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To contact me, please click here: Sen.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Friends and Neighbors,
Listen. Learn. Act.
Eastern Oregon Economic Summit
Last week, team SD 15 traveled to Hermiston, Oregon for the Eastern Oregon Economic Summit. This year's theme was: “Exploring Eastern Oregon’s Opportunities in Energy and the Environment.” On Thursday, we spent the day doing site tours around the area and visited the McNary Dam, the Port of Umatilla, Marlette Homes (showcasing manufactured home building), Moorehouse (an affordable housing complex utilizing energy efficiencies), the SAGE Center (an interactive museum showcasing local business and industry), the Finley Buttes Landfill, an Oregon Trail Heritage Site and NextEra Energy Resources Operations Building and Solar Project.
On Friday we enjoyed a day at Hermiston High School listening to various panels speak on energy landscape, energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, integrating traditional and indigenous knowledge with climate-smart technology, and more. I participated in a legislative panel with my fellow legislators from the House and Senate Energy and Environment Committees to talk about things we are working on now and in the future.
I always enjoy the opportunity to attend this insightful conference, hosted by the Eastern Oregon Women's Coalition (of which Rep Bobby Levy is President!) and the chance to learn about the challenges and successes occurring in Eastern Oregon.
Eastern Oregon Prison Tours
Last week, ahead of attending the Eastern Oregon Economic Summit, Nickole and I took the opportunity to visit Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution (EOCI) in Pendleton, and Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) in Umatilla. As the Co-Chair for the Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Public Safety, being able to see first-hand some of the programs we support and talk in person with the Superintendents and staff about their facilities, is a valuable experience.
I am sharing below an article from the May 2024 edition of The Echo, a monthly newsletter, created and written by the adults in custody at EOCI. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month in May and Pride Month in June, I chose this article to share, but the monthly newsletters are filled with rich content, information for adults in custody, recipes, crossword puzzles and much more.
Out and About in Senate District 15
World Refugee Day
Last weekend, we honored World Refugee Day 2024 in Beaverton. Refugees are often forced to leave their country and homes due to the violence of war or natural disasters. They experience deep trauma beyond our imagination and often must leave behind so much. They are desperate for stability, safety and a sense of belonging. We celebrated all that refugees contribute to Oregon through diversity, culture, work experience and community. We listened and we danced. I loved and appreciated the invitation to join in. I am sharing below, with permission, the remarks from two individuals that spoke. I hope you find them as moving as I did.
World Refugee Day, designated by the United Nations, is marked every year on June 20. The day is meant to highlight the plight of refugees around the globe who have been forced to flee their home countries due to conflict or persecution.
The theme of World Refugee Day 2024 is “Solidarity with refugees”. Today, here in Beaverton each and every one of you are showing up in solidarity with refugees.
In 2024, 130.8 million individuals were estimated by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to have been forcibly displaced or stateless globally. That’s roughly 13 million people from last year’s 117.2 million people forcibly displaced or stateless in 2023.
Top 10 Origin Countries of International Refugees (mid-2023):
- Syria
- Ukraine
- Venezuela
- Afghanistan
- Colombia
- DR Congo
- Palestine
- Somalia
- Yemen
- Sudan
As a refugee, like many of you here, today, it’s a day where we also give gratitude to those who helped us get to where we are today.
Wednesday as we observed Juneteenth as an official federal holiday and the intersectionality with World Refugee Day today, I’m reminded of how interconnected our communities are - on these sacred and stolen lands.
What I mean by that is Black civil rights leaders and advocates had a direct hand in advocating for Southeast Asian refugees. They went to Congress to urge admission of the Indochinese Refugees after the Vietnam War. That’s one of the reasons why my family and over 200,000 others were able to make it to the U.S. safely.
As you all take time out of your day to show up for this Walk - I see it as a bold stance, a symbol and message of courage, honor, solidarity, and what it looks like to come together to disregard the anti immigrant sentiment and what it looks like to give the over 130 million displaced people around the world…HOPE…in their longing to find home. Kop jai.
I’d like to also give a special gratitude to Beaverton City Councilor Nadia Hasan, Washington County Sheriff Caprice Massey and Senator Janeen Sollman. Your support and presence matters. Thank you.
~Director Toc Soneoulay-Gillespie, Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement
"Today, we're here to recognize World Refugee Day 2024 and show our support for the millions of individuals worldwide who have had to flee and leave their homes due to conflict, persecution, and violence.
As we gather here, let's admire the strength and bravery of refugees facing incredible challenges. They've left behind everything they know in search of safety and a better future. Their resilience is a powerful reminder of the human spirit's ability to endure and remain hopeful.
On this day, let's recommit to providing support and protection to refugees everywhere. Let's push for policies that uphold the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their background and origin. Every person deserves to live free from fear and persecution, and it's up to us to ensure that refugees receive the compassion and assistance they need to rebuild their lives.
As we observe World Refugee Day, let's emphasize our dedication to creating inclusive communities and fostering understanding and empathy. Let's celebrate diversity and recognize the valuable contributions refugees make to our societies.
Today , I encourage all of us to use this day as a starting point for action. Let's work together to build a world where no one is forced to leave their home and where compassion and humanity prevail in the face of adversity."
~Darwaish zakhil, Co-Founder&Director of Community Advancement at Afghan Support Network
El Sol Festival
Summer festivities have begun at M&M Marketplace in Hillsboro. Last weekend, we celebrated at El Sol festival with a showcase of fabulous talent at this multi-cultural event. I enjoyed delicious tacos, fruit and roasted corn too! El Sol will continue during several weekends over the course of the summer. Visit here for dates and more information: https://mandmmarketplace.com/
In the News
The Big Fix
Oregon Business, Christen McCurdy, June 21, 2024
Oregon’s Right to Repair law, signed into law this spring, could have a big impact on small repair shops.
Semiconductor equipment company ASML will open big new Oregon warehouse next year
The Oregonian, Mike Rogoway, June 26, 2024
The 210,000-square-foot building will accommodate increased demand from local customers and larger manufacturing tools, according to the ASML. But the company says it doesn’t plan to add to the 800 people it already employs in Oregon.
Oregon will join free IRS tax prep, filing program next year
The Oregonian, Andrew Miller, June 18, 2024
Some Oregon taxpayers will be able to prepare and file their federal tax returns for free directly to the IRS starting next year, an Oregon Department of Revenue spokesperson said.
Senate District 15 - Small Business Spotlight
Great Northwest Ice Cream Company
As the weather turns warmer, treat yourself to some ice cream from Great Northwest Ice Cream Company in Cornelius.
We offer a complete line of over 100 flavors of premium, handcrafted ice cream and sorbet voted "Best In Portland" by Citysearch.com. ~Great Northwest Ice Cream Company
Great Northwest Ice Cream Company is located at 124 N. 20th Ave. in Cornelius. Visit their Facebook page here for hours and information.
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Community Outreach
Oregon State Fire Marshal urges Oregonians to Keep Firework Use Legal and Safe
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Ready to celebrate the holiday? If fireworks are a part of the plan, have water on hand, light fireworks one at a time, never relight fireworks, dispose of fireworks properly, and only use legal fireworks.
Find more information and helpful tips here.
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OBRC's Hidden Bottle Hunt July 3 - 7
Shared from Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative
What is the Hidden Bottle Hunt?
In 2021, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of Oregon’s iconic Bottle Bill by hiding six commemorative bottles across the state, all in the special places the Bottle Bill helps keep litter free. Thousands of Oregonians joined in the hunt, went outside, and followed the daily clues to search for the hidden bottles. The lucky “finders” got to keep the commemorative bottle (they’re like a trophy!) and were also able to direct a donation to the BottleDrop Give nonprofit of their choice.
Since 2021, the Hidden Bottle Hunt has continued to grow in popularity. We are pleased to announce that we will once again be hosting the event to celebrate the anniversary of Oregon’s Bottle Bill in 2024! This year’s hidden bottle design pays homage to the beautiful Oregon Coast, and the lucky finders will be able to direct a $1,000 donation to the BottleDrop Give nonprofit of their choice for each bottle found.
Like previous years, each bottle will be hidden in a different geographic zone of Oregon (map below), and we’ll release separate clues for each bottle at 10:00 am, every day of the hunt. Sign up to receive the daily clues.
Find more information and sign up here.
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Blood Donations Needed
Shared from Bloodworks Northwest
Our blood supply is running on empty. We’re calling on you to pump up the community by donating with Bloodworks Northwest this summer. In just one hour of your day, you can ensure hospitals and trauma centers have the blood they need to take care of patients this summer. Book your appointment today: https://ow.ly/uaiv50Soyq3
Four miles of Interstate 5 will close in both directions this weekend, June 28-July 1
For those traveling through the Portland area this weekend, please be advised. Read the full press release and find more information here.
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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