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Friends and Neighbors,
Legislative Updates
December 2023 Economic and Revenue Forecast
The December 2023 Economic and Revenue Forecast was released this week in a joint meeting of the House and Senate Revenue Committees. The Office of Economic Analysis indicated that Oregon's revenue is up, our budget reserves are healthy and inflation is cooling off. Its great to see our states economy stabilizing, but many Oregonians still struggle to afford basics like rent, gas, and groceries. During the 2024 legislative session, the State Legislature will be focused on issues seriously impacting quality of life in Oregon so we can make Oregonian's lives better now, and keep our economy moving in the right direction.
Below you will find a brief summary of the current Economic and Revenue Forecast produced by the Office of Economic Analysis and the Legislative Revenue Office. If you're interested in listening to the joint meeting of the House and Senate Revenue Committees click here. To access the slideshow presented by the Office of Economic Analysis click here.
Revenue Outlook
2023-25 Net General Fund resources are up $335.4 million from the September 2023 forecast. The 2023-25 General Fund ending balance is now $1,215.5 million versus September’s projected ending balance of $880.1 million. Lottery revenue for the 2023-25 biennium is up $8.1 million from the September 2023 forecast.
Reserve accounts are currently at $750 million (Education Stability Fund) and $1,368 million (Rainy Day Fund). The projected ending balances for the 2023-25 biennium reserve account are as follows: Education Stability Fund: $1,008.2 million and Rainy Day Fund: $1,855.5 million. The Rainy Day Fund is projected to receive $271.3 million following the end of the 2023-2025 Biennium.
Kicker Outlook
No personal kicker is projected for 2025-2027 at this time. Corporate tax revenue of $418.3 million is projected to be dedicated to K-12 education spending in 2025-2027.
In the News
Bird Flu Warning
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is investigating incidences of Avian (Bird) flu currently in the metro area among migrating waterfowl. With bird migration in process now, sick and dead migratory waterfowl have been found in the area, including around the ponds in Dawson Creek Business Park, Jackson Bottom Wetlands, and the Fernhill Wetlands.
- DO NOT pick up any sick or dead bird.
- Do not allow your dogs to sniff, roll on, or retrieve a sick or dead bird.
- The disease is highly transmissible to domestic birds and in some cases to other mammals, though rare.
- If you walk or bike through the pathways and grassy areas, be sure to clean your shoes and bike tires well before entering your home to avoid spreading the disease to neighborhood birds, especially backyard chickens and ducks.
- If you see sick/dead birds in your neighborhood, please report to ODFW 1-866-968-2600 (ODFW is aware of the bird deaths at Dawson Creek Park, Jackson Bottom Wetlands, and Fernhill Wetlands).
Sadly, there is little that can be done for an infected bird and Audubon is NOT taking any sick or injured waterfowl because of the highly transmissible nature of Avian flu.
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Listen. Learn. Act.
Diwali - Festival of Lights
Diwali is India's biggest and most important holiday of the year. Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights with its variations also celebrated in other Indian religions. The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness. It celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. This festival is as important to Hindus as the Christmas holiday is to Christians. The official 5 day celebration began November 12th. Wishing everyone peace, happiness and prosperity.
You are welcome to join the Oregon City Diwali Festival this Sunday, November 19 from 11AM - 3PM at the Pioneer Center in Oregon City (615 5th St, Oregon City, OR 97045).
The event will feature vendors, food, music, and crafts to celebrate the Festival of Lights. All are invited to attend this free, public event.
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Senate District 15 - Small Business Spotlight
Furrow Farm
Furrow Farm opens Friday, November 24 at 9PM for the 2023 Christmas season!
Located at 25877 NW West Union Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97124, Furrow Farm is a third generation farm growing and harvesting Christmas trees and hazelnuts. They have U-Cut and fresh cut trees, wreaths, garland, fresh local mistletoe, firewood bundles, rustic tree and ornaments, freeze dried candy, locally made candles, handmade gift tags, and tree stands.
They are open everyday until they sell out. Weekdays 10AM - Dark, and weekends 9AM - Dark (please do not enter U-Cut after 4:30PM). Furrow Farm has been harvesting Christmas trees for over 30 years. Support your local businesses and stop by the farm for your Christmas necessities.
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Community Outreach
Hillsboro Food Co-Op Turkey Drive this Saturday, November 18
Saturday, November 18; 10AM - 2PM at the Hillsboro United Methodist Church parking lot (168 NE 8th Ave, Hillsboro) the Hillsboro Food Co-op is collecting turkeys and other foods to help provide Western Farm Workers Association (WFWA) members with a holiday meal. WFWA has been supporting farmworkers and other low-income workers since 1988. Their goal is to support 100 families. Any of the items below can help them reach their goal:
- Frozen turkeys (any size)
- Frozen whole chickens
- Vegan/Vegetarian turkey (such as Field Roast or Quorn)
- Rice
- Potatoes or sweet potatoes
Canned vegetables
- Masa
- Grocery gift cards in any amount
Donations can be dropped off in person Saturday, November 18 from 10AM - 2PM . Look for the HFC booth in the Hillsboro United Methodist Church parking lot.
Bienestar Holiday Toy Drive
Help make the season merry and bright for Bienestar's youngest community members this year either by donating, or helping spread the word about Bienestar's Holiday Toy Drive!
Bienestar was founded in 1981 with a mission to provide quality housing to farmworkers and their families. They strive to build housing, hope and community for the wellbeing of Latinxs, immigrants, and all families in need. Many of the families living in Bienestar's affordable housing properties have trouble making ends meet, let alone affording gifts. No donation is too small, and every dollar raised will lift spirits for immigrant and farmworker families this holiday by providing toys for children living in Bienestar housing.
If you're interested in making a donation please visit BIT.LY/BIENESTARTOYDRIVE, or text "BIENESTARTOYDRIVE" to 44-321.
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Forest Grove Senior and Community Center Harvest Bazaar is happening this weekend
It's Bazaar weekend! Stop by the Forest Grove Senior and Community Center (2037 Douglas St) on Saturday, November 18 between 9AM - 5PM to shop for unique crafts, gifts and decorations. Snacks, drinks and alight lunch will be available at their concession stand.
This bazaar is a fundraiser for the Forest Grove Senior and Community Center. Come support and enjoy some holiday cheer.
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Hillsboro Holly Days Celebration is this Saturday, November 18
Celebrate the season at the annual Hillsboro Holly Days Celebration at the Hillsboro Civic Center (233 SE Washington Street, Hillsboro, OR 97123) this Saturday, November 18 from 2PM - 7PM.
Artisans showcase their best handmade work at this bustling market, while carolers, live music, and activities for all ages abound. Downtown merchants will also be open for business with a variety of in-shop activities and promotions.
Downtown Hillsboro will be full of holiday cheer and excitement leading up to the awe-inspiring tree lighting at 6:00 pm.
Additional Resources
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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