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To contact me, please click here: Sen.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Friends and Neighbors,
Upcoming Events
Two Upcoming Community Conversations
Join me online, Wednesday, February 12th, from 6:30pm - 7:30pm, for a Community Conversation. Come share your thoughts and questions and meet fellow community members. I look forward to seeing you there. Please register here to receive a virtual link to join.
Join me on Saturday, February 22nd at 10:00 am, at Starbucks on Pacific Avenue in Forest Grove, for a Community Conversation. Come share your thoughts and questions and meet fellow community members. I look forward to seeing you there.
Policy Spotlight
Right To Repair for Wheelchairs
This year I am proud to be sponsoring two bills that will add wheelchairs and complex rehabilitation equipment to Oregon's Right to Repair law and remove prior authorization for repair for those using Medicaid. Oregon residents living with physical and medical disabilities, seniors, and children with developmental disabilities rely on powered wheelchairs and other mobility devices. Even small repairs can take weeks or months to complete. Repairs are critical, because, for example, Medicare and most insurance companies will replace complex wheelchairs only every five years. This is a health issue. Being confined to their bed, due to a device being out of service, can lead to pressure injuries and other problems, in addition to the inability to take care of basic needs. This is also a quality-of-life issue. Wheelchairs, particularly power ones, and other mobility devices are an extension of the user, providing mobility, autonomy, and freedom. Many of the repairs are simple, like changing a tire, but are vital for the device to work and be adjusted correctly.
SB 550 would expand Oregon’s current right to repair law to require manufacturers to provide necessary resources – from parts and tools to embedded software and essential documentation – to both wheelchair owners and independent repair providers. SB 550 will have a public hearing on Monday, Feb. 3rd in the Senate Energy and Environment Committee. You can submit public testimony and watch the hearing at this link here.
SB 549 would allow users of complex rehabilitation technology to get their chairs and other mobility devices fixed by a technician without having to wait for prior authorization from Medicaid. SB 549 had a hearing on Thursday in the Senate Healthcare Committee. You can watch that hearing at this link here, and submit testimony until tomorrow at 3:00 here.
In The News
Oregon volunteer firefighters could receive $1,000 tax credit under new bill
KATU TV, Vasili Varlamos, January 29, 2025
Sen. Janeen Sollman, D-Hillsboro., emphasized the financial relief the bill will bring is not enough for a living, "but it may help alleviate a small financial burden and encourage more people to hear the call to service."
Will Oregon expand ban on plastic checkout bags?
Columbia Insight, published in Oregon Live, Nick Engelfried, January 31, 2025
Oregon Senate Bill 551, sponsored by Democrat Janeen Sollman of Hillsboro, would phase out all plastic checkout bags while also restricting the use of other single-use plastic items, such as toiletries offered in hotels.
“Several legislators have already signed on to co-sponsor this important bill, and it’s supported by a large coalition of environmental organizations,” says Meiffren-Swango. “We expect we’ll see even more support as the legislative session gets underway.”
Out and About For Senate District 15
Joint Town Hall with Representatives Susan McLain and Nathan Sosa
On Wednesday, we welcomed a large turnout at the Hillsboro Civic Center for a Joint Town Hall. Representatives Susan McLain, Nathan Sosa and myself heard from community members about a wide range topics, but heavy on everyone's mind were worries about changes at the federal level and how those changes will affect our friends and neighbors. It was a good moment to remind ourselves that we need to continue to show up, be fierce allies and share resources on how we can work together to protect each other from physical, mental and emotional harms. Please reach out to my office if you need help connecting to local resources.
League of Cities Day at the Capitol
Tuesday was League of Cities Day at the Capitol and it was great to connect with the Cities of Cornelius, Forest Grove and the Hillsboro Youth Advisory Council.
Senate District 15 - Small Business Spotlight
TLC Bookkeeping & Tax Prep Inc
Tax season is around the corner. Consider visiting a local business for all your tax and bookkeeping needs. Services include:
- Individual and Business Taxes
- Bookkeeping
- Payroll
- Representation to the IRS
- Financial Stability
- Real-Time Reports
TLC Bookkeeping & Tax Prep Inc is located at 2031 Hawthorne Street, Unit E, Forest Grove, Oregon 97116, United States. Visit their website here for further information.
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Community Outreach
Oregonians who are immigrants are essential for our state's strength and vitality. Neighbors, friends, and coworkers who were not born in the U.S. enrich the culture, economy, and community here. That's why I am concerned about the unconstitutional immigration policies promoted by the White House immediately after the inauguration in January, and I'm dedicated to protecting the constitutional rights of immigrants the freedom for all Oregonians to prosper.
I support Attorney General Dan Rayfield joining other states in a lawsuit temporarily halting a presidential order that violated constitutional protections on birthright citizenship. Oregonians can expect additional defense against federal actions that defy the constitution.
Oregon has valuable state-level laws and programs to support immigrants. You can count on leaders here to apply all our local authority to defend against attacks from the federal government on the rights and freedoms of immigrants. Since 1987, Oregon law has required our police, sheriffs, and local governments to use law enforcement for community safety, not enforcing federal immigration policies. This sanctuary law recognizes that pursuing compliance with a convoluted and fundamentally broken immigration system is federal government's job, funded by our federal tax dollars. Oregon's universal representation program broadens access to legal representation in immigration courts, regardless of ability to pay.
No one can be sure what sudden and severe action will be announced from the White House, but you can be certain that my colleagues and I in the Senate will marshal our powers and resources to respond with competence, steadiness, and care.
Trusted government and community sources for information and support are valuable for all communities. Get to know the ones I've collected here and get in touch if there are others you know and would recommend.
Additional Resources
Senate District 15 – Event Calendars
Federal Delegation Links
Education Links
Food and Housing Assistance
Chinese Lunar New Year 2025 marks the start of the Year of the Snake, a time of transformation, wisdom, and personal growth. According to Chinese astrology, the Snake symbolizes intelligence, mystery, and renewal. Early this week, Senator Khanh Pham led us in a message of hope, renewal and family. 1 billion people around the world celebrate Chinese Lunar New Year. Senator Pham's message to us was timely, appreciated and a reminder of the importance to build community.
 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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