Dear Friends and Neighbors,
This week had many advocacy days and the hallways were filled with students, coalitions, and a variety of other advocates. Oregon's Birthday is a popular day for folks to visit the Capitol and meet with legislators. My staff and I met with constituents and groups that came to promote different pieces of legislation and budget requests. You can learn more about some of the meetings I had in the "Community Outreach" portion of the newsletter.
The 2024 Legislative session is progressing quickly! Monday will be the first chamber deadline, meaning that bills in policy committees need to have had a work session by the end of the day. After a work session, a House bill will either follow a subsequent referral or go to the Floor for a vote. As of today, both of my bills have gone through work sessions in the House Committee on Education and are headed down to Ways and Means for their subsequent referrals!
IN THIS NEWSLETTER YOU WILL FIND:
- Two important bills that survived the first chamber deadline.
- Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg Visits the I-5 Bridge!
- Team McLain Updates
- Meetings that I have had this week
- Things Happening in Western Washington County
TOWN HALLS THIS SATURDAY!
Don't miss my 2024 Session Town Halls on February 17th! That is this Saturday! This is a great opportunity to share about what you want to see happen in the Legislature and ask questions for give comments on the issues most important to you. I will also be sharing my priorities for the Session and providing more details on the bills that I am sponsoring. Below is the flyer, which you are welcome to share with your networks.
I always enjoy the House Opening Ceremonies! On Thursday, we had a beautiful performance from the Delphian School Varsity Choir!
  
FOSTER YOUTH BILL PASSES OUT OF COMMITTEE
This week, my Foster Youth bill (HB 4084) relating to educational support had a public hearing and work session. The week began with the public hearing in the House Committee on Education. The public hearing had a great turnout of Legislators and Advocates who all supported the bill. I want to thank my fellow co-Chief Sponsors, Representatives Boshart Davis and Hoa Nguyen, for supporting this bill. I am also grateful that Senator Dembrow and Senator Weber came to testify and express the urgency of this legislation.
On Wednesday, the committee voted on the bill. I am happy to report that House Bill 4084 passed out of the House Committee on Education unanimously. I am thankful to the committee members for voting for this important bill. It now awaits a referral in Ways and Means to authorize funding.
With Wednesday's work session, all of my bills (HB 4082 and HB 4084) have officially survived the First Chamber Deadline! Below, I have included my written testimony on the Foster Youth bill:
STALKING BILL PASSES OUT OF COMMITTEE
I am a proud Co-Chief Sponsor of HB 4156, which makes needed and necessary updates to Oregon's stalking laws. The bill passed out of House Judiciary 9-1. The issue was brought to my attention by Amber Rosenberry, who is Ms. Oregon, and Forest Grove resident and police officer, Matthew Smith.
The measure expands the definition of “contact” in Oregon’s stalking laws to include new types of conduct. It also expands the types of conduct and circumstances that raise the crimes of stalking and violation of a court’s stalking protective order from a misdemeanor to a felony and it increases the classification of felony-level stalking and felony-level violating a court's stalking protective order from C to B.
Read more about why this change is necessary at this link:
Ms. Oregon calls for state to modernize stalking law
SECRETARY BUTTIGIEG VISITS I-5 BRIDGE
The Interstate Bridge Replacement program hosted U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on Tuesday, Feb. 13. After touring the bridge and mechanical room, he highlighted the need to replace the bridge. Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and Washington Gov. Jay Inslee were among the group of dignitaries and regional program partners representing both sides of the Columbia River during the visit by the federal agency's top official.
The northbound bridge went into service on Feb. 14, 1917. It remains a vital connection between communities in Portland and Vancouver, as well as an economically significant link along an international trade route. While touring the bridge, Sec. Buttigieg helped to mark the 107th birthday of northbound span with a celebratory cupcake.
The visit highlights the strong federal support for replacing the Interstate Bridge with a multimodal structure that advances goals around equity and climate for both the region and nation.
Read more about Secretary Buttigieg's trip at these news links:
I-5 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJCT ENGAGEMENT WITH DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES
The Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) program is engaging with organizations that support small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) in Oregon and Southwest Washington. The IBR program will bring major investments to the region’s infrastructure and economy. As part of the program’s commitment to equity, we are engaging Disadvantage Business Enterprises (DBE) to inform them about potential future opportunities to work with the program and connecting them to support and technical assistance so they can be prepared for that work.
If you’re interested in learning more about potential economic opportunities with the IBR program, you can set up an office hours appointment with the program to ask questions and learn more. Sign up to receive notifications about upcoming meetings and events or send us an email at info@interstatebridge.org to receive information about potential contracting opportunities.
*READ THE LATEST IBR PROGRAM NEWSLETTER*
INTRODUCTING MY NEW LEGISLATIVE ASSISTANT
Back in December, our office brought on a second staffer to prepare and assist throughout the 2024 legislative session. It has been great to have two staff in our office to assist with constituent correspondence, scheduling, and bill/committee work. This is Elisabeth's first full session in Oregon state politics! Below is Elisabeth's introduction:
Hello! My name is Elisabeth Gade and I recently graduated from Portland State University. I've lived in Washington County my whole life and wanting to help my community is what sparked my interest in politics. I got started in Oregon politics during the 2023 session, when I interned for Mahonia Public Affairs. During that internship, I became further interested in agricultural and education policy.
I was interested in working for Representative McLain because of my interest in education work. Also, as a life-long Oregonian and a former student who used public transportation to get everywhere, I wanted to learn more about the transportation system and the policy that it is made of. I am also a local of the Beaverton/Hillsboro area, which further is why Rep. McLain's office further interested me.
I am very thankful for the opportunity to apply me education and also get some hands on experience in the Oregon Legislature. I am looking forward to the rest of short session and beyond!
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PCC ADVOCACY DAY
On Tuesday, our intern JD accompanied me in a meeting with PCC students. Here is his perspective on the meeting:
"This Tuesday, I had the opportunity to join Representative McLain with Portland Community College advocates as well as a student senator. We discussed HB 4164, SB 1552, Textbook Affordability, and money for hunger free campuses. PCC is currently working on upcoming opportunities related to the CHIPs Act Oregon's Semiconductor through shaping the state's workforce. –I am so excited about what Oregon will look like in the years to come!
We discussed textbook affordability, which as a college student it is stressing to hear that there are additional costs in addition to tuition costs. Equitable textbook affordability is incredibly important and will assist hundreds of students. Lastly, we talked about bridging programs that help students make an easier transition from Community College to a 4 year university like PSU."
MEETING WITH UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
By Carolyn Lee
As Chief of Staff to Representative McLain, I get to meet with amazing groups of advocates when she is in Committee or on the Floor and unable to meet. I love hearing the diverse perspectives from people across Oregon. I admire the commitment it takes to show up in the Capitol and speak with Legislators and staff on bills and issues. Most people who come through our doors are incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about the issues they come to talk to us about, and I always learn something new.
This week, I met with student advocates from Oregon's public universities about House Bill 4162. Many college students face challenges in affording basic needs while receiving their education. Students and benefits navigators have reported that Oregon students experience high rates of food and housing insecurity. In 2021, the Oregon State Legislature took a critical step in addressing student basic needs insecurities by passing the Benefits Navigator Bill. With most navigator positions now filled on each campus and the formation of the Benefits Navigator Consortia (now Basic Needs Oregon), the need for funding and resources is timely and urgent. Basic needs navigators, especially those at smaller institutions in rural areas, cannot best serve our students without program budgets. The 2024 Student Emergency Needs Package creates a $5 million grant program that colleges and universities can tailor to strengthen student basic needs programs and infrastructure. Representative McLain is a strong supporter of this bill, and it was a great conversation with students! Read more about the bill here:
 
MOBILIZING CLIMATE ACTION TOGETHER (MCAT)
On Thursday, I had the opportunity to meet with MCAT advocates. Included in the group was my good friend, Debby Garman. In the meeting, they shared with me a variety of their 2024 legislative priorities. Their priorities range from Clean Buildings & Energy to General Climate to Natural & Working Lands. We also had the opportunity to discuss Climate Budget! I wanted to thank these ladies for traveling down to Salem from Hillsboro and Forest Grove.
PACIFIC NORTHWEST BLEEDING DISORDERS
On Monday, my Legislative Assistant, Elisabeth, met with a group from Pacific Northwest Bleeding Disorders. This group included one of my constituents from Forest Grove, as well as others who have first hand experience with Bleeding Disorders. Their awareness day was to teach legislators about bleeding disorders and the difference that medicine can make in someone's life, as well as show their support for House Bill 4113. |
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MOMS DEMAND ACTION
I enjoy meeting with the Moms from Moms Demand Action every session. The group was in Salem on Wednesday to share their 2024 session priorities with legislators. Moms Demand Action is a grassroots movement fighting for public safety measures that respect the Second Amendment and protect people from gun violence. |
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OREGON STUDENT LEADERS
The Oregon Students United Summit took place in Salem on Wednesday, February 14th. Students from around the state came to Salem for the Summit and then spent their afternoon meeting with legislators. I was able to meet with a small group of students on Wednesday afternoon and discuss a variety of topics with them.
Pictured Above: Jocelyn Trejo-Reyes, Arina Ogar, Ivetter Alonso Garcia, B. Genduso, Magi Hoshmend and Rep. McLain
FOREST GROVE SCHOOL BASED HEALTH CENTERS
Students and staff from Forest Grove visited me on Thursday. They came to meet and discuss the importance of School Based Health Centers (SBHCs). SBHCs reduce barriers that would otherwise keep students and families from seeking the health services they need. This year, they are advocating for a budget ask to expand SBHCs and their resources.
A group from Forest Grove talking about School Based Health Centers!
OREGON HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
On Tuesday, I met with a group from Oregon Habitat for Humanity. The group included a few attendees from Columbia County, and also the West Tuality Habitat affiliate, including former Mayor of Forest Grove, Pete Truax and Former City Manager of Cornelius, Rob Drake. I am a proud supporter of Habitat for Humanity and the great work they do in our community and across the country to ensure that people have access to affordable home ownership. |
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CENTRO'S ROBOTICS TEAM GOING TO STATE
On Sunday, February 2nd, Centro Cultural’s First Tech Challenge Robotics team, the "PDX Bots" (7th- 8th grade) and "PDX Opps" (9th- 12th grade), competed in the regional qualifying tournament at Hillsboro High School against 20 other teams. After a long day of competition, their High School team, the PDX Opps, qualified to move on to state competition where they’ll compete to make it to the national round. The PDX Opps were also awarded the Connect Award, given to the team that most connects to their local STEM community. They also came in second for the "Think Award, awarded to the team that best reflects their journey through the engineering design process during the “build” season.
Congratulations to all of those who competed and to the PDX Opps for moving onto the next competition!
SHARE YOUR IDEAS: CORNELIUS COMMUNITY CENTER
The City of Cornelius invites you to share your thoughts on what a Cornelius community center could be.
Later this year, work will begin to replace the Cornelius Elementary School with a new, 2-story building. The current school is nearly 80 years old and has served out a very useful life. One part of the existing building will remain; the part that includes the gym, cafeteria, kitchen, and associated offices.
The City is exploring the possibility of acquiring this part of the building to develop our first community center. There will be an event on Wednesday, February 21st for community members to learn about the project, share program/activity ideas, and tour the building. The event will take place from 6 - 8pm and be held at Cornelius Elementary School
(200 N 14th Ave, Cornelius, OR 97113).
WASHCO LIBRARIES TEEN ART CONTEST
Calling all Washington County teen artists (ages 12-18): Enter for a chance to have your original artwork featured across the county during the 2024 Summer Reading program by entering WCCLS's Teen Art Contest!
Submissions will be accepted at wccls.org and at your WCCLS library. Please check out wccls.org/teen-art-contest for rules and details on how to enter.
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 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!
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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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Friday morning visit from Barley T. Hop!
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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