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To contact me, please click here: Sen.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Friends and Neighbors,
Upcoming Events
Join me on Saturday, March 15th at 11:00 am, at Food Carts At the Station on Baseline street in Hillsboro, for a Community Conversation. Come share your thoughts and questions and meet fellow community members. I look forward to seeing you there.
Join me online, Thursday, March 27th, 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.
Policy Spotlight
SB 541- Computer Science Education
Senate Bill 541 will provide computer science education for K-12 and support current staff and teachers in teaching computer science courses. Computer science is a foundational skill needed in our world today. This bill provides equal and open learning access and educational opportunities for all students in the state, regardless of race, gender, or geographic location.
Today, many careers require computer science knowledge, a requirement that will only continue to grow. Computer science concepts nurture creativity and problem-solving skills, preparing students for any future career. According to a recent Brookings study, taking a high school computer science course leads to a five-percentage increase in students’ likelihood of earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science. High schools offering high-quality computer science courses raise students’ likelihood of being employed by 2.6 percentage points and annual earnings by about eight percent.
To date, 40 states have passed legislation to fund computer science education. Last year alone, 26 states passed funding for computer science education for a total of $90 million allocated by State Legislatures. Action is needed now to ensure Oregon’s students get the same opportunities to access computer science education.
The 2025 Oregon Computer Science Education Advancement Act will provide the necessary resources to develop and implement equitable, scalable, and sustainable computer science education in Oregon. This legislation will ensure that all students can learn computer science and prepare educators to teach computer science.
Legislative Updates
March Economic and Revenue Forecast
Revenue Outlook
2025-27 Net General Fund revenue is $35,907.7 million, up $550.7 million from the November 2024 forecast. The 2025-2027 General Fund net resources are now $38,164.2 million versus November’s projected net estimate of $37,814, an increase of $350.1 million. Lottery revenue for the 2025-27 biennium is down $82.7 million from the November 2024 forecast.
Reserve accounts are currently at $940 million (Education Stability Fund) and $1,736 million (Rainy Day Fund). The projected ending balances for the 2023-25 biennium reserve account are as follows: Education Stability Fund: $1,009.7 million and Rainy-Day Fund: $1,906.3 million. The Rainy-Day Fund is projected to receive $330 million following the end of the 2023-2025 Biennium.
Kicker Outlook
A personal kicker of $1,726.6 million is projected for 2025. Corporate tax revenue of $993.1million is projected to be dedicated to K-12 education spending in 2025-2027.
OEA Economic Outlook
The overall economic forecast remains stable. While job growth is slightly lower than previously expected, the changes are minor, measured in tenths of a percentage point. However, income projections have been revised upward, largely due to significant adjustments in non-wage income reported by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).
Oregon’s economic outlook anticipates a modest rebound in migration, supporting slow but steady population growth. The labor market is expected to stay strong, with the unemployment rate holding in the low 4% range and the share of working-age Oregonians employed remaining at or near historic highs. Additionally, wage growth is projected to continue at an annualized rate of approximately four percent, reflecting the strength of Oregon’s workforce and economic resilience.
OEA Corporate Activity Tax (CAT) Projections
Anticipated revenues for the current biennium (23-25) are down $31.6 million to $2.757 billion. For 2025-27, projected revenue is now $3,116 billion, down $9.5 million from November.
Forecast Documents
You can watch the Revenue Forecast here and see the Forecast Documents here.
The strength of Oregon's economy is its people. Revenue and economic forecasts show that a greater share of working-age Oregonians are employed than the national average. But at the same time workers are fueling Oregon’s economy, too many Oregonians are struggling to get by. We will be committed not only to careful stewardship of state revenues, but also to smart policies that make people's lives better. This session, we are advancing bills to make raising children more affordable, health care more accessible, and education more attainable.
Investing in Oregon people strengthens our economy and our society over the long term. Retaliatory tariffs and other national policies that distort the economy can erode the strength in our economy. Cooler heads must prevail in our state. This is not the time for performative political games. We will remain vigilant, responsible stewards of our state’s resources to protect Oregon families and businesses from that chaos.
This Week's Floor Speeches
Bill Updates
Week 6 Committee Snaps
Senate Committee on Energy and Environment
Public Hearings were held on:
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SB 139 - Relating to infectious waste
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SB 726 - Relating to landfill emissions monitoring
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SB 92 - Relating to community solar projects
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SB 218 - Relating to renewable energy facility waste
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SB 969 - Relating to the permitting of energy facilities
Work sessions were held on:
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SB 91 - Relating to firefighting foam
Senate Committee on Education
Public Hearings were held on:
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SB 322 - Relating to substitute teachers
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SB 323 - Relating to substitute teachers
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SB 314 - Relating to nontraditional pathways to licensure for educators
Work Sessions were held on:
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SB 894 - Relating to credit for student activities
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SB 869 - Relating to beverage containers
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SB 223 - Relating to seismic rehabilitation memorial plaques for schools
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SB 802 - Relating to the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission
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SB 805 - Relating to complaints filed with the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission
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SB 867 - Relating to investigations by the Department of Education
Informational Meetings were heard on:
- Report on Education Finance Required by Section 12 of Senate Bill 1552
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education
An Informational Hearing was held on:
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HB 5037 - Teacher Standards and Practices Commission
Public Hearings were held on:
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HB 5018 - Board of Licensed Social Workers
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HB 5037 - Teacher Standards and Practices Commission
Week 6 - Oregon State Capitol Visits in the halls and in #S207 (Your Senate District 15 Capitol office)
In The News
High schooler in Hillsboro crafts legislation to prevent high school vaping
Oregon Capital Chronicle, Mike McInally, February 26, 2025
The 15-year-old sophomore is the driving force behind Senate Bill 544, a one-page proposal that would require high schools with more than 1,500 students to install vaping-detection devices in bathrooms and common areas. He persuaded Sen. Janeen Sollman, D-Hillsboro, to sponsor the bill and is lobbying other lawmakers for their support.
Oregon lawmaker tries again to ban the use of plastic trash bags used as luggage for kids in foster care
OPB, Lauren Dake, February 25th, 2025.
“It’s been perplexing to me that a state I love and an agency that we trust to care for our children facing so much trauma just couldn’t get it,” Sollman said.
Lawmakers propose stricter ban on common store item after shoppers find loophole: 'We've known for a very long time'
The Cool Down, Lindy Whitehouse, February 22nd, 2025.
In an effort to combat plastic waste, numerous states have introduced bans on grocery stores' and restaurants' use of plastic bags at checkout.
If passed, Oregon Senate Bill 551, which is sponsored by Democrat Janeen Sollman of Hillsboro, will phase out other single-use plastics such as toiletries offered in hotels. California recently passed similar legislation that has banned plastic bags, and in January stores will only be able to offer recycled paper bags.
Out and About in Senate District 15
Community Conversation
Last Saturday, I held my 138th Community Conversation in Forest Grove. Over 25 people came out to talk about issues, ranging from federal to local, that are important to them. I look forward to continuing the conversation and seeing you at an upcoming event.
Hillsboro School Foundation Silver Gala
Last weekend I had the opportunity to once again host the Hillsboro Schools Foundation Silver Gala. It was a great night in support of Hillsboro Schools.
Washington County Library Pairings and Pages
On Friday night, we celebrated Washington County Libraries with pairings and pages. It was great to see community support for our libraries.
Senate District 15 - Small Business Spotlight
Since 2000, our family-owned Mexican restaurant has been serving up authentic flavors and heartfelt hospitality. We're passionate about bringing the rich traditions of Mexican cuisine to our community, with recipes that have been passed down through generations. Whether you're enjoying a classic dish or discovering a new favorite, we take pride in every meal we serve, ensuring that every bite feels like home. Come join us for a warm, welcoming experience where family and flavor always come first!
More information can be found on the La Sierra website, here. Visit them at 2331 Pacific Ave. Forest Grove, OR 97116 United States.
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Community Outreach
Honoring Black History Month- Hillsboro School District Board Member Nancy Thomas
Nancy Thomas is a strong leader and advocate in our community, who serves in more ways than one. Board Member Thomas currently works as Multnomah County's Oregon Department of Human Services Chief Operating Officer, while serving as Hillsboro School Districts position 3 Board Member.
Board Member Thomas started her time in HSD in 2021, after winning her first election. She is a member of the Budget Committee, and is actively involved in HSD’s Black Village Family Advisory Committee.
Before she began working on behalf of Oregonians, she got her start at Drake University; earning a BA in International Business, Spanish, and Japanese. Following her graduation, she attended Northern Kentucky University—Salmon P. Chase College of Law where she obtained her Juris Doctorate.
I sincerely appreciate and admire the work Board Member Thomas does for our community, and the Hillsboro School District. Thank you!
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Tree Planting at M&M Marketplace - Saturday, March 1st
Cherry Blossom Day at the State Capitol - Saturday, March 15th
 Cherry Blossom Day Schedule:
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11 a.m. – Monmouth Taiko
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11:50 a.m. – City of Salem proclamation by Mayor Julie Hoy
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Noon – Martial arts demonstration by Yoichi Kozuma
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12:30 p.m. – Musical performance by Masumi Timson (koto) and Courtney Von Drehle (accordion)
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1:15 p.m. – Musical performance by Miwa Holman, Yuko Hong, Nanami Riedel, and Seika Kyoda
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2 p.m. – Kimono fashion show
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2:30 p.m. – Bon dance (audience participation encouraged!)
For more information regarding Cherry Blossom Day, please contact Visitor Services.
Additional Resources
Senate District 15 – Event Calendars
Federal Delegation Links
Education Links
Food and Housing Assistance
Immigration Resources
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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