Child Care Worker Recognition Program & Safe Driving in School Zones!

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To contact me, please click here: Rep.SusanMcLain@oregonlegislature.gov 

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I just arrived in Ontario and will also be traveling to Hermiston this week for the Statewide Transportation Safety and Sustainability Outreach Tour. I'm looking forward to hearing perspectives from Eastern Oregonians about what they see as the challenges and opportunities for transportation. I'll include information on how you can watch the public hearings from these tour stops in the "Interim Work" section below and provide a summary of the trip in next week's newsletter.

BELOW: Eastern Oregon from the air and the start of the Ontario tour with Rep. Tran and my Co-Chair, Senator Gorsek

Thank you to everyone in House District 29 and House District 30 who attended my joint town hall with State Representative Nathan Sosa on Thursday night. When we scheduled the event, we did not realize that we would be competing against Vice President Harris speaking at the DNC, but even with the competition, the turnout was perfect for a productive conversation. I enjoy partnering with Rep. Sosa, and given that he's a lawyer, I always learn something new about the law from him. We had a great discussion on age discrimination, transportation, consumer protection, education funding formulas, and much more, and I appreciate everyone who asked questions and gave feedback. Thank you also to the Shute Park Branch Library for the event space.

BELOW: Joint Town Hall with Rep. Sosa at Shute Park Library

As a reminder, next week's newsletter will be the last one from this email address before the "blackout period" begins on September 6th. This is because Legislators running for office are prohibited from using state resources or official social media accounts for mass communications with their constituents 60 days prior to an election. From 9/6-11/6, you will not receive newsletters from this email address.I will also not be on Facebook or Instagram. I will continue to send newsletters periodically via Mailchimp since I am allowed to use my own resources to communicate with you. Always reach out  to my office via email or phone.  We are not currently working from the Capitol and are unable to answer our phone directly so email is the best way to reach us:

rep.susanmclain@oregonlegislature.gov

Here's what you'll find in this week's newsletter:

• Information on the Ontario and Hermiston stops for the Transportation Tour
• Notes from my attendance at the Oregon Trucking Association conference
• Oregon part of grant award to implement truck refueling and EV charging on I-5
• Watch the public briefings on the I-5 Bridge replacement SEIS process
• How to donate back-to-school supplies
• Tips for safe driving in school zones
• Events and opportunities in Western Washington County
• How to apply for the Child Care Workforce Recognition Payment Program

TOUR STOPS IN ONTARIO AND HERMISTON THIS WEEK

Today and tomorrow, the Joint Transportation committee will continue our Statewide Transportation Safety and Sustainability Outreach Tour in Ontario and Hermiston. Public hearings will be held in each location and community members are encouraged to provide public comment. Here are the details for each hearing, including how to watch them recorded or live on the Oregon Legislative Information System website (OLIS).

Ontario - Wednesday, August 28th

• Location: Treasure Valley Community College in the Meyer McLean Theater
• Time: 5:00-7:00 p.m.
• Register to give public comment: Registration opens at the event site at 4:30 p.m.
• View online: Video will be live and remain permanently online on this OLIS page

Hermiston - Thursday, August 29th

• Location: Eastern Oregon Trade & Event Center in the Great Room
• Time: 5:00-7:00 p.m.
• Register to give public comment: Registration opens at the event site at 4:30 p.m.
• View online: Video will be live and remain permanently online on this OLIS page

OREGON TRUCKING ASSOCIATION PANEL 

Leading up to developing the Transportation plan for the 2025 Legislative Session, my Joint Transportation Committee co-chair, Senator Chris Gorsek, and I have been meeting with as many groups as possible. The goal is always to share information on ODOT's challenges and opportunities and ensure we receive feedback from diverse perspectives. We attended the Oregon Trucking Association's annual Leadership Convention & Exhibition in Bend this past week. We were the invited speakers for a question and answer segment called "Transportation and the 2025 Legislature". All Oregonians (and our economy) are dependent on Oregon truckers being able to get needed goods and services to every part of the state. In turn, Oregon truckers require a well-maintained and safe transportation system. I appreciated hearing from this group of system users about their experiences and ideas for where we can improve.

OREGON PART OF I-5 CHARGING & REFUELING GRANT

WATCH THE IBR BRIEFINGS ON THE DRAFT SEIS

Did you miss the Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) program's public briefings on the upcoming publication of the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS)? Both meetings are now available on YouTube to help you learn about the process:

August 20: View on YouTube
August 24: View on YouTube

My previous newsletter had information on the publication of the SEIS, which is the next step in the process to replace the I-5 Bridge. Here's a brief review of what you need to know about the SEIS:

• This Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) is the comprehensive documentation of the program’s potential benefits and impacts on transportation within the study area, the community and the environment.

• It is a federal requirement of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which is an opportunity and responsibility for the program to analyze how the proposed investments in our region’s transportation infrastructure might affect things like air and water quality, parks and historic sites, ecosystems, greenhouse gas emissions, noise and vibration, travel times for vehicles and public transit within the study area, hours of congestion, economics, land use, property acquisitions, and neighborhoods.

• It also analyzes the program’s impact on things that are less tangible, such as environmental justice, equity and climate change.  

• A 60-day Public Comment Period is expected this Fall. You will be able to provide comments by:
  • Submitting a comment online
  • Attending a public hearing
  • Sending an email 
  • Calling the comment hotline

• A summary of comments received will be shared following the public comment period. All public comments will be recorded, and a response will be documented in the Final SEIS. Responses will include any changes, updates, and new information added based on those comments. 

I will keep you up-to-date as information is released on the SEIS publication date and where to submit your public comments. For more detailed information, please visit the IBR program's SEIS page.

KGW SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE ENDS 8/31

Only a few days are left to support this year's KGW School Supply Drive before it ends on August 31st! This year's goal is to send more than 15,000 students back to school with the basic school supplies needed to be successful in class. All donations will stay in the community where the donation is made.

There are several ways to donate:

• Drop donations off at one of these local businesses
• Donate funds directly online here
• Buy supplies online here to be delivered to your local school district

SCHOOL'S BACK NEXT WEEK - DRIVE CAREFULLY!

School days bring congestion: School buses are picking up their passengers, kids on bikes are hurrying to get to school before the bell rings, harried parents are trying to drop their kids off before work. It's never more important for drivers to slow down and pay attention than when kids are present – especially before and after school. Below are some important safety tips to keep in mind:

When dropping kids off:

Schools often have very specific drop-off procedures for the school year. Make sure you know them for the safety of all kids. The following apply to all school zones:

● Don't double park; it blocks visibility for other children and vehicles

● Don't load or unload children across the street from the school

● Carpool to reduce the number of vehicles at the school

When sharing the road with young pedestrians:

According to research by the National Safety Council, most of the children who lose their lives in bus-related incidents are 4 to 7 years old, and they're walking. They are hit by the bus, or by a motorist illegally passing a stopped bus. A few precautions go a long way toward keeping children safe:

● Don't block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn, forcing pedestrians to go around you; this could put them in the path of moving traffic

● In a school zone when flashers are blinking, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection

● Always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign

● Take extra care to look for children in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in all residential areas

● Don't honk or rev your engine to scare a pedestrian, even if you have the right of way

● Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians

● Always use extreme caution to avoid striking pedestrians wherever they may be, no matter who has the right of way

When sharing the road with school buses:

If you're driving behind a bus, allow a greater following distance than if you were driving behind a car. It will give you more time to stop once the yellow lights start flashing. It is illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children.

● Never pass a bus from behind – or from either direction if you're on an undivided road – if it is stopped to load or unload children

● If the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic must stop

● The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus

● Be alert; children often are unpredictable, and they tend to ignore hazards and take risks

When sharing the road with bicyclists:

On most roads, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as vehicles, but bikes can be hard to see. Children riding bikes create special problems for drivers because usually they are not able to properly determine traffic conditions. The most common cause of collision is a driver turning left in front of a bicyclist.

● When passing a bicyclist, proceed in the same direction slowly, and leave 3 feet between your car and the cyclist

● When turning left and a bicyclist is approaching in the opposite direction, wait for the rider to pass

● If you're turning right and a bicyclists is approaching from behind on the right, let the rider go through the intersection first, and always use your turn signals

● Watch for bike riders turning in front of you without looking or signaling; children especially have a tendency to do this

● Be extra vigilant in school zones and residential neighborhoods

● Watch for bikes coming from driveways or behind parked cars

● Check side mirrors before opening your door

By exercising a little extra care and caution, drivers and pedestrians can co-exist safely in school zones.

FOREST GROVE FORWARD COMMUNITY SURVEY

Your Voice, Your Vision! Forest Grove is growing, and the city needs your help to shape the future of our community! Whether you're passionate about the local economy, housing, transportation, or arts and culture, your input is invaluable. Share your ideas through the community visioning survey and be a part of shaping a vibrant and thriving future for Forest Grove. Share your thoughts here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FGF20401

Ya sea sobre recreación, eventos, transporte o vivienda, tu retroalimentación es esencial. ¡Trabajemos juntos para darle forma a un futuro mejor para Forest Grove! Comparte tus ideas aquí: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FGF20401

NEW DATE FOR TROLLS AT FLICKS AT THE PARK 

Two things that do not mix well are rain and flicks at the park! Because of last week's forecast, Trolls Band Together was postponed and is now showing this Friday, August 30th.

Harleman Park: 795 S Heather St in Cornelius

7:30 PM: Dive into the fun with our character scavenger hunt!

9:00 PM: Movie time under the stars!

HILLSBORO YOUTH SPEECH & DEBATE

Learning public speaking skills early in life builds students’ confidence, promotes understanding and critical thinking, and can be a foundation for lifelong success — plus, it’s fun! This interactive program teaches public speaking and respectful debating through age-appropriate topics, such as if ice cream is the best dessert.

Guest speakers will include:

• Hillsboro Mayor Steve Callaway (guest speaker on Sept 6 & Sept 20)
• State Representative Susan McLain, former Speech & Debate Coach at Glencoe High School
• Hillsboro Police Chief Jim Coleman
• Hillsboro Fire Chief David Downey, and more!

Participants are invited to be part of a year-end competition on June 7.

For youth grades 4-6. Advance registration is encouraged, with on-site sign-up available. Led by City of Hillsboro Communications Manager Patrick Preston.

CHILD CARE WORKFORCE RECOGNITION PAYMENTS

In an effort to recognize child care providers across the state of Oregon for their exceptional work, the Oregon Legislature has allocated an annual $500 payment to eligible child care providers in 2024 and 2025! The work that they do as early childhood educators keeps this state afloat and we want to say thank you!

What are the eligibility requirements for a Child Care Workforce Recognition Payment Program?

To qualify for the program you must meet all of the following requirements:

1.       You are currently employed in one of the following in Oregon
2.     Child Care Licensing Division licensed child care facility
3.     License Exempt or Recorded Program 
4.     Family friend neighbor (FFN) receiving Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) subsidies
5.     You have worked in the field for at least 90 days in the calendar year
6.     You have worked at least 10 hours a week.
7.     You have an updated myORO
8.     Employment information updated (name, address, and phone number)
9.     Personal Contact information updated 

What is the amount the Child Care Workforce Recognition Payment is for and how many times can I apply? The Recognition is a one time payment of $500. You can apply once each year of the program, 2024 and 2025. The application window is May– October 15, 2024 and again May 2025 – October 2025.

Where can I find a Child Care Workforce Recognition Payment Program Application?The Recognition Program application can be found by accessing your myORO account. If you are unable to access the application through myORO please email occdrecognition@pdx.edu to request an exception to receive a paper application.

How do I submit a Child Care Workforce Payment Program application? Complete an online application: https://my.oregonregistryonline.org/

OR if you are unable to engage with online application please call ‪(503) 725-6912.

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.

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