for HB 5019. The agency was directed to provide a quarterly report on the amount of funding and associated outcomes for shelter and rehousing in each continuum of care that received funding under HB 5019 for emergency homelessness response. Data in the report covers activities through July 31, 2023. The agency has allocated $79.2 million for shelter and rehousing in areas of the state impacted by the Governor’s Executive Order, with a total of $6 million reserved for landlord guarantees and contingency funding. During the reporting period, the Multi-Agency Coordinating Groups implementing response plans met 3% of the statewide goal for the number of people rehoused and 13% of the statewide goal for creating new shelter beds. The report also includes information on how $26.9 million for eviction diversion and prevention efforts have been allocated to Community Action Agencies to date and the number of households expected to be assisted in each service area.
♦Grant for Acquisition of Forestland in the Tualatin Hills: The full Ways and Means Committee approved the submission of a federal grant application to the U.S. Forest Service, Forest Legacy Program, in the amount of $10.2 million to acquire forestland in the Tualatin hills. The Tualatin Mountain Forest Project would establish a working research forest owned by Oregon State University to serve as a national model for an actively managed forest that balances financial productivity with conservation.
♦State and Local Government Cybersecurity Grant: The full Ways and Means approved a request from the Oregon Department of Emergency Management to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in the amount of $7.6 million for a State and Local Cybersecurity Program grant. This is a formula grant through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and is designed to support states, local governments, and rural areas to address cybersecurity risks and threats to information systems.
♦Grant to Assist Schools with Funding Applications: The full Ways and Means committee approved a request from the Department of Education to the U.S. Department of Education for a $5 million dollar grant to help local school districts leverage available federal, state, and local resources to improve school infrastructure. The “Supporting America’s School Infrastructure” grant program provides funds to build the capacity in state education agencies to support high-need local school districts to identify, finance, and complete public school infrastructure projects. ODE will use the grant funds, if awarded, to complete its Statewide School Facility Assessment. This project is assessing the condition of all 4,950 school facilities in Oregon and will result in a statewide database of the condition of school facilities, which will provide data to state and local decision-makers to prioritize the most needed school infrastructure projects.
IMPORTANT NEW LAWS TAKE EFFECT
This session, the Legislature stood up for working Oregonians, delivering on the critical issues facing the state, including cost of living, housing, public safety and more. And now, there’s good news for Oregonians: On Sunday, September 24, several bills we passed this year went into effect. These bills will:
- Make Oregon more affordable for working families;
- Grow a strong, stable economy with good-paying jobs; and
- Protect Oregonians’ health and safety.
Here’s how this will impact Oregonians:
♦MAKING OREGON MORE AFFORDABLE:
Oregon Kids’ Tax Credit (HB 3235): For the first time, Oregon will have its own child tax credit. This will provide low-income families with up to $1000-per-child between the ages of 0 and 5. It’s estimated this support will benefit over 55,000 children across the state.
More Housing Options (SB 919): This law addresses Oregon’s housing crisis by incentivizing the construction of affordable “middle housing,” so working families can have more options in their price range.
Keeping Oregon Competitive (SB 310): Antitrust laws protect competition and protect consumers, workers, and taxpayers, incentivizing innovation, lower prices, and higher quality products. This law increases civil and criminal penalties for bad actors who violate antitrust laws.
♦GROWING A STRONGER, STABLE ECONOMY
More Good Paying Semiconductor Jobs (HB 2009): This will create family-wage, long-term jobs in the semiconductor industry across every corner of the state. It will also keep Oregon’s economy stable and competitive in the 21st Century.
A Boost for Small Businesses (SB 1048): Small businesses make up the backbone of our economy. This establishes a small business development program to aid small businesses who want to compete for Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) public improvement contracts.
Higher Wages for Hazardous Jobs (SB 594): Oregonians doing dangerous jobs deserve to be compensated for the risk they take on at work. SB 594 makes Oregon’s economy more fair by requiring accurate prevailing wage rates.
Investing in Veterans (HB 2295): We have a duty to support the veterans who put their lives on the line to protect our safety, our rights, and our freedom. HB 2295 empowers entrepreneurship by broadening public contracting preference for businesses that service-disabled veterans own to include all veteran-owned businesses.
♦PROTECTING OREGONIANS’ HEALTH AND SAFETY
Funding for the 9-8-8 Suicide Prevention & Behavioral Health Line (HB 2757): Oregonians in need who are experiencing a mental health crisis aren’t alone. This law provides a stable funding source for Oregon’s two 9-8-8 call centers and helps to build out the mobile crisis response system so that services are uniformly available 24/7 across the state. 9-8-8 has resolved or de-escalated nearly 97% of calls in Oregon.
Safer Streets (SB 615): This law empowers law enforcement to deter street racing, including tougher consequences for those convicted of street racing. This change comes after multiple street racing crashes in Oregon have claimed the lives of both racers and pedestrians.
Support for Survivors of Child Sex Trafficking (SB 745): SB 745 works to support survivors of child sex trafficking by requiring the juvenile justice system to determine if youths taken into custody are survivors of child sex trafficking and connect them with appropriate resources, including access to a special advocate.
Protecting Oregon Kids from Dangerous Chemicals (HB 3043): HB 3043 expands the Toxic-Free Kids Act, allowing the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to regulate by classes of chemicals, rather than individual chemicals one-by-one. It also helps OHA be more responsive to the hundreds of new chemicals introduced each year.
I am always trying to improve this newsletter and I want to hear from you about what types of information you most want to see in my weekly newsletter. Here is your opportunity to provide feedback and help shape what I include each week. Please take a moment to complete this survey:
I am also working hard to reach as many folks as possible each week, especially those who live in House District 29. If you know of people who would enjoy receiving the information I provide, please share this sign-up link with them:
https://tinyurl.com/mclainnewsletter
If you were forwarded this newsletter and would like to continue receiving it, you may use the above link or below button to sign up as well!
Visit the Hillsboro or Forest Grove Farmers' markets before they close for the season and then come join me for coffee and conversation! These constituent coffees are a great opportunity to dialogue about the issues that matter to you in an informal setting. I hope to see you in either Forest Grove on 10/18 or in Hillsboro on 10/21.
OREGON PROMISE GRANT APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
For July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024 Graduates
The Oregon Promise Grant application is now open for students who will graduate between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. Deadline varies by graduation date. Please refer to the chart below or this handout to determine the correct deadline. All students only have one opportunity to apply for Oregon Promise, based on their graduation date. Most students must apply by June 1. If you have any questions or need application assistance, please email OregonPromise@hecc.oregon.gov.
The first deadline is for high school students who will graduate between July 1, 2023 and Nov. 30, 2023 is up first. They must submit their Oregon Promise application AND the 2023-24 FAFSA or ORSAA by Nov. 1, 2023. High school registrars must verify their GPA by Nov. 8, 2023 for Winter Cohort. If you are a high school registrar and need assistance, please email PartnerPortalSupport@hecc.oregon.gov.
LEAF PICK-UP SCHEDULE IN FOREST GROVE
I know you're excited for leaf pickup this year so I'm sharing the leaf pickup schedule a little early! Just search your address to receive your collection schedule. Leaf pickup begins Sunday, October 22. The digital map, collection guidelines, and Saturday drop-off information are located here:
https://bit.ly/fgleafschedule
WOMEN'S BUILD WITH WEST TUALITY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
One of West Tuality Habitat's most popular events returns! ANY woman who wants to learn make basic home repairs, wants to help vulnerable home owners with yard work, or wants to help others learn, is invited to join the Habitat Women’s Build. No construction experience is necessary! Volunteers work under the guidance of construction professionals, alongside other volunteers and future Habitat homeowners. You can come alone or sign up as a group. You may help construct a wheel chair ramp, paint the home of a person with a disability, or help with yard work for a senior home owner. Whatever you do, you will help Habitat for Humanity in making a difference in your community.
This special Habitat Women’s Build takes place Saturday, October 7, 2023 and begins at 9 a.m. They ask each participate to pay a $25 registration fee to cover the costs of the lunch we will provide, the t-shirt and all project supplies. However, if you or some in your group need a partial or full scholarship in order to participate, please email volunteer@westtualityhabitat.org or call at 503-359-8459, Mondays through Thursdays, 9 to 5.
GET YOUR FREE COVID TESTS
Beginning September 25, every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home. Before You Throw Out "Expired" Tests: Check FDA's website to see if your COVID-19 tests' expiration dates have been extended.
Need help placing an order for your at-home tests?
Call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).
My office has compiled a list of resources for our community. You can click on the images below to open a document with the relevant links. If you know of a resource that should be included here, or you need a resource and are having trouble finding the information you need, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office at rep.susanmclain@oregonlegislature.gov.
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!
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.
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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.
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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.
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The beginning of Fall at the Oregon Capitol this week!
Yours truly,
Representative Susan McLain
House District 29
email: Rep.SusanMcLain@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1429
address: 900 Court St NE, H-493, Salem, OR 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/mclain
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