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To contact me, please click here: Sen.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Friends and Neighbors,
Upcoming Events
Community Conversation - Saturday January 18th
Join me at Ava Roasteria in Hillsboro on Saturday, January 18th at 10:00 am, for a Community Conversation. Come share your thoughts and questions and meet fellow community members. Learn about the upcoming 2025 Legislative Session and issues I will be working on. I look forward to seeing you there.
Legislative Updates
Meet the 2025 Senate District 15 Team
For the 2025 Legislative Session, Nickole Vargas will continue as SD 15 Chief of Staff in her 7th session working for the office. Joining her are Legislative Aide, Mark Watson and Interns, Anneke Hanson, Cailey McGuire, and Narmeen Rashid. High school interns, Mari and Anna are also remaining on the team. We are excited to get to work and look forward to seeing you around the Capitol or back in district. Please don't hesitate to reach out to our office with any questions or needs.
Mark Watson
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Hello. I’m excited to return to Senator Sollman’s office and assist in her exemplary service to Senate District 15, where my family makes their home. I am my 8th year of service on the Hillsboro School Board, so I’m passionate about educational issues. In the private sector I founded a software company that worked in Major League Baseball for 15 seasons, so I also understand the importance of small businesses in our community. I look forward to seeing and assisting our visitors to the office at the Capitol in Salem. |
Anneke Hanson
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Hello! My name is Anneke Hanson and I am currently a student-athlete at Pacific University. I am a junior, double majoring in politics and government and international studies. I also play on the women's volleyball team at Pacific. I am originally from a small town in Washington but I have lived in Forest Grove for three years now. Outside of school, I enjoy baking sourdough, hiking, traveling, and lots of reading!
This opportunity will allow me to not only be more involved in my community but also to learn more about how the state legislature makes a difference in Oregon. I am excited to intern for Senator Sollman's office and work to make Oregon a better place!
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Cailey McGuire
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Hi everyone! My name is Cailey McGuire, I am a sophomore at Oregon State University where I study Political Science and minor in Criminology on a Pre-Law track. I currently sit as the Mock Trial President and hope to become a District Attorney! I am so excited to work with Senator Sollman this coming session to gain firsthand experience in the legislative process and advocacy while contributing to projects. |
Narmeen Rashid
I am a Political Science student with a concentration in International Relations and a minor in Economics at Oregon State University, committed to advocating for underrepresented communities. As ASOSU’s Diversity and Inclusion Director, I implemented inclusive programs and serve on the President’s and Provost’s Council for Leadership on Inclusive Excellence. Through academic research on NGO representation and my work on local political campaigns, I have developed strong communication and organizational skills. These experiences have deepened my passion for fostering inclusive policies and empowering voices in governance.
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Policy Spotlight
SB 551 - Plastics Reduction
As we approach the start of the 2025 Legislative Session on January 21st, I will begin to share information about the policies I am bringing forward. This week, I had the opportunity to visit with Environment Oregon as they set out to canvass their members about SB 551, a plastics reduction policy I am introducing in the upcoming legislative session. SB 551 has three components:
- As we saw the thicker plastic bags being used, this bill will eliminate them altogether.
- To make plastic utensils and condiments available upon request only
- To prohibit lodging establishments from providing small trial-size plastic toiletries
Materials management, specifically plastic reduction, is a personal passion of mine and one that I have continued to work on during my time in the legislature. We cannot recycle our way out of the growing problem of plastic in our environment. We need to shift behavior toward reduction and reuse and stop producing more and more plastic.
Watch next week for information about how to follow along with bills, committees and floor session on OLIS, the Oregon Legislative Information System.
Listen. Learn. Act.
Washington County Legislative Summit
Last night I attended the Washington County Legislative Summit. This is an annual event, that for the past fifteen years has brought together the Washington County region of school board members, superintendents, and members of the Legislature. It provides an opportunity to get to know one another and discuss the upcoming legislative session and education priorities.
Metro Legislative Breakfast
This week, team SD 15 attended Metro's Legislative Breakfast at the Oregon Zoo to learn about their priorities in the upcoming legislative session and share what our offices are working on. Following the breakfast discussion, we had the opportunity to meet with and learn about two amazing zoo residents, a Harris Hawk and American Kestral.
Washington County Chamber State of Washington County Business
This week, I attended the Chamber State of Washington County Business hosted by the Washington County Chamber. We heard from panel members about priorities in the legislative session related to housing, transportation and land use. We shared dialogue on challenges and successes in these areas and how we can be continue to be collaborative partners in our work.
Out and About in Senate District 15
Eastwood Elementary School Greeter
I had a beautiful start to my Wednesday this week, with Cindy Cosenzo from Just Create Community, who invited me to join her as an Eastwood Elementary student greeter!
Senate District 15 - Small Business Spotlight
Cascade Systems Technology
Cascade Systems Technology, located in Hillsboro, is an important part of our high tech manufacturing ecosystem. I visited them a couple of weeks ago and wanted to share their social media post below.
A year-end gift of sorts, Cascade Systems Technology was honored to host Oregon Senator Sollman and Hillsboro Mayor elect Beach Pace this week!
During their visit and facility tour, we discussed the importance of the U.S. and Oregon-based semiconductor supply chain supporting and enabling semiconductors that are, in turn, critical to America’s technology future, national security, and economic prosperity.
Click to read the complete blog: https://lnkd.in/gqXCh-Ta
~Cascade Systems Technology
Community Outreach
Centro Cultural Announces Partnership with the City of Forest Grove to Operate the Forest Grove Senior and Community Center
Shared from Centro Cultural
For over 52 years, Centro has provided intergenerational programs and services across Washington County, empowering families and individuals of all ages. Notable initiatives include Casa Amparo transitional housing (formerly the Forest Grove Inn), the Mercado Free Food Market in Downtown Cornelius, and Prosperidad, a workforce and business development center in Hillsboro. This new partnership brings dedicated Senior and Health & Wellness programming directly to Forest Grove. Centro also has a long-standing history of serving seniors through its award-winning Edad de Oro (EDO) program, which was honored with the prestigious National Helen Trias Award by UnidosUS in 2024 for excellence in program design. EDO reflects Centro’s dedication to fostering wellness, connection, and support for older adults from diverse backgrounds.
We invite you to learn more on our press release about Centro’s history of community service through our programs. Executive Director Maria Rubio expressed her excitement about receiving the keys to the Forest Grove Senior and Community Center and the opportunity to expand Centro’s impact. With a proven track record of managing successful initiatives, we are ready to lead this new chapter for the Forest Grove community.
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Traductores Film Presented by The Forest Grove/Cornelius Chamber & U.S Bank
Shared from Forest Grove/Cornelius Chamber of Commerce
The Forest Grove/Cornelius Chamber of Commerce and U.S. Bank are excited to invite you to a special community screening of the documentary film, Translators. This powerful film shares the untold story of bilingual children who serve as the voice for their families, often taking on responsibilities far beyond their years.
Directed by Emmy-award-winning filmmaker Rudy Valdez, the short documentary follows the lives of three young immigrant children—Densel (11), Harye (13), and Virginia (16)—as they navigate complex adult conversations and decisions for their families. Their stories shine a light on the critical role these children play and emphasize the need for resources that support Hispanic and Latino communities, helping to eliminate language and opportunity barriers.
This event is FREE and open to the public, but registration is required as space is limited. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience an impactful film that highlights an often-overlooked aspect of family and community life.
Reserve your spot today!
Screening with panel discussion focused on Resilience in our community.
Date: January 23rd, 2025
Time: 6:00pm -8:00pm
Location: Pacific University - Taylor-Meade Performing Arts Center, Forest Grove, OR 97116
Veterans Pickleball
Calling all Veterans!! Last Saturdays of each month! Starts January 25th! RSVP now!
Just Create Community and Washington County Disability, Aging, and Veteran Services are hosting a special monthly “Veterans Pickleball” event on the last Saturday of each month starting January 25th from 6pm-8pm, inviting Veterans to come play (or learn how to play) Pickleball at Jumbo's Pickleball-Beaverton. Just Create Community will cover Veterans’ court fees, and provide paddles and balls. Limited to 12 Veterans each session. We will have JCC Civilian community Pickleball players looking forward to meeting and playing with you! A great opportunity to build community and express our appreciation for your service.
Veterans, pls RSVP for the January 25th event to Cindy Cosenzo at ccosenzo@justcreatecommunity.com or 503-739-2647.
Thank you for your service. Look forward to seeing you on the Pickleball courts!
Additional Resources
Senate District 15 – Event Calendars
Federal Delegation Links
Education Links
Food and Housing Assistance
 I am thrilled for former SD 15 intern, Ryan Smith, who is now working in Washington D.C. for newly elected Congresswoman, Janelle Bynum. Ryan's passion for public policy has always shone brightly and our team wishes him the best in his future endeavors.
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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