|
Replies to this message are sent to an unmonitored mailbox.
To contact me, please click here: Sen.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Friends and Neighbors,
Legislative Updates
Governor Kotek Announces Additional Finalized Oregon CHIPS Contracts
Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI), Lam Research, and Siltronic contracts finalized
June 12, 2024
Today, Governor Tina Kotek announced that Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI), Lam Research, and Siltronic have finalized their Oregon CHIPS Act contracts. The funding, which will begin flowing to the projects this month, supports the expansion and modernization of semiconductor manufacturing and research at these companies.
“The Oregon CHIPS Act is key to maintaining our state as a national leader in the semiconductor industry,” Governor Kotek said. “These investments represent another milestone, and I look forward to the modernization and expansion that they will deliver to Oregon facilities and the benefits to our community as this industry continues to thrive.”
“This announcement is a huge win for Oregon. With these investments, we will see Oregon's STEM education opportunity prosper for all Oregonians from cradle to career, grow more family-wage jobs, create more customers for local Oregon businesses, and attract more innovative entrepreneurs to our state. This is how we stay competitive in the 21st Century and beyond,” State Senator Janeen Sollman, co-chief sponsor of Senate Bill 4 said.
“The announcement today helps Oregon remain competitive and further establish the state as a leader in semiconductor manufacturing and research,” State Representative Daniel Nguyen, Chair of the House Interim Committee on Economic Development, Small Business, and Trade, said. “These state investments will aid Oregon companies as they compete for additional federal funding to grow the industry, jobs and Oregon’s economy.”
“Oregon has led our nation in semiconductor and high-tech manufacturing for decades,” Oregon Business Council President Duncan Wyse said. “The success of semiconductor companies in our state has a direct impact on the long-term well-being and prosperity of Oregonians and our economy. The Oregon Business Council is thrilled to see these projects advance thanks to the Oregon CHIPS Act.”
Lam Research is receiving $22 million for the construction of a new research & development facility on their Tualatin campus. ADI is receiving $12 million for expansion of their Beaverton facility. Siltronic is receiving $2.2 million for modernization and expansion of their Portland facility.
Business Oregon recently announced the next round of the Oregon CHIPS Act funding. This round will offer at least $10 million in funding opportunities. The deadline to apply is Monday, July 1, at 5 PM PDT. Instructions and applications can be found here.
The Oregon CHIPS Act (SB 4), signed into law during the 2023 legislative session, dedicates $240 million to develop a grant and loan program to support semiconductor businesses looking to expand in Oregon, providing the opportunity for significant federal funding support provided by the CHIPS and Science Act that Congress passed and President Biden signed in August 2022. It also funds $10 million to help communities prepare land for manufacturing sites and $10 million for a University Innovation Research fund that will help public universities secure federal research grants.
The Governor’s Office, in partnership with Business Oregon, has been working to distribute the funding to projects.
Comments on PGE's Proposed Rate Increase
Today is the deadline to submit written comments to the PUC regarding PGE's proposed rate increase. I submitted the following letter this week. Find instructions below on how to submit your own comments.
Portland General Electric (PGE) - Docket UE 435
Portland General Electric provides electric service to approximately 920,000 customers in Oregon. PGE’s last general rate case was in 2023.
PGE filed on February 29, 2024 and requests to increase the annual revenues by approximately $202.0 million, or 7.3%. The PUC must complete its review by December 31, 2024.
The key factors driving PGE’s rate request are for investments that include:
-
Local battery energy storage projects to provide enhanced reliability and resilience during peak demand.
-
Investments in transmission and distribution to allow dependable energy flow as demand for electricity grows and customer needs evolve.
-
Upgrades to technology and generation facilities for increased resilience and long-term, dependable power.
Interested persons not able to attend the public comment hearing may submit comments
at our website using the Public Comment Form; via e-mail to PUC.PublicComments@puc.oregon.gov; mail written comments to the Commission at:
Attn.: UE 435 (General Rate Revision), Administrative Hearings Division, Public Utility
Commission of Oregon, PO Box 1088, Salem, OR 97308-1088; or may comment by
telephone to: Consumer Services Division 503-378-6600 or 1-800-522-2404. Please
submit comments by June 14, 2024.
Listen. Learn. Act.
Meeting with Costa Rican Vice Minister of Trade
Earlier this week, I was honored to meet with Costa Rica's Vice Minister of Trade and Investment, Ms. Indiana Trejos, and delegates from the trade promotion authority of Costa Rica, PROMECOR. They were in town meeting with industry leaders and community partners regarding semiconductor opportunities for partnership and growth. Director Sophorn Cheang and Shannon Carney from Business Oregon joined us to talk about the robust recommendations and investments Oregon has made to support our high tech manufacturing industry and grow our economy. From child care, to STEM education, to CTE and workforce development, to labor workforce, housing production and so much more. I was so proud to share the tremendous work that Oregon is doing in this area.
Willamette Career Academy
On Monday, I visited the Willamette Career Academy (WCA) in Salem. '
"Willamette Career Academy harnesses the power of connection and collaboration to be a regional hub for career and technical innovation. Serving students and business partners across Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties. WCA provides innovative programs to prepare high school students for high-wage, high-demand careers in Oregon."
They currently house six CTE programs for 11th and 12th graders from 20 different high schools, with a 7th program, Dental Sciences, coming online next year. Current programs include Construction Technology, Cosmetology, Health Services, IT/Computer Science, Freres Manufacturing and PAPÉ Diesel Technology. This is a fabulous example of connecting students to pathways that will provide them lifelong skills and living wage jobs. Learn more about the Willamette Career Academy here.
Women in Government National Legislative Conference
Last week I attended the Women in Government National Legislative Conference in Seattle. Days Two and Three were packed with opportunities to learn and connect with legislators from across the country. I think the best thing about these professional development opportunities is the people, especially these fabulous lady leaders. We learn best from each other.
Out and About in Senate District 15
Washington County Chamber of Commerce - Leadership Hillsboro Graduation
Congratulations to the Leadership Hillsboro Class of 2024! As a member of the 2011 class, it was great to cheer on the new grads this week with fellow alumni, as we also celebrated the program's 40th Anniversary. Learn more about Leadership Hillsboro here. Applications for their next cohort are open through August 6th, 2024.
Juneteenth: The Reunion Celebration in Hillsboro
Last Saturday was a beautiful day to celebrate Juneteenth. Thank you Washington County Chamber of Commerce and the Black Advisory Business Council for hosting, celebrating and honoring Juneteenth: The Reunion. My mumsy and I had a great time! The Pardio Fitness Presenting Sponsorship was a great story too. Their business is growing due to this event and they are giving back.
Juneteenth is celebrated every year in Oregon on June 19th. Many celebrations are occurring in the Portland area this weekend. Find information here: Juneteenth 2024: Your guide to Oregon celebrations
Center for Addictions Triage and Treatment (CATT) Ground Breaking
Last Friday was a moment to celebrate as Washington County broke ground on the Center for Addictions Triage and Treatment.
"The Center for Addictions Triage and Treatment (CATT) is a project to increase addictions treatment capacity in Washington County. Upon its completion it will add 86 new treatment beds, a peer drop-in center and many other features. Our plan is to create a comprehensive center for substance use treatment that is accessible and responsive to our diverse community."
The CATT has been in the works for several years and plans to open in late 2025. Many partners have contributed to its funding and development, including the State of Oregon. Read more about Washington County's Center for Addictions Triage and Treatment here.
Senate District 15 - Small Business Spotlight
Duyck's Peachy Pig Farm
Duyck's Peachy Pig Farm is "a family farm providing you-pick and already picked fruits and veggies." From their Facebook page: "Cherries will be open for u-pick this weekend!! We will be open Fri&Sat 10-5 and Sun 12-5 this weekend." Duyck's Peachy Pig farm is located at 34840 SW Johnson School Rd in Cornelius. Stop by this weekend to pick some cherries and visit here for more information.
|
Intern Corner
The Watergate Scandal: A Turning Point in American Politics
The Watergate Scandal, a defining moment in American history, began with a break-in at the Democratic National Committee Headquarters on June 17th, 1972. What seemed like a minor burglary quickly unraveled into a massive political scandal involving President Richard Nixon’s administration. Investigations revealed that Nixon’s re-election team had engaged in illegal activities, including wiretapping and sabotage, to ensure political advantage. As evidence mounted, Nixon’s attempts to cover up his misconduct led to his resignation in 1974, marking the first and only time a U.S. has resigned from office.
Watergate’s aftermath left a legacy of deep skepticism and disillusionment towards the U.S. government. The scandal exposed the depth of corruption within the highest levels of power, fundamentally shaking public trust. This erosion of confidence prompted new ethics laws and campaign finance reforms to prevent future abuses. The term "Watergate" has since become a byword for political scandal, reminding the public of the potential for governmental overreach and fostering a lasting wariness of political leaders.
~Mari Park
Community Outreach
Energy Trust of Oregon - Incentives for Energy Efficiency and Money Savings
Shared from Energy Trust of Oregon
Energy Trust of Oregon is a nonprofit that provides information and cash incentives to help people and businesses lower their energy use and utility bills.
Energy Trust incentives can help reduce the cost of your energy projects, including heating systems, air conditioners, water heating, weatherization, lighting, solar panels and more. Incentives are available to customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas and Avista. Learn about these incentives at energytrust.org, check out these tips on no-cost ways to save energy at home, or take a free online home energy assessment.
Energy Trust offers higher incentives to help make home projects more affordable for people with lower incomes. And offers coaching to help businesses manage their energy use to start saving right away. Your electric or natural gas utility company may also be able to help you save with bill payment assistance and utility bill discounts for income-qualified customers.
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
| 
