Legislative Days Preview and Celebrating MLK Day

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Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As we begin the third week of the year, it's time for January Legislative Days already! My staff and I will be working from the Capitol all week, with Committee meetings starting on Wednesday. I look forward to being back in the building with colleagues and working on issues that matter to all Oregonians. You can check out my Legislative Days schedule and the links to view committee hearings in this newsletter's "Legislative Updates" section.

We are now less than a month away from the Short Session starting on February 5th. This Friday is the deadline to submit our bills for the 2024 Session. Each Legislator is only allowed to submit two personal bills. Both of my bills deal with Education and important issues that need to be addressed to ensure we are providing a well-rounded and equitable education for all Oregonians. My first bill addresses the need to support Foster Youth in our Education system, and the second bill outlines a plan for Summer Learning opportunities for all students. I look forward to sharing more with you as we get closer to the start of the Session. 

Now that Winter has officially begun, it looks like Western Washington County may get its first snowfall of the season! Please remember to drive carefully in inclement weather, and check out the "Around Western Washington County" section of this newsletter for resources available during colder weather. 

LEGISLATIVE DAYS THIS WEEK AT THE CAPITOL

What Are Legislative Days?

In the Oregon Legislature, Legislative Days are a time when committees hold informational hearings on a variety of topics, but do not vote on policy or pass legislation.  Topics can often be ones that may lead to legislation in upcoming sessions or committees may hear updates on previous bill implementations.  Many committees will hear reports from state agencies and Task Forces or consider testimony regarding current subject areas affecting Oregonians. This particular Legislative Days will provide an opportunity for Committees to plan for the upcoming Short Session and consider the Committee bills that each Committee will introduce.

Legislative Days Committee Meetings Schedule and Agendas

Below are my interim committees that are meeting during Legislative Days. I've included the topics we'll be covering and if you click on the date, it will take you to a page where you can watch the hearings either live or recorded. I will also provide a thorough review in my newsletter after Legislative Days. 

♦Joint Interim Committee On Ways and Means Subcommittee On Education 

1/11/2024 8:30 AM

• Work Session

  • Higher Education Coordinating Commission – Educator Professional Development Programs

  • Teacher Standards and Practices Commission – Licensing and Investigations Backlog

  • Department of Education – Director of School Facilities

  • Department of Education – Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education

  • Department of Education – Early Literacy Success Community and Tribal Grants

  • Department of Early Learning and Care – Birth Through Five Literacy Plan

  • Board of Pharmacy – Investigation Position and Reclassification

  • Board of Dentistry – DAS Shared Financial Services Transition

• Informational Meeting

  • Department of Early Learning and Care – Employment Related Daycare Update

♦House Interim Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water

1/11/2024 2:30 PM

• Work Session 
  • Introduction of Committee Legislative Concepts
    When available, LC drafts will be posted on the committee's OLIS page 
  • FEMA BiOP
  • Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) - Well Abandonment, Repair and Replacement Funding
  • Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area (LUBGWMA)
  • Preview of Infrastructure/Housing Bills
    Informational Meeting

♦Joint Interim Committee On Ways and Means 

1/12/2024 8:30 AM

• Approval of Consent Grants

♦Joint Committee On Transportation

1/12/2024 2:30 PM

GOVERNOR KOTEK ISSUES STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF GRAND RONDE RESTORATION ACT AMENDMENT

A few weeks ago, it was announced that the U.S. Senate passed the Grand Ronde Reservation Act Amendment of 2023. The bill seeks to rectify the unintended consequences of the 1994 amendment to the Grand Ronde Reservation Act, which inadvertently curtailed the Tribe's historic ability to assert their land claims. The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1722 on November 8. In response to this significant win for the Confederated Tribes of the Grande Ronde, Governor Kotek issued the following statement:

“For far too long, the Grand Ronde have been unjustly denied the right to pursue land claims and compensation,” said Governor Kotek. “We have to do better for all of Oregon’s sovereign Tribes. The enactment of this legislation will alleviate concerns and uncertainties stemming from the 1994 amendment, preserving the Tribe's pre-1994 right to compensation and ensuring a clear and just resolution in the event of any future land survey discrepancies. I am greatly appreciative of Oregon’s federal delegation in leading on this legislation, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law by President Biden.”

The proposed legislation carefully revises the land claims of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde in Oregon. The bill is a targeted solution, ensuring that only the Tribes’ claims to the specific 84 acres known as the Thompson Strip are extinguished, rather than a broad relinquishment of all land claims within Oregon. It provides a fair and just resolution to the unintended consequences of the 1994 amendment.

WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS TOUR

This past Thursday, Washington County hosted a Community Corrections tour for legislators, commissioners, and staff. While I was unable to attend due to other responsibilities, my office was represented by my Chief of Staff, Carolyn Lee. 

The Washington County Corrections Program is extremely important to our community as it provides  community supervision for justice-involved individuals (JIIs) who are on probation, parole, or who are serving a sentence within the minimum security Community Corrections Center. The department supervises approximately 3600 adult JIIs and applies proven behavioral strategies that reduce recidivism and promote community safety. Further, the department serves crime victims and families in their recovery from criminal harm.

It is important to note that the WCCC is the only program of it's kind in our state. Other jurisdictions from around the state and the country come to Washington County to tour our program and learn about WCCC's success.

The Community Corrections Center itself is a 215-bed custody facility that prepares people serving sentences to successfully transition back into the community. It offers a secure, structured living environment, while focusing on accountability, employment, treatment, and skill building. 

Counseling & Victims' Services (CVS):

The program provides community counseling, victims’ advocacy, training, education and referral services that help liberate people from the impacts of criminal harm and encourage healthy relationships. 

All of their services are free of charge. You do not have to be a crime victim to access counseling services.

CVS is able to assist with a variety of issues including recovering from crime victimization, coping with intimate partner abuse, building healthier relationships, managing stress and anxiety, career and work goals, and healing from abuse and trauma.  

Pictured above is my Chief of Staff, Carolyn Lee, and two photos of the group from the tour.

WINTER WEATHER RESOURCES With freezing temperatures and possible snow showing up in this week's weather forecast, it is important to be prepared.  If you need a place to stay warm during this week, call 2-1-1 or visit https://www.211info.org/winter-and-severe-weather-shelters/ for information on where to find warming shelters. You can also get real time emergency alerts by signing up at https://oralert.gov/ . Ensure you have necessary supplies, such as food, water and medications before the weather impacts the roads. Use Tripcheck.com or call 511 for road conditions before you travel. Always ensure that you have snow chains and an emergency kit before traveling. Stay safe as the weather can be unpredictable and everchanging. For more information on winter storms and weather, click here.

CELEBRATING MLK DAY IN WESTERN WASHINGTON COUNTY

Each year, on the third Monday of January, we observe Martin Luther King Day and reflect on the work that still needs to be done for racial equality. This January 15, make the holiday more than just a day off and take time to reflect and take action on civil rights issues.

MLK Day Art March in Forest Grove

Hillsboro MLK Day of Service

Come together to help plant 150 native shrubs and trees for this day of community service. 

All ages and abilities are welcome. We'll provide the tools and supplies. Dress for the weather and bring your enthusiasm!

Registration is required. The focus of the day is to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's legacy through service and stewardship.

1/15/2024 - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm 

Hidden Creek Park West
225 NE 53rd Avenue
Hillsboro, Oregon 97124

2024 BRINGS DMV FEE INCREASES

The DMV will be raising their fees in 2024. While most of these fee increases will be insubstantial, only around one or two dollars, a few are noticeable increases. The biggest increase being the behind-the-wheel test, which will increase from $9 to $45.

These increases might be frustrating, but they are important to keep the DMV functioning. Michelle Godfrey, a spokesperson for DMV, told OPB “Most DMV fee increases over the last 20 years have gone to transportation projects at the city, county and state levels and not to DMV operating costs. So, these fee increases were really necessary to do in order to keep our fees in line with the actual cost to deliver services.”

A full breakdown of the fee increases can be found in OPB's article here.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN HOUSE DISTRICT 29

Thanks to the combined efforts of the Oregon Legislature, local partners like Metro, and dedicated community organizations, our district is witnessing remarkable advancements in affordable housing development. This collaborative approach underscores our commitment to creating equitable and sustainable housing solutions. Here are some key projects highlighting this progress:

• Nueva Esperanza (Opening in 2024): Anchored in racial equity, Nueva Esperanza is set to provide 150 affordable homes for families earning between 20-60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). This project emphasizes community-building through its design, featuring twelve residential buildings divided into three 'colonias', each with a distinct identity, and a central community hub. Notably, 60 units will cater to those earning 30% AMI or below, and a majority of homes will have two or more bedrooms. This initiative is a testament to effective resource pooling, combining Low Income Housing Tax Credits, OHCS Multifamily Energy Programs, and Metro Affordable Housing Bond funds.
• Plaza Los Amigos (Opening in 2024): Positioned in Cornelius, Plaza Los Amigos will introduce 113 new affordable rental units, effectively doubling the city's regulated affordable housing. This 3+ acre development includes a four-story residential building, extensive parking, a covered all-sport court, and a community park. It will prioritize larger family units, with a significant number of two- and three-bedroom homes, mainly catering to the Latinx community and accommodating those earning up to 60% AMI. Additionally, 16 units are designated for Permanent Supportive Housing, providing essential services alongside housing. Bienestar, INC, will oversee the project, ensuring that its multi-lingual marketing plan upholds racial and economic equity.
• The Valfre at Avenida 26 (Completed in Forest Grove): This development offers 36 units of affordable housing, primarily serving families earning at or below 60% AMI, with several units dedicated to households at or below 30% AMI. The project includes one to three-bedroom apartments, with the larger units designed as two-story townhomes. With 83% of the units being two and three bedrooms, the project is particularly family-friendly. Amenities like playgrounds, garden plots, and proximity to schools and parks underscore the project's community focus. This initiative was supported through state Low Income Housing Tax Credits and local Metro bond funds.

These initiatives exemplify how state and local collaboration can drive meaningful change in our communities. Through projects like these, our district is not only addressing the urgent need for affordable housing but also fostering a sense of belonging and community among its residents.

TRIMET FARE INCREASES As of January 1st, Trimet Day Passes, Single Ride and 2 ½- Hour tickets have increased in price. Monthly passes and caps for riders using Hop Fastpass™ cards will not increase. Adult, Honored Citizen reduced fare and Youth Day Passes and 2 ½-Hour Tickets will go up, along with LIFT paratransit Single Ride Tickets. This is the first increase in TriMet’s base Adult Fare in more than a decade. These increases were approved by the Board of Directors in May 2023 Here is a breakdown of fare increases: Adult: 2 ½-Hour Ticket: up 30 cents to $2.80 Day Pass: up 60 cents to $5.60 Honored Citizen reduced fare: 2 ½-Hour Ticket: up 15 cents to $1.40 Day Pass: up 30 cents to $2.80 Youth: 2 ½-Hour Ticket: up 15 cents to $1.40 Day Pass: up 30 cents to $2.80 LIFT paratransit: Single Ride Ticket: up 30 cents to $2.80 More information can be found on the TriMet Website.

OREGON PROJECTED TO GAIN THOUSANDS OF JOBS AND BILLIONS OF NEW INVESTMENTS IN SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRY

On Friday, the House and Senate Majority Offices issued a press release on the Governor's awarding of grants to three semiconductor companies in Oregon. The three companies awarded with grants to grow their businesses were Microchip Technology, HP, and Intel. The advancement of the Semiconductor industry and the utilization of Federal CHIPS Act money is beneficial to the growth of our district and our state. Read excerpts from the press release from the Senate and House Majority offices below:

Oregon officially awards grants to semiconductor and manufacturing industry after the Legislature acted in 2023 to bring in generational federal investment

Today, the Governor officially announced that 3 companies – Microchip Technology, HP, and Intel – will receive grants to grow their businesses in Oregon following a historic, bipartisan push from lawmakers to incentivize new investment and jobs. Based on initial projections, assuming all grants applied for are awarded, they are expected to generate $40 billion in new investments and more than 6,000 new jobs in the semiconductor, construction, and other industries in Oregon.

“Today’s announcement is a win for our entire state,” said Representative Nathan Sosa (D-Greater Hillsboro). “It is going to strengthen Oregon’s prominence as a global center for semiconductor production and create thousands of good-paying jobs for Oregonians.”

Oregon is capitalizing on a once-in-a-generation opportunity to draw down a portion of $52 billion in federal funds made available through the CHIPS and Science Act to boost domestic semiconductor research and manufacturing. Earlier this year, the Oregon Legislature passed Oregon CHIPS (Senate Bill 4), an unprecedented $210 million investment that opened the door for Oregon businesses to access the federal money and further develop the infrastructure they need to be competitive on a national scale. As part of the same Semiconductor Task Force recommendations that inspired Senate Bill 4, the Legislature also enacted House Bill 2009, which creates a research and development tax credit, extends the enterprise zone program and updates Oregon’s strategic investment package to further boost sustainable economic growth and family-wage, long-term jobs in every corner of the state.

$25M IN PROFITS TO GO TO YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS

Oregon’s Medicaid insurers are making a significant investment — $25 million — to provide more beds and psychiatrists for youths with the most intense needs. The governor’s office and CCOs have identified four projects that they said serve youth, meet the greatest need, and are geographically diverse. The investment are as follows:

• $13.2 million to the Trillium Family Services Project located in the Portland Metro area to spur new psychiatric residential treatment beds.
• $7.5 million to the Adapt Project, based in Douglas County. This investment will support a new campus currently underway in the region that will provide treatment beds.
• $2.3 million to the Looking Glass Project in Lane County to expand psychiatric bed capacity.
• $2 million to Community Counseling Solutions Project in Morrow County. This investment will close a funding gap for new psychiatric beds.

A full OPB article on this investment and youth mental health needs can be found at this link.

FGSD SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH The search for Forest Grove School District's next Superintendent has reached it's Community Engagement phase. This phase will take place between January 8th and January 22nd. Community engagement and feedback activities will gather input to create an ideal leadership profile. This will be finalized by the Board of Directors and once acted upon, will serve as our Next Superintendent Criteria. An online survey will be launched on January 8th. There are additional opportunities to apply to be apart of a random lottery selection. This selection will be an opportunity for parents and staff to be chosen to speak with a consultant. More information on the superintendent search can be found here.

UPCOMING NO SCHOOL DAYS

Forest Grove School District

January 15 - No School, Martin Luther King Jr Day

January 26 - No School, End of Semester 1

January 29 - No School for Students Grades 7 -12

Hillsboro School District

January 15 - No School, Martin Luther King Jr. Day

February 1 - No School, End of Semester 1

February 2 - No School, Teacher Grading Day

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.

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.

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.

Family is the best!

Yours truly,

Representative Susan McLain
House District 29

email: Rep.SusanMcLain@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1429
address: 900 Court St NE, H-376, Salem, OR 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/mclain