Transportation, Ways and Means, and Other Updates From Salem!

You can read our previous newsletters here.

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

We have just over two weeks left until the Short Session ends on March 10th and there is still a lot of important work left to accomplish! Today is the second deadline to post work sessions and bills are quickly moving from one chamber to the other, which has meant several days with longer Floor Sessions.

Saturday, we had two Town Halls, which I recap in the "Community Outreach" section of this newsletter. Thank you to everyone who came out and participated - I enjoyed our conversations!

The "Legislative Updates" section of this newsletter includes highlights from Ways and Means last week and this week, an overview of two important presentations in Joint Transportation, and information on the Right to Repair bill, which just passed the Senate. 

IN THIS WEEK'S NEWSLETTER:

• Right to Repair Passes the Senate
• Joint Transportation Presentations from ODOT
• Ways and Means Highlights
• Highlights from my Town Hall 
• Events and opportunities in Western Washington County
• Update on Unemployment Insurance
• Important information for Tax Season

RIGHT TO REPAIR PASSES THE SENATE

SB 1596, long championed by Senator Janeen Sollman, passed out of the Senate 25-5 on Tuesday. This is a piece of legislation that I am proud to be a sponsor of, alongside many bipartisan members of the Legislature.

Senate Bill 1596, or The Right to Repair Act, would require manufacturing companies to make the diagnostic tools, information, replacement parts and tolls available to consumers and third party repair shops. This would make it so that Oregonians can fix things in an easier, more cost effective way. Being able to fix phones, computers, and appliances instead of buying new would save the average Oregon household $382 per year. That adds up to $649 million in savings across all Oregon households. This act would also empower and help small businesses, which are often those doing the repairs on these items.

JOINT TRANSPORTATION AT A GLANCE

The Joint Transportation Committee  was assigned 12 bills this Session on a wide variety of topics. The Committee set up two important informational meetings. The first informational meeting was a review of our last major Transportation package in 2017 (HB 2017). You can review the ODOT presentation here. The Chairs and Vice Chairs have been working hard laying the groundwork to start discussions on a new Transportation package for the 2025 Session. As we begin our conversations, we will continue to prioritize and work diligently on updating Oregon’s funding tools as we keep investing in a multi-modal system that functions for all Oregonians. Our guiding principles for 2025 include ensuring that funding is stable and sufficient to create resiliency, support our climate goals, maintain our facilities, and be equitable statewide.  Safety must be a priority for all modes of transportation, including public transit, bikes and pedestrians, and roadway systems. To support our conversations going forward, we just heard an update on funding and statewide transportation needs from ODOT last night.

WAYS AND MEANS BUDGET WORK

As a member of the full Committee on Ways and Means, and as Co-Chair of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education, I have been involved in important budget discussions and allocations this Session. At this point in the Session, we have only received one bill to approve funding on (more are coming soon!), but we have been busy approving federal grant applications, agency reports, and more! Below are a few highlights from Ways and Means so far this Session.

•Report on Financial Stability of Technical and Regional Universities: On February 16th, the Ways and Means Committee voted to acknowledge receipt of a report from the Higher Education Coordinating Commission on an investment in the financial sustainability of Oregon’s technical and regional universities. The Higher Education Coordinating Committee's (HECC) 2023-25 adopted budget included a one-time $25 million General Fund appropriation to support the financial sustainability of the Oregon Institute of Technology, Portland State University, and Western, Eastern, and Southern Oregon Universities. This included $6.3 million for initial distributions and an $18.7 million special purpose appropriation to the Emergency Board for potential additional grants. A budget note directed HECC and the universities to report on how the first $6.3 million was spent and provide proposals for the remaining funds. The universities formed a workgroup facilitated by Oregon Solutions, and HECC contracted with a third party to engage with the workgroup, analyze information, and draft the report. The 100-page report contains recommendations to inform the allocation of the $18.7 million, including a process and criteria to evaluate proposals. The report recommends a funding ceiling for each institution, a grant timeline, and reserving $2.5 million for collaborative projects.

•Report on School Funding Transparency: The Ways and Means Committee voted to acknowledge receipt of a report from the Department of Education on school funding transparency. A budget note in the 2023-25 primary budget bill directed the Department of Education to take a fresh look at the different ways its school and district-level financial data could be made publicly available on a website in a searchable, user-friendly format. The Department contacted other states about their data displays, got recommendations from Georgetown University, and worked internally to develop a plan for displaying all of the agency’s data, including student outcome data, in a consistent, user-friendly format. The Subcommittee on Education heard from the Department about steps it has already taken to make school district expenditure data available, actions it plans to take to create a consistent set of data displays for all agency programs, and the resources it will need to do so.

•Federal Grant Approval for SE Powell Boulevard Improvements: The Ways and Means Committee approved a federal grant application from the Oregon Department of Transportation to the U.S. Department of Transportation in the amount of $25 million to construct safety and mobility improvements along approximately 3.5 miles of SE Powell Boulevard in Portland. This federal grant application is one of four revenue sources that comprise $108.2 million of estimated resources in the current project finance plan. The project aims to improve urban mobility and safety. It includes adding protected and raised bike lanes, elevated sidewalks, mid-block crossings, upgraded traffic signals and lighting, a two-way center turn lane, protected transit waiting areas, and improving the stormwater system. Once competed, ownership of outer Powell Boulevard will be transferred from ODOT to the City of Portland. I was also pleased to join my Joint Transportation Co=Chair and Vice Chairs in writing a recommendation letter for this project to U.S. Secretary of Education, Pete Buttigieg. 

•Federal Grant Approval for Tribal Youth Restoration Landscapes Project: The Ways and Means Committee approved the submission of a federal grant application from the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management of up to $1 million to offer employment opportunities to tribal youth throughout Oregon. If successful, the agency will use the federal funding to award grants to community partners, such as federally recognized tribes and nonprofits to provide tribal youth with training and exposure to careers in natural resources. These projects may include building trails, clearing plant materials to prevent wildfires, and monitoring fisheries.

•Oakridge Airport Improvements Grant: The Ways and Means Committee approved the submission of a federal grant application from the Department of Aviation to the U.S. Economic Development Administration in the amount of $5 million to improve the Oakridge Airport. The Oakridge Airport, designated as a Remote Access/Emergency Services Airport in Lane County, serves as a base during wildfire season for federal and state agencies to detect and suppress wildfires. If awarded, the grant will be used to rehabilitate the airport apron and runway and improve wildfire management by investing in new technology infrastructure, including sensor equipment and software for long-distance drones. These drones have the potential to enhance wildfire detection, support night operations, and enable regional cargo transportation. 

•Climate Pollution Reduction Grant: The Ways and Means Committee approved the submission of a federal grant application from the Department of Environmental Quality
to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of up to $200 million over a five-year period
for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollution. This federal opportunity is the next step following the Climate Pollution Reduction planning grant that DEQ was approved to apply for in April 2023. The EPA will prioritize funding for “shovel-ready” investments, and DEQ has identified these in three categories: transportation; buildings; and waste management. Funds will be distributed in roughly equal amounts for each category to individuals, businesses, and local jurisdictions in the form of grants and rebates. There is no requirement for state matching funds. 

•Mass Timber Technology Hub Grant: The Ways and Means Committee approved the submission of a federal grant application from the Department of Forestry to the U.S.
Economic Development Administration totaling $8 million to support growth of the mass
timber industry in the Pacific Northwest. The federal agency has recognized Oregon and Washington as centers of excellence in mass timber design and manufacturing and established the Pacific Northwest Timber Tech Hub. The Tech Hub is a consortium of entities eligible for funding to promote mass timber as a viable and sustainable construction alternative. If awarded, ODF intends to increase regional fiber supply and strengthen supply chain transparency and accountability. The grant requires 10% in state matching funds, which ODF will meet through in-kind staff work. No additional funding or staff will be necessary for grant implementation. 

ANOTHER WORK SESSION DEADLINE APPROACHES

Tomorrow is the second deadline to post work sessions for bills. These deadlines are for bills in policy committees in the opposite chamber from where they started. For example, House bills that have passed out of the House and are now in Senate committees. These pieces of legislation need to have a work session posted on a Committee agenda on OLIS before 5pm Friday. The actual work sessions, or committee votes, need to happen before next Thursday, February 29th. These deadlines do not typically apply to joint committees, rules committees, or budget-related committees. After this deadline, bills that have not been posted for a work session "die" in committee, while those that are posted will continue the journey towards a hopeful passage. 

HILLSBORO TOWN HALL

Saturday started out with my Hillsboro Town Hall at Shute Park Library! This was an intimate conversation about different topics around Washington County and the happenings of the 2024 Legislative Session. I loved the opportunity to share information on my two personal bills this Session, as well as the work that we have been doing in the Committee on the I-5 Bridge. I also had the opportunity to share my budget priorities with the group, including Newborn Screening. I was happy to answer questions, share information, and get updates on community concerns. 

Thank you Pat, Barbara, and Faun for attending my Hillsboro Town Hall on Saturday morning!

FOREST GROVE TOWN HALL

We had a great turnout to BJ's for our Forest Grove Town Hall last Saturday. People came with a diverse range of questions or opinions to share about the new stadium for The Hops, Election Security, Homelessness and the coordination of services in Washington County, Education funding, Transportation Funding and Infrastructure, and work being done this Session to address Climate Change. There were familiar faces and new community members that I met for the first time. I really enjoyed the robust conversation and hearing the diversity of opinions that were shared. Special thanks to BJ for allowing us to meet at BJ's Coffee Shop.  

Thanks to everyone who turned out on Saturday at BJ's!

MEETING WITH SENATOR SOLLMAN'S  INTERNS

On Monday, Senator Sollman had her high school interns visit the Capitol. I had the chance to meet with them and we talked about what they hope to experience while interning at the Legislature. They asked great questions about the process and about my bills. Nate Pratt is a student from Forest Grove and Ivette Alonso Garcia is a student from Liberty High School. Ivette is also the sister of JD, my office's intern from Willamette University! Thank you to Nate and Ivette for stopping in on Monday!

UNITE OREGON ADVOCACY DAY

On Wednesday, my Legislative Assistant, Elisabeth, met with a group from Unite Oregon for their advocacy day. The group consisted of multiple Washington County constituents, including a representative of Centro Cultural, and folks who have experience with or as interpreters.

Unite Oregon's advocacy day was to share their support for Senate Bill 1578. This bill would create a health care interpreter management system through the Oregon Health Authority with the goal of helping the health care interpreter work force in many ways. The advocacy group that met with my staff shared stories about either receiving interpretation, being an untrained interpreter, or being a certified interpreter.  

FG CITY HALL "IF I WERE MAYOR" STUDENT CONTEST

Students can share their creative and inspirational ideas about what they would do as the Mayor of Forest Grove. First place winners from each category will receive a $100 cash prize as well as recognition from the Mayor and City Council at a City Council meeting. Second place winners will receive $75 and third place winners will receive $50. The first place entry from each category will be submitted to the statewide competition for the opportunity to win a prize worth $500.  These students will receive their prizes at an awards ceremony during the Oregon Mayor's Association  Annual Summer Conference.  Forest Grove City Hall is looking for posters (grades 4-5), essays (grades 6-8), and digital media (grades 9-12) all revolving around the "If I Were Mayor..." theme. More information about each category and how to submit can be found at https://www.forestgrove-or.gov/605/If-I-Were-Mayor-Student-Contest

CENTRO CULTURAL SPANISH FIRST AID CLASS

FOREST GROVE BLOOD DRIVE

ADELANTE MUJERES' RECYCLING WORKSHOP

Are you concerned about the environment? Do you want to learn more about recycling and share your knowledge with others? Then this program is perfect for you! Educate Ya, in collaboration with Adelante Mujeres, invites you to participate in the Recycling Educators workshop. When: March 9 and 10 from 10am to 4pm Location: 2030 Main St A, Forest Grove, Room #101 Register here: https://forms.gle/2sGm7dBdoWxBfyey7 Or call  503-238-5790 if you need help registering.

HSD EARLY COLLEGE INFORMATION SESSIONS

Hillsboro School District Early College is excited to begin the recruitment process for Cohort 5 this winter! The application opens on Mar. 1 and will close on May 1. Interested students who will be entering grades 11 or 12 in the 2024-25 school year should plan to attend a required family/guardian information session for details. These sessions are scheduled throughout quarters 3 and 4. All sessions are offered from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in English with Spanish interpretation (except where noted).

Tuesday, Feb. 27 at PCC Hillsboro Center

Tuesday, Mar. 12 at PCC Hillsboro Center

Wednesday, Mar. 20 at PCC Hillsboro Center

Tuesday, Apr. 2 at PCC Willow Creek **Spanish only session**

Thursday, Apr. 16 at PCC Willow Creek

TASTE OF DOWNTOWN HILLSBORO

Hillsboro's new Downtown Dining Guide features more than 50 food & drink destinations to explore in the Cultural Arts District! From restaurants and bakeries, to food carts, bars, and more — explore the ultimate guide to Hillsboro's Downtown dining scene. The Dining Guide is broken up into four sections: Restaurants, Food Carts, Beverages, and Bakeries, Deserts, & Coffee. A link to the guide can be found here.

Important Message About Unemployment Insurance

The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is launching a brand-new, easy-to-use online system for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits. The new system is scheduled to go live through Frances Online, the same system used for Paid Leave Oregon, on Monday March 4.

The migration of UI benefits to Frances Online will begin on Tuesday, February 27. A migration period like this is normal for any big technology project; however, OED will not be able to provide customer service during the migration. This is because the old systems will go offline, and OED will not have any access to customer information.

Important Information
● New UI Claimants: File an initial UI claim before 5 PM on Tuesday, February 27.
Otherwise, claimants have to wait until March 4.
● Current UI Claimants: File a weekly UI claim for the week of February 18–24 by 5 PM on
Wednesday, February 28. Otherwise, claimants have to wait until March 4.

Customer Service Impacts
Phone lines and online customer service for all UI Programs, Paid Leave Oregon, and
Contributions & Recovery will be closed on Wednesday, February 28, through Friday, March 1.

UI customers will not be able to file claims, check the status of a claim, make changes to claim information, make payments, respond to requests for additional information, complete ID verification, or contact OED customer service during this time.

What to Expect with the New System, Francis Online, after March 4
● New UI Claimants: Claimants must first create a Frances Online account before filing a
claim.
● Current UI Claimants: Information about your claim will appear in your new Frances
Online account.

Check unemployment.oregon.gov for more information and follow OED on social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn) for important updates about the switch to the new system. Make sure to check your mail daily, review all letters and messages from the OED in the coming weeks.

Tax Season Resources

It’s tax season, and the deadline for filing is Monday, April 15. Keep reading for information on
resources, credits, and deferrals available to Oregonians.

Tax Preparation Resources for Low-Income Oregonians
Free tax preparation services are available for low- to moderate-income taxpayers through a
number of trusted programs. Not all locations offer free e-filing, and most services are only
available during the tax filing season. Use the resources below or call 2-1-1 to find a trusted free tax preparation program near you.

● AARP Tax-Aide
○ Free services provided to anyone, with a focus on taxpayers who are over 50
years old and have low to moderate income
○ Find a location here or call (888) 227-7669 to learn more

● Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
○ Offers free help to people who generally make $60,000 or less, persons with
disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers.
○ Visit the IRS webpage to learn more
○ OR find a location near you using the VITA site locator

● MFS-CASH Oregon
○ Virtual service is offered in addition to in-person service, mainly located in the
Portland metropolitan area
○ Visit the website to see if you qualify and make an appointment or call (503)
243-7765 to learn more

● MyFreeTaxes
○ This service offered by United Way can help guide you in filing your own taxes or
help prepare your taxes for you if you qualify
○ To learn more, visit their website or call the help line at (866) 698-9435

Free Options for E-Filing Oregon Income Tax Returns
All Oregon resident taxpayers preparing their own returns in 2024 can file electronically at no
cost using one of Oregon’s free file options.

Oregon Free Fillable Forms performs basic calculations and is ideal for taxpayers who don’t need help preparing their returns and want the convenience of filing electronically. The IRS offers a similar option for filing federal taxes electronically.

New this year, the department is also offering Direct File Oregon, which allows taxpayers to file their Form OR-40 through Revenue Online. Direct File Oregon is not currently linked with the IRS Direct File. Taxpayers will need to file a separate federal return with the IRS before filing an Oregon return with Direct File Oregon through Revenue Online.

Property Tax Deferral for Disabled and Senior Homeowners
A disabled or senior homeowner may qualify for a program to borrow from the State of Oregon to pay county property taxes. If a taxpayer qualifies for the program, the Oregon Department of Revenue will pay county property taxes on November 15 of each year.
To participate, a taxpayer must file an application with the county assessor by April 15 or pay a fee and file late from April 16 to December 1. A lien will be placed on the qualified taxpayer
property, and the Department of Revenue will become a security interest holder. Learn more at the Department of Revenue’s website.

Taxpayer Advocate
If you think you are not being treated fairly, or if you have a problem or complaint, please contact the Office of the Taxpayer Advocate for assistance. The Taxpayer Advocate is here to make sure your rights as an Oregon taxpayer are protected.

Email taxpayer.advocate@DOR.oregon.gov, call 503-945-8700, or visit
www.oregon.gov/dor/Pages/Taxpayer-Advocate.aspx for assistance.

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.

The grounds at the Grand Lodge should be blooming soon! This is one of my favorite places in Forest Grove and I especially love it in Spring and Summer.

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