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To contact me, please click here: Sen.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Friends and Neighbors,
Upcoming Events
How the Grinch Stole Christmas - Virtual Reading
Find me on social media this Monday night, 12/23 at 7:00pm, to watch me read Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Legislative Updates
RELEASE: In new year, new laws will reduce waste and toxics in Oregon
Thursday, December 19, 2024
For more information:
Celeste Meiffren-Swango, celeste@environmentoregon.org, 323-580-8772
Charlie Fisher, cfisher@ospirg.org, 206-853-5725
Jon Maunder, Media Relations Specialist, jmaunder@publicinterestnetwork.org, 708-694-9121
PORTLAND, Ore. – On January 1st, 2025, several policies go into effect in Oregon that will protect public health, reduce waste, and keep electronic devices in use for longer. These new laws build on Oregon's legacy of finding innovative ways to reduce waste and empower Oregonians to be good stewards of the environment.
“The new year brings new protections for the health, safety and well being for Oregonians and our communities,” said Charlie Fisher, state director with OSPIRG. “Thanks to the leadership of Senator Janeen Sollman, many other legislators and Governor Kotek, we’ve got a lot to celebrate in 2025.”
"In 2025, Oregon will be taking major steps to embrace the '4 Rs': reducing wasteful and toxic products, repairing things to keep them in use for longer, reusing what we can and recycling the rest," said state Sen. Janeen Sollman (SD-15). "I'm so proud to have worked with my colleagues to get these laws passed, which will protect the environment and our communities, and can save consumers and businesses money along the way."
The new laws going into effect on January 1, 2025:
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The Right to Repair for personal electronics and household appliances.This law requires manufacturers to provide Oregonians and small businesses access to the parts, tools and service information needed to repair personal electronics and household appliances. This would help keep these devices in use for longer, conserving precious natural resources and preventing waste.
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Restriction on the sale, use or distribution of polystyrene foam foodware, packing peanuts and single-use coolers statewide. Polystyrene foam is a form of plastic made from fossil fuels and commonly used for food containers and packaging. It’s usually thrown away after a single use. It breaks up easily into smaller pieces that are hard to clean up, disperse rapidly, and can persist in the environment for centuries.
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Restriction on the sale, use or distribution of food packaging containing PFAS. PFAS are a class of highly fluorinated toxic chemicals used in many food containers and packaging due to their oil-, stain- and water-repellent properties. PFAS accumulate in the environment and human bodies and are linked to cancer, high cholesterol, reproductive and thyroid problems and immune suppression.
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The elimination of toxic fluorescent light bulbs. Fluorescent lights contain mercury, which is a potent and persistent neurotoxin, by design. Non-toxic, highly efficient alternatives are broadly available. The new law would prohibit the sale or distribution of new pin-base type compact or linear style fluorescent lamps. Screw and bayonet-base type compact fluorescent lamps were prohibited beginning in 2024. This will eliminate a toxin from the waste stream, reduce energy waste and save consumers money.
Another new law going into effect later in the year, on July 1, 2025, is the Recycling Modernization Act. This will improve recycling services and expand them to even more Oregonians, ensure that materials are recycled in a responsible manner, and make producers bear some of the costs of managing the waste created by their products.
“Oregon has a proud history of passing forward thinking policies that help Oregonians steward and respect the resources that go into making the products we use everyday,” said Celeste Meiffren-Swango, state director of Environment Oregon. “Many of the new laws going into effect in 2025 will make Oregon a national leader in reducing waste and toxic chemicals in consumer products, helping us build a cleaner, greener future."
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Listen. Learn. Act.
Tour of Meta Fab and Cascade Systems Technology
This week I toured Meta Fab and Cascade Systems Technology in Hillsboro, two small businesses that are an essential part of our high-tech manufacturing ecosystem. We learned about workforce needs and the ways in which these companies help employees develop skill sets to earn living wage jobs and career longevity. We talked about the positive ripple effect that the federal and Oregon Chips Act have on the supply chain and all our high-tech partners in Washington County. Support for our local high-tech business is good for our workforce, for our local economies and will help keep Oregon as a national leader in these industries.
Visit to Umatilla Electric Cooperative
On Monday, Rep Mark Gamba, Nickole and I went on a road trip to Boardman to meet with Umatilla Electric Cooperative and tour some of their projects. We discussed challenges and successful action taken by UEC, which is Oregon's 3rd largest utility and the largest cooperative in 10 western states, in terms of power sales. They are driven by member investments, (11,000 members) which include substantial investments in energy efficiency. It was also a beautiful day to drive through the Gorge, and pick up some delicious chocolate covered cherries along the way!
In The News
Oregon to receive millions for more electric school buses, The Oregonian, Alex Baumhardt, December 17, 2024.
Senate District 15 - Small Business Spotlight
Finnegan the Dragon
Congratulations to local Hillsboro business, Finnegan the Dragon for receiving a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Matching Grant award from Business Oregon. Read more here.
Finnegan the Dragon is dedicated to creating curriculum, music, and products that address gaps in school and reading readiness.
Our solutions target the deficits caused by passive screen use with learning activities grounded in the science of pre-reading. Additionally, we offer parents alternative, active screen-based learning activities that focus on language development through music and song. By combining the science of reading with music and mobile gaming, we boost language development and improve communication in the home, adding up to 500 words for every 15 minutes of play!
~Finnegan the Dragon
Learn more about this amazing Hillsboro business at FinnegantheDragon.com.
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Community Outreach
Light-Up Hillsboro - December 25, 2024
Preschool Age STEAM Learning - For children ages 3 to 6 years old.
Shared from Early Learning Washington County
Preschool STEAM learning sparks curiosity and creativity in young minds by blending Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics into playful experiences.
These early encounters with STEAM concepts lay a solid foundation for future learning, cultivating a love for discovery and problem-solving from an early age. Through engaging, age-appropriate activities, preschoolers embark on exciting journeys of exploration and learning.
Visit here for STEAM Tools and Resources for preschoolers.
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STEAM Kids Wonderland is a chance to explore science, learning in Hillsboro. KPTV Fox 12, December 14, 2024.
A message from the Cornelius Police Chief:
Shared from City of Cornelius
Online shopping scams are all too frequent, especially during the holiday season. Shopping from the comfort of your home and on the go has become increasingly popular; still, be cautious about how you share your personal information.
- Keep your personal information safe. Avoid sharing personal or credit card information over public Wi-Fi. Always wait for a secure network before making purchases.
- Choose websites that use the “https” encryption. Never provide credit card information unless you are on a secure site showing “https” at the beginning of the URL and the lock symbol.
- Beware of deals that are too good to be true. Products advertised at unbelievably low prices may not be what they seem. Research and read reviews before taking advantage of promotional discounts.
Always pay by credit card and retain your receipts for extra protection. Credit card companies have better fraud protection, making them more secure to use online.
- Know before you buy from an online retailer and shop with trusted companies. If you purchase from a company for the first time, do your research and check reviews. Be cautious if an online retailer does not provide adequate information.
Stay informed and protect yourself and your money from fraudsters.
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Un Mensaje del Jefe de la Policía:
Las estafas en las compras en línea son muy frecuentes, especialmente durante la temporada navideña. El comprar desde la comodidad de nuestra casa al mismo tiempo que andamos de viaje se ha vuelto cada vez más popular; aun así, hay que tener cuidado con la forma en que compartimos nuestra información personal.
- Mantenga segura su información personal. Evite compartir información personal o de tarjetas de crédito cuando use un Wi-Fi público. Espere siempre a tener una red segura antes de realizar sus compras.
- Elija sitios web que utilicen el cifrado “https”. Nunca proporcione información de su tarjeta de crédito a menos que usted esté en un sitio seguro que muestre "https" al comienzo de la URL y tenga el símbolo de candado.
- Tenga cuidado con las ofertas que son demasiado buenas para ser verdad. Los productos anunciados a precios increíblemente bajos podrían no ser lo que parecen. Investigue y lea las reseñas del negocio antes de aprovechar los descuentos promocionales.
Pague siempre con tarjeta de crédito y conserve sus recibos para mayor protección. Las compañías de tarjetas de crédito tienen una mejor protección contra el fraude, lo que hace que su uso en línea sea más seguro.
- Infórmese antes de comprarle a un minorista en línea y mejor compre a empresas confiables. Si compra en una empresa por primera vez, investigue y consulte las reseñas. Tenga cuidado cuando el minorista en línea no proporcione la información adecuada.
Manténgase informado y protéjase usted mismo y proteja su dinero de los estafadores.
Additional Resources
Senate District 15 – Event Calendars
Federal Delegation Links
Education Links
Food and Housing Assistance
How the Grinch Stole Christmas Storytime
Every year I look forward to reading Dr. Seuss', How the Grinch Stole Christmas, to students across Senate District 15. This year I was excited to share this special story with little ones at the Hillsboro Brookwood Library and classrooms at West Union, Orenco and Tamarack Elementary Schools. Join me on social media Monday night for a live virtual reading at 7:00pm.
Next week, Team SD 15 will be taking some much needed down time over the holidays. Watch for a New Years' themed newsletter to come next week. We look forward to reconnecting with you in the New Year!
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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