Dear Neighbors and Community Members,
Happy May! This week, we recognized May Day to honor the labor movement and the contributions of workers in our community. I was inspired by the hundreds of Oregonians who gathered at the Capitol to support immigrant rights, safe workplaces, and economic opportunity for working families.
This upcoming weekend, I am looking forward to the second annual Pacific University Powwow. The Indigenous Student Alliance, in collaboration with the Beaverton/Hillsboro School District Indian Education Program, has worked hard to organize a full day of performances, crafts, and dining open to the public on Saturday, May 3rd. This year's event will honor Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Persons. Attendees are encouraged to wear red to bring awareness to this critical issue, and I welcome our community to take part.
In this week's newsletter you'll find:
- Updates on Summer Learning and other priority bills this Session
- Reflections on the Vietnam War and HCR 34
- Follow-up on impactful legislation from previous sessions
- Important Real ID information
- A recap of my meetings with community leaders
- Community Shout Outs
- Engaging events and activities in our region
ABOVE: Katie Riley (League of Women Voters) and I connected today about legal protections for "Know Your Rights" events, which inform our communities about their civil and constitutional rights. Civic education is key to a thriving community!
SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM TEAM MCLAIN
Happy Birthday, Rep. McLain! Your commitment to uplifting all voices, putting your community first, and finding practical solutions inspires us every day. Thank you for all you do. We are so proud to be part of your team. 🎂🎉🥳🎈
-Carolyn, Grace, Keenan, and Khushi
 
GOVERNOR SIGNS SUMMER LEARNING BILL
I am happy to share that on Wednesday, Governor Tina Kotek signed two bills that will fund summer learning programs this summer and the next two summers. Both bills passed with wide bipartisan support, marking an important step forward in the state’s commitment to provide summer learning opportunities for students and ongoing funding for this critical education support.
House Bill 2007 establishes the framework for a stable, evidence-based summer learning grant program focused on closing achievement gaps in literacy. House Bill 5047 dedicates state funding for summer reading programs for the next three years, including $35 million for this coming summer.
The new funding builds off of the work I did with the Governor in 2024 to pass House Bill 4082, which funded summer learning programming for that year and provided a framework for future legislation. I am pleased to see Oregon make a strong commitment to summer learning opportunities, which foster student success by improving readiness to learn, promoting academic achievement, and providing safe, healthy, and enriching ways to grow as individuals during the Summer months.
You can follow the implementation of summer learning programming at the Oregon Department of Education's "Summer Learning" page, which will continue to be updated as the agency works through the new requirements.
HCR-34 ON VIETNAM WAR PASSES HOUSE
On Wednesday, the House passed House Concurrent Resolution 34 with near-unanimous support. The resolution would designate April 30, 2025, as Vietnamese American Remembrance Day, on the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. It honors the contributions of Vietnam War veterans from the United States and the Republic of Vietnam, Vietnamese refugees, and the Vietnamese American community.
The Floor debate for this resolution was meaningful and heartfelt and I was proud to vote in favor to honor the Vietnamese refugees that have made the U.S. their home, and the Vietnam War veterans from here and the Republic of Vietnam.
Learn about the Vietnam Veterans Memorial currently being completed in phases at the Oregon Capitol. Phase 1 of the memorial, which honors the service and sacrifice of Oregon’s Vietnam veterans, was completed in November, 2024.
Watch the entire Floor debate on HCR 34 here.
ABOVE: Photos I took from my visit to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at the Oregon Capitol on Thursday.
RECENT UPDATES ON MCLAIN BILLS
Several of my personal bills that survived the First Chamber Deadline saw action in the Senate this week and you can read about their current status below. In this section, I also shae video testimony from a parent in support of HB 3192, the newborn screening bill that Rep. Owens and I are sponsoring. That bill is currently in Ways and Means where funding for Oregon's Newborn Screening Program has to be approved first.
♦HB 2299 ON DEEPFAKE IMAGES HAS SENATE HEARING
The Senate Committee on Judiciary held a hearing on HB 2299 this week and is planning a work session to vote it out of committee next Monday. As a reminder, I am a Chief Sponsor of this bill, along with Representative Mannix and Representative Hartman. It addresses the growing problem of using technology to create fake intimate images (deepfakes) of someone to harass or humiliate them. It provides necessary updates to Oregon’s statute covering the unlawful dissemination of an intimate image (also known as the revenge porn law) to include the dissemination of intimate digital image forgeries under the law as well.
The argument for HB 2299 is simple: if it's difficult to discern a deepfake image from a real one, the damage done is essentially the same and the act should be treated as such in Oregon statute.
You can view the hearing from the Senate Committee on Judiciary here.
♦HB 2356 ON LAND USE PASSES SENATE COMMITTEE
House Bill 2356, a bill I am working with the Metro Regional Government on, passed unanimously out of the Senate Committee on Housing and Development this week. The bill would require that a territory already in a city's urban growth boundary is also automatically annexed to the Metro District when it is annexed by a city. It simply eliminates the need for a separate Metro District annexation application as is currently required.
The bill provides a small technical fix to reduce red tape that will help efficiently facilitate needed development by Metro cities and will eliminate the current duplicative, costly, and time-consuming process of separate annexations. The bill does not change any urban growth boundary expansion requirements, nor does it change any city annexation requirements. In addition, the bill is not “retroactive” – it would only apply to city annexations going forward. It is a good governance bill that makes the annexation process smoother and saves money and time for city governments, Metro, and developers. Read the informational sheet on the bill here.
The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for a vote.
♦NEWBORN SCREENING IN SPOTLIGHT AT ROADSHOW
The Ways and Means Committee traveled to La Grande recently on their tour across the state to listen to Oregonians about budget priorities. They heard testimony from Amanda Bain on the importance of newborn screening and of funding HB 3192. Amanda traveled all the way from Baker City to tell the Committee about her son Abel, who was recently diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Abel, and so many other Oregon children, would have benefited from more robust newborn screening in Oregon. HB 3192 ensures Duchenne is added to our newborn screening list, and also allocates funding for our newborn screening lab to expand its screening protocols to save or enhance the lives of Oregon newborns with rare genetic diseases.
Watch Amanda's testimony by clicking here, or on the image below.
SPOTLIGHT ON IMPACTFUL LEGISLATION
I believe it's important as legislators for us to continue following policies after they've passed and are handed off to agencies for implementation. Sometimes a bill is still a good idea but isn't working as intended and needs to be changed. Other times, good policy ideas just don't have the effect hoped for and you need to think of new ways to address the issue. On a good day, it gives you the opportunity to reflect on bills that are making a real difference and helping Oregonians exactly as intended. This week, I'd like to shout out two recent bills that I was proud to vote for that deserve to be celebrated for the meaningful impact they are having. Keep reading to see how the Oregon Tribal Student Grant and the Rental Heat Pump Program are successfully providing resources for Oregonians.
♦THE OREGON TRIBAL STUDENT GRANT
I was proud to champion the Oregon Tribal Student Grant as a co-chair of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education three years ago, and the evidence is clear that our historic investment in the program is truly changing lives.
The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) just reported that there has been growing participation in the Oregon Tribal Student Grant (OTSG) since its launch in 2022. The Tribal Grant is opening doors to postsecondary degrees and certificates for hundreds of students from Oregon’s nine federally recognized Tribes, and there have been more applicants each year. In the first two years alone, 215 grantees earned credentials at community colleges and public universities.
The Oregon Tribal Student Grant pays for most or all public college-related expenses—including tuition, housing, books, and other costs not covered by other grants—for eligible students who are enrolled members of Oregon’s nine federally recognized Tribes. Among state financial aid programs, the OTSG is unique in its flexibility—it can cover total college costs at a time when the financial strain of housing and living expenses can be as much of a barrier as tuition. The OTSG can be applied toward undergraduate or graduate study at Oregon’s 24 public colleges and universities as well as eligible Oregon private non-profit institutions, where awards can go up to the allowable maximum amount at a public university. The grant is available to students at all levels, including those who just graduated from high school or earned their GED® and adults wanting to start or return to college.
The application is open for 2025-26 and tribal students are encouraged to learn about eligibility and apply.
♦RENTAL HEAT PUMP PROGRAM
Did you know that Oregon provides incentives for heat pumps to accelerate the clean energy transition for renters? Oregon Public Broadcasting just ran a story on this program that makes a meaningful impact, and you can read about it here:
The state Department of Energy runs the Oregon Rental Home Heat Pump program. It provides rebates to landlords installing energy efficient heat pumps and electrical upgrades from approved contractors to rental properties. Tenants living in rented rooms, houses, apartment buildings, manufactured homes and recreational vehicles qualify.
I was proud to vote for the program, which was established in Senate Bill 1536 (2022), after extreme high temperatures from the 2021 heatdome event killed at least 96 Oregonians.
Rebates for the program vary. Landlords can get up to $5,000 for installing an energy efficient heat pumps to a home. Additional incentives are available if the tenant is considered low- or moderate-income. For a manufactured dwelling or RV, incentives can go as high as $7,000.
Rebates can also apply to the entire electrical and HVAC system, if needed.
The program works directly with contractors. Landlords must contact approved contractors to begin a project. The rebate will be paid to the contractor who will then pass the savings to the homeowner.
IMPORTANT: REAL ID DEADLINE IS MAY 7TH
Please remember that starting May 7th, passengers 18 and older must show a state-issued REAL ID or a federally acceptable alternative, like a passport or military ID, at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoint to board a commercial U.S. flight. TSA reports that people who show up without acceptable ID will be taken aside and put through next-level security checks. These people will be delayed; it’s impossible right now to say whether that means missed flights.
As a result of the influx of customers trying to beat the May 7th deadline, DMV is serving more customers than ever and is at maximum capacity with longer weight times. Below is the latest information Legislators received from ODOT and DMV regarding the upcoming deadline.
The Current Situation: For the last few months, DMV has seen record numbers of REAL ID customers, and customers overall, in its field offices across the state. DMV is seeing as many as 55,000 customers each week, when in the past a very busy and effective week would see about 50,000 customers. That’s a 10% weekly increase over what has been considered maximum capacity and a nearly 20% increase over the roughly 46,000 customers during the same time frame in 2024. This increase is directly related to REAL ID transactions, as in recent weeks, 75% of in-office credential issuances were REAL IDs.
Depending on how prepared customers are with documents, REAL ID transactions can take longer to complete than others so the demand is accompanied by longer transaction times, further impacting the wait times at field offices. At some offices, DMV stops allowing walk-in customers after just an hour or two. This is because by that time, between REAL ID appointments and the walk-ins who have already checked in that morning, the office has already reached the maximum number of customers it can serve by the end of the day.
DMV Actions to Address the Increased Demand: Oregon DMV has added thousands of REAL ID appointments every week to help people looking to update their credential. Additionally, DMV staff from the Salem headquarters have voluntarily deployed to offices to take photos and perform VIN inspections, giving more time for trained field staff to serve customers. DMV has also been hiring temp workers to do simple tasks and free up more highly trained field staff. To help meet the demands for REAL ID, a rotating set of offices has been open on Saturdays, by appointment and for REAL ID only.
Avoiding Long Lines: Wait times are shorter for everyone when more customers take advantage of out-of-office options. If you don’t need a REAL ID and your transaction can be accomplished without visiting a field office, DMV encourages you to do so. Oregonians can complete many transactions online through DMV2U or visit one of the recently launched self-serve kiosks in 10 select Fred Meyer stores for vehicle registration renewals. These options present convenient alternatives to many in-person transactions and help free up space for additional customers at DMV field offices.
Recommendations: If you don’t need a REAL ID to travel soon, or if you have a passport or other federally accepted identification, you may be better served by waiting for the current rush to subside. If you plan to travel soon, don’t have a passport, and need a REAL ID now, there are a few things you can do to ensure the process goes smoothly.
- DMV recommends people make sure they’re bringing the correct documents to avoid a return trip. Individuals need to provide one proof of identity and two proofs of their home address from two different sources. A full list of acceptable documentation is available here. And, we strongly encourage people to use DMV’s documents guide in advance to help them create a checklist of the right documents to bring.
- Build-in three weeks to their travel schedule. That’s how long it can take for a REAL ID to arrive in the mail following one’s visit, and we are told that TSA will not accept the temporary paper ID one receives at DMV.
Additional Considerations: In weighing whether to get a REAL ID, Oregonians should:
- Make sure they don’t already have a REAL ID. An Oregon REAL ID has a star in the upper right corner.
- Know they don't need a REAL ID if they have a passport or other federally accepted alternative.
- Wait until their credential expires before upgrading if they aren’t flying anytime soon.
- Understand that REAL ID appointments are available, but they aren’t required. All DMV offices welcome walk-in traffic. If no appointment is available, constituents should check back later, as new appointments are released daily. Please note, REAL ID appointments are strictly for REAL ID. If someone books a REAL ID appointment for a different transaction, they could be turned away.
- If they have everything needed for their appointment, visit the self-check-in station in the lobby at most offices instead of waiting in line at the front desk.
- At busier DMV offices, once they have a ticket, ask if they can provide their cell number to receive text notifications, allowing them to leave and return when their number gets closer.
REFLECTING ON TRUMP'S FIRST 100 DAYS
CLICK THE VIDEO BELOW FOR OUR RESPONSE TO HARMFUL FEDERAL POLICIES:
In just 100 days, the Trump administration’s policies have already left a mark on Oregon. From economic disruptions to environmental threats, the impacts are real and they’re hitting our communities hard.
As a former teacher of 42 years, I am especially disturbed by this administration's attacks on our students, educators, and schools.
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Trump has attempted to dismantle the Department of Education and reduced its staff by ~50%, causing uncertainty for Pell Grant and federal student loan recipients.
- He has threatened sanctuary jurisdictions, by announcing plans to withhold school funding and prosecute officials who don’t comply with immigration orders.
- And he has jeopardized education funding for states and districts with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, impacting approximately $2.1 billion allocated to Oregon schools for the 2023–2025 biennium.
But Oregon House Democrats are fighting back. We’re working to:
- Advocate for policies that safeguard Oregon’s economy and support small businesses, strengthen our schools, and stand up for working families.
- Stand with our communities to uphold the values of fairness, opportunity, and inclusion.
- Support our federal delegation and statewide leaders who are fighting to hold the line against federal overreach.
Stay engaged by reaching out to my office and sharing your story. I want to hear how federal policies have impacted you, your family, and your community.
Please feel free to contact me by email at Rep.SusanMcLain@oregonlegislature.gov with your thoughts, questions, and concerns.
Follow me on social media to stay up to date with our work in the State Legislature:
CONNECTING WITH OUR COMMUNITY
This week, I was glad to connect with community leaders and advocates about our work on education, housing, and transportation goals.
It was a pleasure to speak with Nansi Lopez, the Policy Director of Centro Cultural about Centro's remarkable work in Hillsboro and Cornelius. Nansi and the Centro team model true leadership with their commitment to uplifting and empowering our community. She joined Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon to advocate for policies that expand housing access and homeownership in our state. Rising housing costs have impacted the safety and stability of Oregonians, and I am focused on finding solutions to make housing accessible for all.
I also connected with the PSU President Dr. Ann Cudd and ASPSU President Brady Roland about the important role of our public research institutions. We spoke about programs like Strong Start, which support underrepresented students in their transition from high school to college with summer bridge programming. I am committed to investing in higher education to ensure Oregon students have access to high-quality, affordable post-secondary opportunities.
I was excited to see several elected officials from Washington County in Salem. Senator Sollman and I got to check-in with Forest Grove City Councilors Angel Falconer and Brian Schimmel (above) after our hearing in the Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education. I always enjoy seeing folks from home at the State Capitol.
I also spoke to Washington County Commissioners Kathryn Harrington and Pam Treece (below) about necessary maintenance and improvements to our multimodal transportation system. Safety, accessibility, and climate resilience are top priorities for state and local stakeholders.
I was energized by the strong show of support for immigrant and working Oregonians in honor of May Day at the Capitol. Our elected leaders, including Governor Kotek, and hundreds of community members gathered to advocate for the rights of workers and stand up against federal policies harming our neighbors and our economy.
CORNELIUS FIRE DEPT PINNING CEREMONY
On April 22nd, every member of the Cornelius Fire Department was officially sworn in together during a department-wide fire pinning ceremony. This event honored the service of the Cornelius firefighters who dedicate their lives to keeping our community safe and healthy. For the first time ever, each member of the department was present for a shared swearing-in experience made possible by the Banks Fire Department who covered emergency calls during the ceremony. Thank you to the firefighters and first responders who exemplify servant leadership and show up for our communities in times of need.
Click the image below to check out photos and reflections from the event:
ELECTRIC GARBAGE TRUCKS IN WASHCO
Congratulations to Pride Disposal on their ribbon-cutting ceremony unveiling two new electric garbage and recycling vehicles. These zero-emission trucks will serve families and homes in Washington County.
I was pleased to write a letter of support for Pride Disposal when they applied for grant funding to assist with the purchase of these electric trucks. I am also proud of Oregon’s leadership in the transition to zero-emission trucks, which benefit both the environment and the trucking industry. In the 2023 Session, I sponsored House Bill 3409 and championed its passage as co-chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. HB 3409 appropriated $3 million for deposit in the Zero-Emission Medium and Heavy Duty Vehicle Incentive Fund, allowing Oregon to expand opportunities for electric trucks.
BELOW: I attended and spoke at the 2023 launch of TITAN Freight Systems' new heavy-duty electric truck. It is great to see continued progress for our climate and economy!
UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
Here's a look at upcoming events in Western Washington County. If your organization is hosting an event and you'd like me to consider sharing it in my newsletter, please email me the information at rep.susanmclain@oregonlegislature.gov.
Rotary Expo 2025
This FREE one-day expo showcases Rotary service projects. The event will feature interactive exhibits, community leaders, and information on how Rotary clubs are addressing key issues like education, health, sustainability, and peacebuilding. Click here to learn more.
WHEN: Saturday, May 3rd from 10am-5pm
WHERE: Wingspan Event & Conference Center in Hillsboro
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Pacific University Powwow
The Indigenous Student Alliance, in collaboration with the Beaverton/Hillsboro School District Indian Ed program, will host a powwow to honor Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Persons. Admission is free and all are welcome. The event will feature arts, crafts, and food vendors, drums, singers, and dancers. Click here to learn more.
WHEN: Saturday, May 3rd from 12pm-9:30pm
WHERE: Pacific University’s Stoller Center
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Latino Business Summit
Join Washington County's first Spanish-language business event featuring, workshops, and networking opportunities. Click here to learn more.
WHEN: Thursday, May 22nd 8am-1pm
WHERE: Building 9, 17705 NW Springville Rd
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Barbershop for All Concert
PDX Voices and Vocal Summit present a barbershop chorus with a modern twist. This show is supported by a City of Hillsboro Performance Series Grant. Click here to learn more.
WHEN: Friday, May 2nd at 7:30 pm
WHERE: Walters Cultural Arts Center
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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