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To contact me, please click here: Sen.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Friends and Neighbors,
Oregon lost a legend this week. I had the absolute honor to directly serve in the Oregon Senate in 2022 with Senate President Peter Courtney, in his last session. When he spoke, whether in the front of our Chamber or from his desk, all eyes and ears were on him. What a powerful speaker he was. He was a respected leader who loved the State of Oregon and all she represents with everything he had. He valued bipartisanship, compromise and truth. Yes, sometimes the truth did sting. I value the straight truth and appreciated that I knew where he stood and didn't have to guess or get lost in the political speak.
On the lighter side, we had laughter over the years over a silly (yet very serious) elected member event at the Oregon State Fair, Oregon FFA goat milking contest. After my stinging victory (I was a new State Representative at the time) on the goat milking stage, I gifted Senator Courtney with goat milk soap and a card. He never let me forget that, nor anyone else that would listen. On his final day leading our Chamber, I wore a t-shirt emblazoned with a large rainbow pic of a goat. I will miss this running joke of ours.
I speak of him often when I talk about the best advice I received as a new incoming State Representative in 2016 and that advice came from Sen Courtney. He said the success on your work in the Capitol will be based on the relationships you build- relationships with your caucus, your Republican colleagues, Capitol staff, our own staff, the lobby and your constituents. The success (or failure) of your bill can ride on those relationships. I have kept his words in my heart and mind and will forever do so. I will always appreciate that he was willing to pick up the phone to chat or be a sounding board. I will miss him dearly. I send my love and comfort to his loving wife and family. Oregon has truly lost a legend.
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Peter Courtney, legendary and longtime leader of Oregon’s state Senate, has died. OPB, Dirk VanderHart, July 16, 2024
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Former Senate President Peter Courtney, Oregon’s longest-serving lawmaker, dies at 81, Oregon Capital Chronicle, Lynne Terry and Ben Botkin, July 16, 2024
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Longtime Senate President Peter Courtney, a pivotal figure in Oregon politics, dies at 81, Oregonian, Sami Edge, July 16, 2024
Upcoming Events
Save the Dates! Two Opportunities to Connect in August
Legislative Updates
US Supreme Court Decision on The City of Grants Pass v Johnson
Recently, I signed on to a letter with colleagues, asking Senate President Wagner, Speaker Fahey and fellow Legislative Members to review HB 3115 from 2021 relating to the regulation of public property with respect to persons experiencing homelessness. It is within our purview as legislators to review policy we have passed.
This is a unique moment following the recent Supreme Court decision, prompting us to carefully reconsider the current situation. Our request is simply for people to participate in this important dialogue. Ultimately, permitting outdoor sleeping, especially given Oregon's fluctuating climate from extreme heat to cold, is not humane. We must explore more effective ways to support and aid our homeless community.
  
Out and About in Senate District 15
Meals on Wheels People - Dance Your Boots Off
Wednesday night was a fun night to celebrate Meals on Wheels People Hillsboro! Shirley from Dance Your Boots Off really gets the crowd going and has a great fan following. Shirley and I grew up in Gales Creek and went to school together. She is such a talent. Great job staff and volunteers for a great event supporting such a great cause.
Western Washington County Inflow & Infiltration Rehab Project
On Tuesday, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici presented Clean Water Services with a federal funding check for the Western Washington County Inflow & Infiltration Rehab Project. Congresswoman Bonamici was able to obtain approximately $960,000 for the project through the FY 24 appropriations bill as a direct allocation grant, one of her 15 Community Project Funding requests. See more information on the project happening in Forest Grove below. As attendees of the program, we were invited to go inside the Public Works truck and operate the camera they send down into the sewer pipes. I even got to take a little walk down memory lane as the event was held right down the street from my old apartment. It was a beautiful day to be in The Grove.
 
Community Conversation at Bagley Park
Last weekend, I enjoyed a fabulous Community Conversation at Bagley Park in Hillsboro. We covered topics ranging from healthcare transparency, homeless response, environmental issues, IP 17, factory farms, OR Paid Family Leave concerns, and transportation. Thank you to all who came to the table. I look forward to connecting with you in August. See above flyer for details.
Senate District 15 - Small Business Spotlight
Washington County Dairy Women at the Washington County Fair - Fair Starts Today!
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It's fair time in Washington County! I look forward to going every year and visiting my favorite local vendor, the Washington County Dairy Women for a delicious ice cream treat.
Visit BigFairFun.com for all the information you need to plan your fun-filled day at the Washington County Fair and make sure to stop by the Washington County Dairy Women Booth and other local vendors!
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Community Outreach
2024 La Strada dei Pastelli Chalk Art Festival - This Weekend!
Shared from the City of Hillsboro
 The La Strada dei Pastelli Chalk Art Festival will return to the streets of Downtown Hillsboro on July 20 & 21, 2024.
Once again, the streets will close for two days during the free event, as well as on the Monday that follows for the "Chalk Art Stroll".
2024 La Strada dei Pastelli Chalk Art Festival
Saturday, July 20 & Sunday, July 21
10 am to 6 pm
Downtown Hillsboro in the Cultural Arts District
PLUS: Chalk Art Stroll on Monday, July 22 — streets will reopen on Tuesday morning, July 23
Visit here for further information.
Hillsboro Hops Ballpark Groundbreaking Ceremony Announced - August 8th
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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