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To contact me, please click here: Sen.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Friends and Neighbors,
Legislative Updates
December Legislative Days
This week we were in Salem for December Interim Legislative Days. It was a busy week as we came together for committees, held meetings with constituents and advocates, and worked to gather bill sponsors ahead of the pre-session bill filing deadline today. Committees met to hear about current issues, upcoming bill concepts and Emergency Board funding requests. The Senate Floor convened to approve Governor's Executive Appointments and a Special Session was successfully completed to appropriate funds for the 2024 unprecedented wildfire season (see press release below).
You can watch the floor sessions and committees I am a member of at the links below.
FROM THE OFFICES OF THE
PRESIDENT OF THE OREGON SENATE
&
SPEAKER OF THE OREGON HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 12, 2024
Press Contact:
Connor Radnovich, connor.radnovich@oregonlegislature.gov
Lucas Bezerra, lucas.bezerra@oregonlegislature.gov
Successful special session allocates resources needed to cover the costs
of the historically expensive 2024 wildfire season.
SALEM, Ore. – Today, the Oregon Legislature convened for a one-day special
legislative session to provide the Oregon Department of Forestry and State Fire Marshal
with the resources needed to pay the state's unpaid bills associated with the 2024
wildfire season.
The Legislature voted with overwhelming bipartisan support to appropriate $191.5
million to the Oregon Department of Forestry and $26.6 million for the State Fire
Marshal. In large part, these payments will allow the agencies to pay the wide range of
contractors who provided firefighting and related support services. Wildfire fighting costs
are typically covered by the interim Emergency Board committee, but the 2024 wildfire
season ended up costing more than double the next most expensive fire season.
All told, more than 1.9 million acres in Oregon burned this year, including hundreds of
thousands of acres of grazing and timber lands in Eastern Oregon, along with more
than 150 buildings destroyed.
“Oregon experienced one of the worst wildfire seasons in history this year, and it was
particularly painful for Eastern Oregon,” said Senate President Rob Wagner (D-Lake
Oswego). “I am proud the Legislature was able to come together today to pay our bills
to these firefighters, small businesses, and specialized vendors who helped protect lives
and property during a very challenging time."
“We are grateful for the efforts made by firefighters, small businesses, and others who
supported the effort to fight the historic fires we saw this summer,” said House Speaker
Julie Fahey (D-West Eugene & Veneta). “Today’s special session demonstrates how
we can come together to make government work, make good on our bills, and make
Oregon a better place for all.”
# # #
Governor Kotek declares December 9-15, 2024 to be Computer Science Education Week!
Oregon joins other states in officially proclaiming this week (December 9-15) to be Computer Science Education Week. Thank you to the many educators, school leaders, higher-education representatives, industry professionals, and community members for your tireless work to broaden access, participation, and engagement in computer science education!
As stated in the Proclamation below, the "recently published Oregon State Computer Science Education Implementation Plan provides a roadmap for providing computer science education equitably across all Oregon schools, ensuring no student is left behind in acquiring these critical skills." In the upcoming 2025 session, I will be introducing a computer science education bill, which will provide the necessary resources to develop and implement equitable, scalable, and sustainable computer science education in Oregon.
 
Silver Alert System - Success Story
In 2022, I was proud to have worked with the Oregon State Police and the Oregon Department of Transportation to update our policies regarding the Missing and Endangered Person Alert (MEPA). I was inspired to push for change following the heartbreaking loss of beloved former Cornelius Mayor, Ralph Brown. In May of 2021, Ralph, who was suffering from early onset Alzheimer's, drove away from his home and was found deceased, a full year later. At the time, law enforcement did not have the tools they needed to broadcast Ralph's information on the highway reader boards. Now, thanks to the work that was done in 2022, a new tool is available to any law enforcement agency in the State of Oregon for ODOT’s state highway variable message boards. This updated policy information helps to share resources and have broader communications between agencies and jurisdictions. It is good to read stories, like the recent one below, that continue to showcase how this work is helping people and saving lives.
Missing Bend woman found alive, KATU, December 7th, 2024.
Listen. Learn. Act.
The Council of State Governments National Conference
Last week, I attended the national conference for The Council of State Governments (CSG) in New Orleans, LA. While there, I was honored to receive a graduation award for completing the Henry Toll Fellowship program a couple of months ago. Each year, the Toll Fellowship brings 48 of the nation’s top officials, from all three branches of state government, together for an intensive five-day, “leadership boot camp.” The program’s sessions are designed to stimulate personal assessment and growth while providing priceless networking and relationship-building opportunities.
The conference was also an opportunity for me to learn from other states and fellow legislators about policies they are working on, and to connect with people from across the country on issues facing our nation. I thoroughly enjoy making connections with legislators and advocates from all states, and bringing new and fresh ideas back to Oregon.
Out and About in Senate District 15
Forest Grove 2024 Holiday Light Parade
Last Saturday was a great night in the Grove for the annual Forest Grove Holiday Light Parade. Hosted by the City Club of Forest Grove and sponsored by Western Washington County Firefighters Association and their partners, it featured a longer route and plenty of extra activities. My heart grew three sizes watching the parade and seeing all the joy it brought to the community!
Forest Grove Elks Christmas Tree Lot
Last weekend, we found our perfect tree at the Forest Grove Elks #2240. The money they raise helps support making their Christmas Baskets for 100 families. The Christmas Tree lot will be continuing through this weekend. Visit them at 2810 Pacific Ave, Forest Grove.
Senate District 15 - Small Business Spotlight
Jim's Ice Cream
Jim's Ice Cream in Hillsboro is temporarily closed due to an auto accident that heavily damaged their building. This week, I reached out, placed an order for legislative colleague treats and to see how the community can still support them through the Holiday season. They shared the below message with our office.
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Hillsboro community for your incredible support during this challenging time following the recent accident that damaged and closed Jim's Ice Cream. Your kindness and encouragement mean the world to us. While we work on repairs, we are excited to continue offering our delicious Hot Cocoa Bombs, which have become a favorite treat for many. These sweet delights not only help us make ends meet but also bring a little joy during the colder months. Please contact us via Facebook or phone, 503-648-4015 to place an order and arrange pickup; or donate to our GoFundMe at https://gofund.me/4302a194 Thank you for standing by us—we can't wait to serve you again soon!
~ Jim's Ice Cream
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Be sure to visit their website too, for information on pop up shops - like the one occurring this Saturday, December 14th. Details below.
10am - 4pm
The Community Center
1323 SE Fir Grove Loop
Hillsboro, OR 97123
Community Outreach
Centro Cultural - Holiday Basket Delivery - Drivers Needed for Tomorrow
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Are you looking to spread some holiday cheer!? Centro Cultural has a great volunteer opportunity this Saturday 12/14 from 9am - 11am. They are looking for people who can deliver holiday baskets. Click here to sign up. |
OHCS Awards Bienestar $22M to Preserve Affordable Housing
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Shared from Bienestar
We are thrilled to announce that Bienestar has been awarded $22 million from Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) to preserve two of our affordable housing communities:
These 101 homes, originally built in the 1970s and acquired by Bienestar in 2007, will undergo essential renovations to ensure they remain safe and stable for the long term. This funding is part of OHCS’s $72.8 million investment to add and preserve more than 400 affordable homes across Oregon, prioritizing housing for seniors, youth, and BIPOC communities.
At Bienestar, we are dedicated to building housing, hope, and community for the wellbeing of Latinxs, immigrants, and all families in need. This project will allow us to continue serving our communities while preserving critical affordable housing for future generations.
With the support of OHCS and our key partners—Housing Development Corporation, LMC Construction, and Kasa Architecture—construction is set to begin by summer 2025.
We are grateful for this opportunity to advance our mission and for the continued support of our community partners in making it possible. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting project!
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Old Orenco Christmas Parade
 Orenco Christmas Parade starting at 7pm sharp! December 13, 14, 15, 20, & 21. Traveling through old Orenco and Orenco Gardens or Danbury. For best viewing the parade travels all the way down NE 68th ave next the Orenco elementary. Check website or Facebook for more details and a route map. https://orencochristmasparade.com/
13th- Orenco Gardens
14th- Danbury
15th- Orenco Gardens
20th- Danbury
21st- Orenco Gardens See less
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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