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Hello friends,
It’s hard to believe it’s already the middle of August! A lot has happened since my last newsletter, so read on for information about summer learning programs, an affordable housing groundbreaking in Eugene, Oregon’s wildfire season, upcoming deadlines for summer EBT programs, and more.
I recently had a chance to visit Meadow View School in the Bethel School District to see their Summer Reading Program in action, and I was so impressed by the work they’re doing! The 7-week program serves over 300 kingergarten-3rd grade students – it primarily focuses on supporting students in phonics skills and language comprehension. This video provides a great overview of the program.
Bethel’s summer reading program was made possible in part by investments the Legislature has made in the past year and half – 2023’s Early Literacy Success Initiative (HB 3198), which made targeted investments in research-aligned literacy instruction in Oregon classrooms, and 2024’s HB 4082, which invested $30 million in school districts to provide high-quality and culturally relevant summer learning programs in partnership with community-based organizations and tribal nations.
Literacy is crucial for learning and success, yet 61 percent of third-graders statewide aren't meeting reading benchmarks. This gap can predict future challenges for students with high school graduation and overall well-being. That’s why over the last two sessions we’ve made targeted investments in evidence-based practices so we can increase early literacy rates and give Oregon’s young learners the educational foundation they deserve and desperately need.
On August 7th, Homes for Good, in partnership with Head Start of Lane County and Early Childhood CARES, broke ground on the Ollie Court affordable housing development. Located at the intersection of 13th and Chambers, Ollie Court will utilize an innovative model for housing that will co-locate 81 units of new affordable housing with a six-classroom early learning center – the Leap and Learn Center.
I’m thrilled to see this site apply a co-location model that addresses two of the biggest needs in our community – affordable housing and affordable, accessible childcare.
This project was made possible by more than $6.4 million in direct investments from the Legislature during the 2023 and 2024 session, as well as over $11 million in funding from the state’s Local Innovation Fast Track (LIFT) program. It was one of the targeted, strategic investments we’ve made to ensure Oregon kids and families have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. I want to extend my thanks to the folks at Homes for Good, Head Start of Lane County, and everyone who came together to get this project started!
A rending of Ollie Court by PIVOT Architecture. The site features two buildings with an open community green space and playground between them. (Provided by Homes For Good)
Oregon continues to grapple with the worst wildfire season on record. We’ve seen more than 1.5 million acres burned, communities blanketed in smoke, and dozens of active fires still raging – and it’s only the middle of August.
The reports out of eastern Oregon have been especially devastating. While it’s far too early to say what the long-term impact of these wildfires will have on these communities, I was glad to see the US Department of Agriculture has already allocated emergency funding to support wildfire-affected ranchers and farmers. It’s also been incredible to see stories of strangers from across the state coming together to support their fellow Oregonians. I’m committed to working with my legislative colleagues in eastern Oregon as they make plans to help their communities recover.
But wildfire season is far from over and we all have a responsibility to do everything we can to prevent it from getting worse. I’m reminding every Oregonian to do their part to prevent human-caused wildfires. Avoid activities that pose serious risks like campfires, smoking in vegetated areas, driving or parking vehicles on dry grass, and using gas-powered equipment without spark arrestors.
Given the wildfire threat statewide, folks must be prepared for anything, especially when planning outdoor activities:
Let’s all be sure to do our part to keep ourselves, our neighbors, and our beautiful state as safe as possible for the rest of summer.
Bethel's SMART (Start Making a Reader Today) chapter is seeking Site Coordinators for the fall! This essential volunteer leadership role is crucial for the program's success — without a Site Coordinator, they can't open a site.
To learn more about the Site Coordinator and SMART Reader roles, see the position descriptions here. If you or someone you know is interested in these positions, please contact the SMART office at 541-600-8035.
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For nearly three years, the EPA and DEQ have been working with the community to assess what would be needed to effectively clean up the J.H. Baxter facility after it was abruptly shuttered in 2022. While DEQ has been hard at work cleaning up some of the most affected homes to the north of the facility, the EPA has recently started the clean-up effort at the facility itself.
The first step of this cleanup process involves emptying and disposing of more than 60 chemical tanks, containing more than half a million gallons of toxic chemicals – a process the EPA expects could take up to a year. The EPA has warned that residents may experience some unpleasant smells during this process, but they will be conducting air sampling every step of the way to ensure nothing is being vented at dangerous levels. They also shared that there will be increased truck traffic around Roosevelt Blvd. and that there will be 24/7 on-site security.
J.H. Baxter is still being considered for addition to the EPA’s Superfund National Priorities List, which would unlock critical resources to fund the jobs, equipment, and other activities that will be needed to completely clean up the site. I’ll be tracking the EPA’s decision closely, but I’m feeling optimistic that the Eugene and Bethel communities are beginning to get the support we need to deal with the serious damage that JH Baxter caused to our community.
 Workers with the EPA stand atop a tank at the J.H. Baxter wood treatment facility. (Courtesy of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
The Summer EBT program offers $120 per child to Oregon families to help cover the cost of groceries when school food programs are not as easy to access.
For families experiencing food insecurity, the summer months can be extra challenging as their children are no longer able to receive meals through school. To reduce food insecurity among those children, the Legislature invested $12.2 million in the Summer EBT program to ensure children have access to food and to help ease the burden of food costs for working families.
Families that already receive SNAP, TANF, or OHP had Summer EBT benefits added to their EBT card on June 28. However, families who did not receive benefits automatically, particularly those with children in Head Start programs that participate in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs, will need to check their eligibility for Summer EBT and apply at sebt.oregon.gov. Make sure you apply before September 2!
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Whether in session or out, my office and I are always here to help. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance navigating local or state government services or to share your thoughts and ideas on the issues facing our community and state.
Yours truly,
 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1414
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-295, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.JulieFahey@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/fahey
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