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To contact me, please click here: Rep.SusanMcLain@oregonlegislature.gov 

Dear Neighbors and Community Members,

I would like to begin this newsletter by remembering my friend and colleague Senator Aaron Woods, who passed away last weekend. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones, staff members, and the community he loved and served. 

It was an honor to serve with Senator Woods on the Joint Transportation Committee in 2023 and 2024. In our personal conversations, I always felt connected to Senator Woods by our shared commitment to looking out for our communities' needs and finding practical solutions. I will miss him.

A few bright spots in my week were opportunities to hear from our community. I was grateful to be included in Street Trust's Oregon Active Transportation Summit and the Hillsboro Education Association's town hall. Each event brought together hundreds of local leaders and community members to advocate for improvements to our education and transportation systems. I was inspired and energized by our collective commitment to strong schools and safe streets. Keep reading to learn more about the powerful conversations at these events.

In this newsletter, you'll find:

• A recognition of Fair Housing Month
• Important bills on supporting workers and domestic violence victims
• News on our critical transportation work this session
• A recap of two inspiring community events
• An update on Oregon's response to federal tariffs 
• Upcoming activities in Washington County

BELOW: I enjoyed a recent visit with Pooja Bhatt, a fierce advocate for sound and evidence-based Education policy for Oregon students. Pooja was instrumental in passing the Summer Learning bill in 2024 when she worked for Governor Kotek.

RECOGNIZING FAIR HOUSING MONTH

April is Fair Housing Month, with this year marking the 57th anniversary of the federal Fair Housing Act. The law prohibits discrimination in housing based on: 

• race
• national origin
• religion
• sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
• disability
• and familial status

Oregon State law also protects recipients of public assistance and survivors of domestic violence from housing discrimination.

Housing discrimination can take many forms, including community members seeking to rent, purchase, finance, or obtain insurance on a home, land use regulations, or neighbor-on-neighbor harassment.  

The concept of “fair housing” recognizes that people have the right to choose where they live, but legal protection has not guaranteed that the doors to equal housing opportunity are kept open. Federal, State, and Local fair housing laws all play a part in protecting people seeking housing.  

Learn more about fair housing laws by visiting the Fair Housing Council of Oregon. You can also report housing discrimination here.

CLOSING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LOOPHOLE

I was proud to join my colleagues in the Oregon House to overwhelmingly pass HB 2975A, legislation that restores courts’ ability to impose separate sentences for distinct acts of violence—such as strangulation and assault—committed in the context of domestic violence.

The bill passed with strong bipartisan support. The legislation, championed by Representative Annessa Hartman (D-Gladstone/Oregon City), addresses the fallout of the 2024 Oregon Court of Appeals decision in State v. Miles, which interpreted the domestic violence statute in a way that requires courts to merge multiple charges—such as strangulation, assault, and menacing—into a single conviction if they all fall under the broad statutory definition of “abuse.”

Under current law, a defendant who strangles and punches their intimate partner in the same incident may receive only a single conviction and a lighter sentence than if those same crimes were committed against a stranger. HB 2975A clarifies that the “constituting domestic violence” designation is not an element of a criminal offense for the purpose of merger, allowing courts to sentence each charge independently, as they would in any non-domestic setting.

The bill emerged from the House Judiciary Committee with unanimous support and represents the collaborative work of prosecutors, defense attorneys, the judiciary, and the Department of Justice.

BILLS THAT SUPPORT OREGON WORKERS

This week, I want to shout-out four bills being championed by Oregon AFSCME that provide important and necessary changes to better protect state workers.

Senate Bill 606: This bill, introduced by Senator Wlnsvey Campos, addresses stress-related conditions derived from working environments. Due to the increased acuity of the populations they serve and chronic understaffing, workers at the Oregon State Hospital and the Stabilization and Crisis Unit at Oregon Department of Human Services are regularly exposed to unsafe conditions and trauma on the job, but often have trouble accessing workers compensation to help them heal or are met with an overly burdensome process. SB 606 would add SACU and OSH employees to the presumption that PTSI and other stress-related conditions are work-related for the purposes of workers compensation benefits. These behavioral and mental health workers work to ensure the wellbeing of Oregon’s most vulnerable and we need to ensure that we are taking care of workers by providing them with this benefit.

Senate Bill 757 A: This bill, introduced by Senator Chris Gorsek, ensures that the housing allowance that is paid to a Tier 3 PERS member who is a OHSU chaplain is treated as if it were includable in a member's taxable income for purposes of determining salary. The work that Chaplains do is extremely important. They provide support to patients, family, and staff of any and no faith in practical, emotional and spiritual ways during some of the toughest days of their lives. This inclusion in taxable income is already allowed for prison Chaplains, but does not include Chaplains at OHSU.

Senate Bill 1148 A: This bill, introduced by Senator Kathleen Taylor, addresses a problem that is currently happening to Oregonians. When an eligible employee files a claim for short-term disability, they are told they must exhaust their PaidLeave Oregon benefits prior to being eligible for short-term disability. This bill prohibits employers and disability insurance providers from requiring employees to utilize or apply for any other available benefits prior to being eligible for short-term disability.

BELOW: Meeting with Odalis Aguilar-Aguilar from Oregon AFSCME to discuss how we can do more to protect workers.

KEY POINTS OF THE TRANSPORTATION PLAN

As a reminder, my Joint Committee on Transportation co-chair, Senator Chris Gorsek, and I have been working hard over the last several years to hear about the Transportation needs of Oregonians in rural and urban areas, from our jurisdictional partners, businesses, and also environmental and safety advocates. Those conversations became the foundation of a Transportation funding proposal, called the Oregon Transportation ReInvestment Program (Oregon TRIP), that was just released at the beginning of April. The TRIP framework is a starting point for more detailed conversations happening in the Legislature right now. Below is a brief overview of the key framework elements.

THIS IS A STARTING POINT

• The 2025 framework stays true to Oregon’s value of a user-pay system, and enhancing access through a multimodal approach. Our recommendations are rooted in having a safe, equitable, and environmentally responsible transportation system.

FRAMEWORK OBJECTIVES

• Maintain the roads and bridges we have
• Improve safety across the system
• Invest in a true multimodal approach
• Finish promised projects that will keep our economy moving
• Ensure good stewardship & accountability for transportation funding

BACK TO BASICS:

• Prioritized funding for maintenance, operations, and preservation
• Most revenue will have the current distribution method of 50/30/20 - the state receives 50%, counties 30%, and cities 20%
• Programs with a strong nexus to local government and safety, like Great Streets and Safe Routes to School, are distributed outside of the 50/30/20 formula

ADDRESS LIGHT VEHICLE-RELATED TAXES:

• Oregon has the lowest light vehicle-related fees across 7 western states in our region, with an average of $293 a year. California has the highest at $1120 and Washington the second highest at $1068

MODERNIZE TRANSPORTATION FUNDING

• Index Fuels Tax to tie it to inflation to ensure future solvency of the revenue stream
• Phase in a mandatory Road Usage Charge (RUC) for light vehicles 
• Phase in mandatory Road Usage Charge for corporate delivery fleets: A business that operates at least 10 medium-duty vehicles 

STEWARDSHIP & ACCOUNTABILITY

• Restore Highway Cost Allocation balance per the Oregon Constitution
• Reclassify diesel as a motor vehicle fuel to alleviate administrative burdens on small company fuel sellers and fuel users, ensuring improved compliance
• Simplify weight-mile rates to reduce weight-mile tax evasion and alleviate administrative burdens on trucking companies
• Ensure ODOT Accountability through a thorough review of ODOT’s existing accounting, budget, and project delivery processes and practices. 

MULTIMODAL INVESTMENTS:

• TRANSIT: As Oregon’s population continues to age and grow, it is important to provide sustainable ways for all Oregonians to access needs and community
• PASSENGER & FREIGHT RAIL: Railways efficiently move freight to and from port and passengers up and down the I-5 area. Rail also offers a great alternative to congested highways, is the most environmentally responsible way to ship freight by land, and provides a much safer transportation alternative.
• OFF-SYSTEM BIKE/PED PATHS: More than 80% of Oregonians report using local trails. Trails create the safest places for people of all ages and abilities to walk, bike, scoot, and skate. They also help communities reduce miles in vehicles, and help the state meet climate goals as well as support local tourism economies. Trails also increase access to nature, health, and wellness.

FINISHING WHAT WE STARTED

• NEED: Keeping Oregon’s commitments from projects started in HB 2017 - These are projects that meet the criteria of having federal and state investments and have already been started
• REVENUE: Funding for Priority Commitments - projects that are the anchors of our multimodal system

IBR JOINS PANEL AT LOCAL WEA EVENT

Last week, The Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) Program participated in the Westside Economic Alliance Policy Conference 2025, to contribute to the discussion on building a strong regional economy.

IBR Program Administrator Greg Johnson joined other panel members to discuss what steps can be taken to ensure our state and region are on a path to economic stability that can withstand external financial shocks. Greg shared insights on how major infrastructure efforts – like the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program – can help support jobs in the region.

 The IBR program will help boost our economy by providing a multimodal transportation corridor that benefits all travelers, from the local community to long-haul truck drivers traveling on I-5 to deliver goods. Improving the congestion and safety of the corridor alone will provide economic benefits across the region through more reliable travel times, improved safety, and improved access to goods and services.

Construction activities are anticipated to generate economic benefits nearly double the cost to build the program. It is estimated that for every $1 billion spent on construction, 5,500 direct jobs and 10,900 indirect jobs will be supported. This means that tens of thousands of jobs across multiple industries will be generated during the construction period— benefiting workers, local businesses, and families.

STRONG PARTNERSHIP ON I-5 BRIDGE

Completing a project as large and complex as a new I-5 Bridge takes a strong commitment from all parties. As a co-chair for Oregon on the Bi-State Legislative Committee to replace the I-5 Bridge, I work with partners from the Washington Legislature and from local jurisdictions that are truly dedicated to ensuring this project benefits our entire region. I am thankful for the leadership of Senators Marko Liias and Annette Cleveland, Representative Jake Fey, and Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle. They, along with many other supporters, recently sent letters reinforcing their commitment to the I-5 Bridge project to all members of Washington's congressional delegation and to Washington Governor Bob Ferguson. You can read the letters at these links:

• Partner letter to Washington Congressional Delegation
• Partner letter to Washington Governor Bob Ferguson

Both the Oregon and Washington Legislatures have also signaled their continuing support for replacing the I-5 Bridge. Washington approved House Bill 1958, authorizing the sale of $2.5 billion in general obligation bonds for the bridge. Oregon's Joint Committee on Transportation is hearing HB 2931 next week, which reinforces our support for the project and updates statutes that related to the previous iteration of the I-5 Bridge Project in 2013, known as the Columbia River Crossing.

OREGON ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION SUMMIT

A highlight of my week was speaking at The Street Trust's Oregon Active Transportation Summit to over 400 business leaders, local elected officials, and community members about the importance of safety and accessibility in our multimodal transportation system. The Street Trust is an advocacy organization that mobilizes all street users to work towards safety, equity, and climate resilience in our transportation system.

We discussed the initial framework for transportation funding this session, and highlighted the needs of active transportation users. Whether walking, biking, or using public transit, everyone deserves to be safe on their journey.

Safety for all users is the top priority for the Joint Transportation Committee, and this framework is the starting point for urgent action this session. I appreciate the engagement from our community on this issue and thank The Street Trust for organizing this important conversation.

HILLSBORO EDUCATION TOWN HALL

I was excited to connect with over 375 families and educators at the Hillsboro Education Association's town hall this week. I heard directly from teachers, staff, students, and parents about the opportunities and challenges facing our schools. Listening to our community was a powerful reminder of the need for critical investments in our education system.

As a former teacher of 42 years, I first came to the State Legislature to advocate for Oregon schools. Ensuring our education system is robust, high-quality, and equitable will always be my highest priority. Thank you to all of the community members and organizers who made this event possible—and thank you to the educators who support our students each day!

OREGON WORKER RELIEF MEETING

Oregon Worker Relief (OWR) was at the Capitol this week for Immigrant Justice Advocacy Day. I appreciated the meaningful discussion I had with members from Western Washington County, and thank them for sharing their personal stories with me.

OWR is a coalition of over 100 community based organizations working for immigrant and refugee justice in our state. These organizations have united behind five proven solutions this legislative session that will strengthen our state by ensuring everyone can meet their basic needs and fully contribute:

• Universal Representation - Ensures due process by providing legal representation to immigrants facing deportation or seeking to adjust their status. In its first two years, this successful program will have helped 10,000 Oregonians maintain stability for their families and employers.

• Farmworker Disaster Relief Fund - Protects essential agricultural workers during extreme weather events, making sure the people who grow our food don’t have to choose between their safety and paying rent or feeding their families.

• Home Fund - Provides emergency assistance to immigrant Oregonians to prevent eviction and homelessness through trusted community-based organizations to keep our communities stable and our workforce strong.

• Indigenous Language Justice - Ensures Indigenous languages speakers can access qualified interpreters. Everyone deserves to understand and be understood, especially in hospitals, courts, schools and public offices.

• Food for All Oregonians - Allows youth and elderly Oregonians to access food assistance, because no one should go hungry in our state. When all families can put food on the table, our children do better in school, health care costs decrease, and our local businesses thrive.

MY TEAM MEETS WITH SEIU & UO STUDENTS

This week, my staff had the opportunity to connect with advocates on labor and higher education priorities. They spoke to members of SEIU, who shared stories about challenges facing state workers. These state employees serve Oregonians in their times of need and provide critical services to our community. Our office appreciated their advocacy and passion for serving our communities and for raising their voices to protect our most marginalized groups.

My staff also connected with students from the University of Oregon, who shared about the importance of sustaining our institutions of higher education. Investments in education are investments in our future, and I am proud to support robust funding for our universities and student support programs. The Oregon Legislature should support our university students by allocating money for the Student Basic Needs and Workforce Stabilization Act and funding $2 million for the Open Educational Resources Program.

AG RAYFIELD CHALLENGES TARIFFS

We know the Trump administration's tariffs will drive up prices on essentials and threaten our economy. Our state leaders are using every tool to protect Oregonians from harmful and overreaching federal policies.

Our Attorney General Dan Rayfield is leading a 12 state lawsuit against the Trump administration to block federal tariffs that will hurt working families and local businesses. Here is what AG Rayfield said about his latest effort to protect Oregonians from cost increases and economic chaos: 

“When a president pushes an unlawful policy that drives up prices at the grocery store and spikes utility bills, we don’t have the luxury of standing by – especially when so many Oregonians live on fixed incomes,” said Rayfield.

Click here to read more from the Oregon Department of Justice.

EVENTS HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY

2025 Forest Grove Spring Wine Walk Celebrate Oregon Wine Month and enjoy 12 tastings of your choice from a variety of over 40 local wines. Click here to learn more.  WHEN: Saturday, May 3rd from 12-5pm WHERE: Assured Partners 2000 Pacific Ave

Hillsboro Film Festival Enjoy screenings of short films in late May! This film festival aims to uplift underrepresented stories and welcomes all ages. Click here to learn more. WHEN: May 30th-Jun 1st WHERE: The Vault Theater & Event Space

Joint Cities Annual Address Hear from the mayors of both Forest Grove and Cornelius during a luncheon catered by Prime Time. Click here to learn more.  WHEN: Monday, April 28th from 12-1:30pm WHERE: Cornelius Public Library

4-H Virtual Senior Scholarship Auction The 4-H Association of Washington County is holding a virtual auction to support senior scholarships and youth grants. Click here to learn more.  WHEN: April 19th to May 3rd

My office has compiled a list of resources for our community. You can click on the images below to open a document with the relevant links. If you know of a resource that should be included here, or you need a resource and are having trouble finding the information you need, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office at rep.susanmclain@oregonlegislature.gov.

EDUCATION RESOURCES

Click here, or on the image to the right for a list of Education-related resources. This includes links to the Forest Grove and Hillsboro School Districts, the Oregon and US Departments of Education, information on how to pay for college, student lunch programs, and much more! WILDFIRE-RELATED RESOURCES

Click here, or on the image to the right for important resources related to wildfire prevention and recovery. This list includes links to current fire restrictions and recreation site status maps, the Oregon Department of Forestry's fire prevention tip page, and important resources for wildfire victims. RESOURCES FOR OUR VETERANS

Click here, or on the image to the right for a list of important resources for Veterans, including links and phone numbers to the various divisions of the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs, local Washington County assistance, supportive and community-based groups like the American Legion, and mental health resources. STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Click here, or on the image to the right for links to important local and state government pages, including the Hillsboro, Forest Grove, and Cornelius city government pages. You can also access the Oregon Legislature's page, and other important state agency sites, like the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Unemployment Department, and the Oregon Health Authority.

Yours truly,

Representative Susan McLain
House District 29

email: Rep.SusanMcLain@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1429
address: 900 Court St NE, H-493, Salem, OR 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/mclain