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To contact me, please click here: Sen.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Friends and Neighbors,
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Community Conversation
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
SCR 15 / SCR 16- Recognizing and Honoring Hector Hinojosa Robles and Dr. Ralph Franklin Helzerman, Jr.
This year, I’m proud to sponsor two resolutions that celebrate the extraordinary contributions of individuals who have left a lasting impact on our state, whose dedication to service, leadership, and community have helped shape Oregon for the better. These resolutions are not only a tribute to their personal achievements but also to the values of generosity, compassion, and community building that they both embodied throughout their lives.
SCR 15 recognizes Hector Hinojosa Robles for his lifelong commitment to improving the lives of Oregonians, particularly within the Latino community. A passionate advocate for civil rights and social justice, Hector has been instrumental in founding the Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center and the Washington County Cultural Center—two organizations that continue to provide essential services and support to those in need. Beyond his leadership in these organizations, Hector has been an active member of groups like the League of United Latin American Citizens, where he has worked tirelessly to advance equity and protect the rights of marginalized communities. His dedication to addressing tough issues and volunteering his time to make a difference has left a lasting mark on Oregon. This past October, Hector was honored with the Ohtli Award – the highest recognition awarded by the Mexican Government to members of the community in the United States. SCR 15 celebrates Hector Hinojosa Robles unwavering commitment to service and advocacy has not only impacted individuals, but has helped shape a more inclusive and just community for all Oregonians.
SCR 16 honors the life and legacy of Dr. Ralph Franklin Helzerman Jr., a respected physician, military veteran, and compassionate community leader. Dr. Helzerman’s career was defined by his deep commitment to service—both to his country and to the people of Oregon. Born in Pendleton, Oregon, in 1942, Dr. Helzerman served as a medical officer in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Oregon to complete his medical training in ophthalmology. In 1973, he co-founded the Hillsboro Eye Clinic with Dr. Lee Peterson, where he dedicated 37 years to providing expert care and improving the lives of his patients. Beyond his medical practice, Dr. Helzerman was a dedicated philanthropist who, alongside his wife Marilynn, left an indelible mark on the Hillsboro community. SCR 16 expresses our deepest gratitude for Dr. Helzerman’s service and legacy. His memory lives on in the many lives he touched and the lasting impact he made in Oregon.
Legislative Updates
This Week's Testimonies
Week 4 Committee Snaps
Senate Committee on Energy and Environment
Public Hearings were held on the following bills:
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SB 355: Directs the State Forestry Department to establish a pilot grant program to manage wildfire risk by promoting the use of air curtains by persons that make biochar.
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SB 685: Requires a public utility to obtain authorization from the Public Utility Commission to develop or carry out a project that involves the production or use of hydrogen in this state.
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SB 833: Makes certain changes related to label requirements for soil-enhancing products.
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SB 843: Removes the requirement that the Public Utility Commission provide a biennial report to the Legislative Assembly on the volumetric incentive rates pilot program.
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SB 551 Prohibits restaurants and retailers from providing reusable plastic checkout bags to consumers.
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SB 526 Prohibits the sale of new clothes washers that are not equipped with a microfiber filtration system, beginning January 1, 2030.
A Work Sessions was held on the following bill:
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SB 550: Adds electric wheelchairs and complex rehabilitation technology to the type of consumer equipment for which an original equipment manufacturer must make available to an owner or independent repair provider a tool, part or other device or implement that the original equipment manufacturer makes available to an authorized service provider for the purpose of diagnosing, maintaining, repairing or updating consumer equipment.
Senate Committee on Education
Public Hearings were held on the following bills:
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SB 796: Allows the Oregon Board of Accountancy to create a grant program to provide scholarships for students seeking accounting degrees in college or individuals who wish to become certified public accountants in Oregon.
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SB 720: Appropriates moneys to the Oregon Department of Administrative Services for distribution to the Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center to construct and operate the Sunrise Campus Cultural Workforce Center.
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SB 478: Revises the duties of boards of education of community college districts.
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SB 314: Directs the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission and the Educator Advancement Council to jointly develop a strategic plan for nontraditional pathways to licensure for educators in this state.
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education
Informational Meetings that were heard this week:
- Department of Education - Accelerated Learning: College Credit in High School
- Department of Education - Summer Learning
Public Hearings were held on the following bills:
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HB 5028: Board of Pharmacy
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SB 5524: Health Related Licensing Boards
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SB 5524: Health Related Licensing Boards
Week 4 - Oregon State Capitol Visits in the halls and in #S207 (Your Senate District 15 Capitol office)
In The News
Oregon lawmakers push for ‘right to repair’ wheelchairs
KPTV, Ezra Kaplan, February 11, 2025
Oregon State Senator Janeen Sollman, who sponsored the state’s first right-to-repair bill, is leading the charge to include wheelchairs in the law. She says current restrictions on repair access are fundamentally unfair.
“I wish that I didn’t have to do a policy like this,” Sollman said. “But the fact that consumers don’t have access to something they own is just, in my soul, fundamentally wrong.”
Oregon bill would limit access to plastic bags, utensils and hotel shampoo bottles
OPB, Dirk VanderHart, February 14th, 2025
“It’s past time that we have this conversation about the need for us to break our dependence on plastics,” state Sen. Janeen Sollman, a Hillsboro Democrat and a chief sponsor of the bill, said in a hearing on Wednesday. “Microplastics are everywhere: in the air that we breathe, the clothes that we wear and in our waterways and in the fish and the animals that some of us eat.”
Out and About in Senate District 15
Virtual Community Conversation
This week I held a virtual community conversation with constituents and community members to discuss the current legislative session and hear from them about issues of concern. We talked a lot about our schools and supporting students and heard about upcoming bills that are important to them. I look forward to continuing the conversation and seeing you at an upcoming event.
Senate District 15 - Small Business Spotlight
L&R Nursery, Inc
Hello and a heartfelt welcome! As the co-founders and owners of L&R Nursery, allow us to introduce ourselves – we are Luciano and Reyna, the dynamic duo behind the magic of this lush oasis. We founded our business back in 2003. Little did we know that our humble backyard greenhouse would blossom into a flourishing 5-acre nursery.
Our journey has been nothing short of amazing as we proudly serve the ever-growing community of the Portland Metro area. What started as a simple passion for gardening has now become our life's work and we couldn't be more grateful.
At L&R Nursery, our mission is simple - to provide the highest quality plants and materials while also delivering exceptional service to our valued customers. We are always willing to go above and beyond to ensure that your gardening needs are met with precision and care.
Located in the beautiful Willamette Valley, just west of Portland, we specialize in growing top-notch nursery stock for both landscapers and the nursery industry. Our extensive range includes plants of various sizes, from #1 to #3, and we also offer B&B stock. Take a moment to explore our website and see all the amazing greenery we have to offer. And if you need any more information, don't hesitate to reach out to us!
Visit L&R Nursery at 46151 SW Plumlee Rd, Forest Grove, OR 97116 or visit their website here. https://www.lrnursery.com/
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Community Outreach
Cold Weather Advisory Resources
I hope you all stayed warm and cozy these past few days as we enjoyed some snow. As temperature's drop, it’s important to stay informed and prepared for the cold weather. Extreme winter conditions can be dangerous, especially for vulnerable communities. To ensure everyone stays safe and warm, several resources are available across the state. If you or someone you know is struggling with the cold, don’t hesitate to reach out to these resources. Stay safe and take care of one another as we face this winter season together.
Washington County Cold Weather Resources
https://www.211info.org/
Senator Ron Wyden Washington County Town Hall - Saturday, February 15th
Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici Town Hall - Monday, February 17th
Additional Resources
Senate District 15 – Event Calendars
Federal Delegation Links
Education Links
Food and Housing Assistance
Immigration Resources
Happy Birthday Oregon!
Oregon is famous for its natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and cultural attractions. Today, we celebrate her 166th birthday.
 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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