05/09/25 Senate District 15 Newsletter

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Senator Sollman

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To contact me, please click here: Sen​​​.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov


Friends and Neighbors,

Policy Spotlight 

Beyond Flowers, Support for Mothers & Women: House Bills 2541 & 3064

Mother’s Day is a time to honor the women who nurture, lead, and hold our communities together—not just with flowers, but with action.

This year, I’m proud to support legislation that goes beyond celebration and delivers meaningful support for mothers and women across Oregon. From ensuring agricultural workers have the right to express breast milk on the job, to guaranteeing access to essential menopause-related care, these bills recognize the needs of women throughout their lives.

  • House Bill 2541 – Extending Breast Milk Expression Protections to Agricultural Workers
    • House Bill 2541 ensures that agricultural workers in Oregon have the right to express breast milk in the workplace—extending a basic protection already available in many other industries.
    • This legislation addresses longstanding disparities in workplace rights and reflects a growing recognition that all Oregon workers—regardless of industry—deserve conditions that support their well-being and that of their families.  Providing time and space to express breast milk helps working mothers maintain breastfeeding, supporting both infant and maternal health.
  • House Bill 3064 – Expanding Health Coverage for Menopause-Related Care
    • It’s my privilege to be a chief sponsor of House Bill 3064 which ensures that Oregon’s health benefit plans—including those covering public educators and employees—provide comprehensive coverage for perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause care.
    • Menopause is a major health transition that can involve severe fatigue, depression, and increased risk for osteoporosis. Yet many health plans fail to cover the full range of proven treatments—such as hormone therapy, antidepressants, and osteoporosis medications—leaving women to navigate serious symptoms without adequate medical support.  This bill eliminates financial and coverage barriers to critical care.
    • Menopause-related care is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. By closing long-standing coverage gaps, HB 3064 supports health and well-being while strengthening Oregon’s workforce.

Senate Floor Invocation

On May 8th we had Katherine Rhee who performed a Beetles number on the Senate Floor! Katherine has been involved in the community arts for over 30 years, starting with several classical orchestras. She helped to pioneer the Hillsboro Symphony Orchestra and spent 13 years with the Willamette Falls Symphony. Her music interests span far beyond classical music, and she now plays many different genres - both solo, and in a country band and in a Celtic band.

We are grateful for her visiting and inspiring us!

Music

Legislative Updates

This Week's Testimonies and Floor Speeches


Week 16 Bill Updates

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Week 16 Committee Snaps

Senate Committee on Energy and Environment

Public Hearings were held on:

  • HB 3546- Relating to large energy use facilities
  • HB 3618- Relating to energy facilities
  • HB 3729- Relating to crematory incinerators

Work Sessions were held on:

  • HB 3653- Relating to energy performance contracts

Informational Hearings were held on:

  • Opportunities and Examples of Refillable and Reusable Products in Oregon
  • Battery Producer Responsibility Program (House Bill 2062, 2025)

Senate Committee on Education

Public Hearings were held on:

  • HB 2453- Relating to education
  • HB 2649- Relating to tuition and fees for public universities
  • HB 2670- Relating to education for children with a traumatic brain injury
  • HB 3007- Relating to accommodations for students diagnosed with a brain injury
  • HB 2900- Relating to teachers
  • HB 3026- Relating to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission
  • HB 3365- Relating to climate change instruction in public schools
  • HB 3731- Relating to reporting by institutions of higher education

Work Sessions were held on:

  • HB 3025- Relating to the Oregon Opportunity Grant program
  • HB 3027- Relating to injunctions regarding career school regulatory violations
  • HB 3028- Relating to degree authorization by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission
  • HB 3449- Relating to a pilot program to provide support to foster child students
  • HB 2530- Relating to school buses
  • HB 2586- Relating to nonresident tuition exemption for asylum seekers
  • HB 2695-Relating to duties of the Oregon Health and Science University Board of Directors

An Informational Hearings was held on:

  • Regional Universities

Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education

Public Hearings were held on:

  • SB 5525- Relating to the financial administration of the Higher Education Coordinating Commission

Work Sessions were held on:

  • HB 5028- Relating to the financial administration of the State Board of Pharmacy
  • SB 5507- Relating to the financial administration of the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners
  • SB 5544- Relating to state financial administration
  • SB 5532- Relating to the financial administration of specified boards

Informational Hearings were held on:

  • Department of Early Learning and Care - Every Child Belongs

Week 16 - Oregon State Capitol Visits in the halls and in #S207 (Your Senate District 15 Capitol office)

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Out and About in Senate District 15

144 Community Conversations and counting!

Listening remains the foundation of my work as a legislator. I completed my 144th Community Conversation along side Representative Hai Pham, DMD of HD 36 and Representative Nathan Sosa of HD 30 this past weekend at The Springs at Tanasbourne —and as always, I’m grateful to everyone who made time to be there.

These gatherings are where ideas are shared, concerns are voiced, and community is strengthened. Thank you for showing up, speaking up, and helping shape the future we share.

Community

antkwak Early Learning Center Dedication and Soft Opening!

Thousands of children, ranging from birth to age five, will benefit annually from services and evaluations at the new antkwak Early Learning Center. The center will be a hub for early learning programs in Washington County, including special education for children under five.

The nearly 50,000 square-foot building includes 11 large classrooms all with natural light, sensory-friendly design and structural amenities. It also includes an assessment center, professional learning spaces and indoor and outdoor play areas.

Hundreds of children who experience various disabilities will have the opportunity to attend specialized and/or inclusive preschool programs depending on their needs. Babies, toddlers and their families will attend playgroups, receive coaching and other early intervention services.

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Community Outreach

Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AANHPI). we take time to reflect and celebrate the important role that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) have played in our shared history. The 2025 National Theme is "A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience". This year’s theme honors the hard work of AANHPI leaders who established a foundation for future generations to thrive and adapt to change and adversity. 

Fun fact! Hillsboro and Fukuroi, Japan celebrates 37 years as a Sister City in November 2025. Throughout the years, the two cities have participated in student and employee exchange programs, annual gift exchanges of cultural artifacts, and more. Visit the fifth floor of the Hillsboro Civic Center to see art, artifacts, and documents that detail the relationship.

Events are being held across the state to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Visit the sites below to learn more!


Additional Resources

Senate District 15 – Event Calendars

Federal Delegation Links

Education Links

Food and Housing Assistance

Immigration Resources


Family

We are rounding the corner in the 2025 session. As we anxiously await the Revenue forecast on May 14, I remain optimistic that we will stay focused and work together on the tough issues we face ahead. 

This weekend, I hope you find time to be with loved ones and celebrate the moments that matter—especially as we honor mothers and caregivers in our lives.

Be good to yourself and each other. ❤

Onward & Upward,

Janeen

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