Dear Neighbors and Community Members,
We have reached an exciting point in Session—next week, the Transportation and Reinvestment Package will be released as HB 2025. Collaboration has guided every step of our work on this bill, which builds on the framework we shared in April and reflects feedback from legislators, stakeholders, community advocates, and constituents. We look forward to robust discussion and engagement so we can finalize a bill that holds the agency accountable and ensures that we can maintain our roads and bridges across the state.
Next Monday, June 9th, the Transportation Reinvestment Committee will introduce HB 2025. Public hearings will provide an opportunity for in-depth conversations on the following topics:
- Monday the 9th from 5 - 6:30 pm: Introduction of the Bill
- Tuesday the 10th from 5 - 7 pm: Transit, Rail, and Micromobility
- Wednesday the 11th from 5 - 7 pm: Maintenance, Operation, and Preservation
- Thursday the 12th at 5 - 7 pm: Accountability, Anchor Projects, and Safety
In this newsletter, you’ll find:
- An update on the Transportation and Reinvestment Package
- Highlights from the Legislature this week
- Exciting news on the Clean Vehicles Rebate Program
- Opportunities to chime in on the I-5 Bridge Replacement Project
- Concerns over federal Medicaid cuts & immigration resources
- Celebration of Pride Month & local Pride events
- A shoutout to an Oregon Kid Governor Cabinet Member
- Summer resources in Western Washington County
 
NEW INFORMATION ON FRAMEWORK
As I mentioned in the introduction to this newsletter, next week will be a very busy week for the new Joint Committee on Transportation Reinvestment. Below you will find an overview of where we are and also the latest informational sheet (front and back) on the Transportation Reinvestment Package (TRIP).
The Need for the Transportation Reinvestment Package:
The need has been well-documented by local counties and cities, the Legislature, and ODOT, and the reality is that we are in a very tough funding crisis now. This crisis comes from years of underfunding transportation, relying primarily on a gas tax that is declining with increased fuel efficiency in cars and trucks, and the simultaneous dramatic increase in the cost of construction and maintenance for ODOT due to rising inflation nationally and worldwide.
We cannot afford to wait to act because the safety and sustainability of our transportation system impact the lives of all Oregonians, all businesses, all schools, and all families. The Legislature is responsible for ensuring that ODOT has stable, sufficient, and diversified funding mechanisms that allow the agency to meet the needs of our multimodal system and all Oregonians now and into the future.
The current reality is that ODOT and transportation systems nationwide are struggling financially, and if no action is taken, the agency will no longer be able to maintain even some basic services. If the Legislature does not raise more revenue, ODOT will have only enough funding to keep state highway maintenance levels roughly stable until the middle of 2025.
What Oregonians Have Told Us;
The Joint Transportation Committee has been working on a solution for several years now, and we were very intentional and methodical in our approach to a transportation funding package this legislative session.
We went on a 13-stop Statewide Transportation Safety and Sustainability Outreach Tour, which allowed us to gather feedback and input from the public to inform our efforts to create sufficient and sustainable transportation funding. We heard familiar themes across the state about the importance of a resilient and safe multimodal system and the need for stable funding.
The feedback we received helped us further understand Oregonians' unique transportation needs and the challenges of maintaining a safe, accessible, and reliable transportation system. We saw the impacts of deteriorating roads, bridges vulnerable to earthquakes, unsafe bike and pedestrian paths, and more. We came away knowing there is strong agreement across Oregon that we must improve our transportation system -- from roads and bridges to buses and bike paths.
We also held over 50 hours of topic-specific workgroups to continue the more nuanced conversations and consider specific ideas we heard at our tour roundtables and public hearings.
Ensuring Stability and Fairness:
We understand that affordable living is on the minds of all Oregonians, and we are working conscientiously to ensure that we keep costs down and save money. It will be cheaper to fund the basic maintenance of our roads and bridges now, rather than wait until the problems are larger and more costly.
We are also working to ensure that all users pay fairly into our system so that no particular group has an outsized financial burden. In addition, we believe that ODOT has an obligation to be good stewards of the public's money and will be introducing important accountability requirements to ensure that revenue raised is efficiently and effectively used to solve our transportation challenges.
Read more details in the information sheet below:
IMPORTANT LEGISLATIVE ACTION THIS WEEK
With less than a month to go, we are working hard to pass necessary budgets and important bills. Here's a look at what happened in the Legislature this past week.
♦Ways & Means Committee approves new drug crisis intervention investments:
Building on past investments, Friday, the Joint Ways and Means Committee approved millions of dollars to address the drug crisis and other pressing public safety needs amid a tight budget cycle with limited available resources. New drug crisis intervention investments in the Criminal Justice Commission budget (House Bill 5005) include:
- $40 million for county and tribal deflection programs to connect people to substance use disorder treatment options and out of jail cells.
- $10 million to support in-custody opioid use disorder treatment in local jails.
- $13 million for IMPACTS grants to fund local behavioral health or substance use disorder treatment programs.
- $267,432 for a permanent staff at the Treatment Court Grant Program to process and track compliance of statewide grant programs.
Drug overdose deaths in Oregon fell by 22% between December 2023 and December 2024, CDC data shows, demonstrating the impact of legislative action in recent years, including increasing access to treatment, expanding distribution of Naloxone, and boosting prevention programs. Legislative funding will help the state build on this progress and assist Oregonians struggling with substance use disorders.
In addition to distributing drug crisis intervention grants, the Criminal Justice Commission administers a variety of public-safety focused grant programs supported by federal and state resources.
Funding for these other public safety issues in HB 5005 include:
- $5 million to the Organized Retail Theft Grant Program to cover law enforcement positions, overtime, and equipment to combat and prosecute organized retail theft.
- $4 million to Restorative Justice, to provide grants for community-based alternatives to the criminal and juvenile legal systems.
- $850,000 for the Family Preservation Project at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, which connects mothers with their children to reduce the impacts of incarceration on families.
HB 5005 now moves to the House and Senate floors.
♦Votes on Education Budget this week:
In my Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education meetings this week, we took some very important votes to fund education priorities. Here is a look at what we passed:
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SB 5525 to fund Higher Education: We allocated $3.9 billion total funds and 196 positions for the Higher Education Coordinating Commission. This is a $81.1 million, or 2.1%, increase from 2025-27 current service level budget and is 6.2% below the 2023-25 legislatively approved budget.
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SB 5514 to fund the Department of Early Learning & Care: We allocated $1.4 billion total funds and 376 positions (369.20 FTE) for the Department of Early Learning and Care.
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HB 2815 A on Tribal Learning Support: We voted to approve this bill, which directs the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) to develop and implement a statewide early learning and care plan for Native American and Alaska Native children eight years old or younger, abolishes the existing Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC), and establishes the Oregon Tribal Early Learning Alliance to advise DELC on the development of the plan. The measure directs DELC to establish and administer a grant program to carry out the plan and creates the Tribal Early Learning Fund.
♦SB 777 on Wolf Depredation Passes House
Senate Bill 777 modifies the Wolf Depredation Compensation Program by specifying that compensation is provided to individuals who suffer probable or confirmed losses or injury of livestock or working dogs, capping compensation at $25,000 per animal, and establishing certain compensation rates based on specified multipliers applied to fair market value.
This bill has been worked on for several years, and I have been part of the conversations in the House Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water Committee. I'm glad we finally have a way to support our ranchers. As the Coquille Indian Tribe said in a statement, “SB 777 seeks to restore a balance, reenlist the trust and partnership of local communities and industry most impacted by wolves.”
OREGON EV REBATE PROGRAM OPEN AGAIN
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality reopened the popular Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program on Thursday, May 22. In even more exciting news, the program will remain open longer this year due to funds awarded to DEQ last summer through the Climate Equity and Resilience Through Action grant. Any vehicles purchased or leased before May 22 are not eligible to apply for the rebate.
DEQ offers two rebates*:
- Standard Rebate (Open to all Oregon residents, businesses, non-profits and government agencies): Up to $2,500 for the purchase or lease of a new battery electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, or a new zero-emission motorcycle selected from the Standard Rebate Eligible Vehicle List
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Charge Ahead Rebate - you can select vehicle options from the Charge Ahead Eligible Vehicle List. This rebate is open to low- and moderate-income households and nonprofit low-income service providers):
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The Used Charge Ahead Rebate: $5,000 for the purchase or lease of an eligible used battery electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle
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The New Charge Ahead Rebate: Up to $7,500 for the purchase or lease of an eligible new battery electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle
*You may only apply for one rebate.
OPEN HOUSE & PUBLIC COMMENT ENDS 6/8
The deadline to provide the IBR Program with public input on the Draft Programmatic Agreement is approaching. In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), the IBR Program is providing opportunities for public comment through June 8.
The Draft Programmatic Agreement details how the Program will follow Section 106 of the NHPA and includes ideas for how to avoid, minimize, or mitigate for any harm, or adverse effects, to historic places previously identified with the Program's Area of Potential Effects. Adverse effects, or impacts to historic places that can't be avoided, will be mitigated. The Draft Programmatic Agreement includes mitigation strategies for these adverse effects that are based upon the Program’s impacts, the public interest, and input received during the Section 106 consultation process. Examples of mitigation may include:
- Moving, reusing, or rehabilitating historic buildings or features
- Taking photos or making drawings before buildings are changed or removed
- Creating educational materials like websites, signs, curriculum, public art or tours
- Studying and recording archaeological sites
To learn more about the Section 106 process, view the Draft Programmatic Agreement and provide public comment, please visit the Cultural Resources & Section 106 webpage.
MEDICAID CUTS WOULD HARM OREGONIANS
This week, the Oregon Senate Health Care Committee held an informational hearing:
Federal Medicaid Cuts: What’s at Stake for Oregon. According to expert panelists, Medicaid cuts proposed by the Trump administration will make health care more difficult to access for Oregonians in every corner of the state and will threaten the wellbeing of some of the state’s most vulnerable residents.
Today, nearly 97 percent of Oregonians have health insurance, up from just 85 percent in 2011. Oregon Medicaid Director Emma Sandoe explained the value of high rates of coverage in the state.
“When more people have coverage, it’s not just good for the people who are enrolled, it is good for the whole system,” she told the committee. “People covered are able to treat disease earlier, and providers are able to be paid for the health care services they deliver. This keeps providers in business for everyone.”
The proposed Medicaid cuts passed the U.S. House of Representatives May 22 and now are under consideration by the U.S. Senate.
RESOURCES FOR IMMIGRANTS & REFUGEES
The resources provided below are for information only, are not exhaustive, and do not constitute legal advice. For specific information about your rights and legal options, consult an attorney.
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HAPPY LGTBQIA+ PRIDE MONTH
It's Pride Month, and as I often mention when acknowledging important months of recognition, it's great to celebrate a month, but the work to honor and appreciate all of our family, friends, and neighbors in the queer community must be a daily act of love and allyship.
Below is a brief history of Pride Month courtesy of the Library of Congress:
"Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month is currently celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. The Stonewall Uprising was a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. In the United States the last Sunday in June was initially celebrated as ‘Gay Pride Day,’ but the actual day was flexible. In major cities across the nation the ‘day’ soon grew to encompass a month-long series of events. Today, celebrations include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia and concerts, and LGBTQ Pride Month events attract millions of participants around the world. Memorials are held during this month for those members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally."
Are you looking for ways to celebrate Pride Month in our area? Here are some great opportunities:
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Hillsboro Pride Party - Saturday, June 7 from 12:00-5:00 pm at Shute Park. Free and family-friendly - more info here.
- Other Pride Events in Metro Region:
CONNECTING WITH COMMUNITY
A highlight of my week was speaking to a group of seventh and eighth grade students from the Forest Grove Community School. These youth and their adult leaders were visiting Salem on an overnight excursion to learn about state government. The students observed our afternoon floor debate from the House Galleries, then shared their impressions with me. I was delighted to hear their thoughtful questions and comments on the policymaking process. Many students had a particular interest in education policy topics, including the Freedom to Read Bill (SB 1098) and discussions around bell-to-bell cell phone bans in schools. As a former teacher, hearing directly from students who visit the Capitol is one of the best parts of my job. Thank you to the FGCS trip organizers who made this special experience possible for students in our community!
This week, I was also excited to engage with numerous community stakeholders about our progress on a transportation plan that prioritizes safety, maintenance, and preservation for our roads and bridges across the state. I connected with environment and safety advocates for a conversation about the importance of multimodal functionality and pedestrian safety. I also spoke before the Westside Economic Alliance's Transportation Committee Meeting to provide an update on this Session's transportation funding work.
LOCAL STUDENT ON KID GOVERNOR CABINET
I have been a longtime proponent of Oregon’s Kid Governor program, which is a statewide civics program for 5th graders managed by the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office. Timed to coincide with Election Day in November, ORKG offers each elementary school in Oregon the opportunity to enter one student candidate into a statewide election that other 5th graders vote in. Classes can nominate a classmate to run for office, vote in the election or both. ORKG candidates work with their classmates to create a campaign video outlining:
- Why they want to be ORKG
- Their leadership qualities and skills
- A community issue that they want to address and why it’s important
- A 3-point plan that will help 5th graders across Oregon make a difference on that issue
I am proud to share that this year, a student from Western Washington County, Saanvi, is on the Oregon Kid Governor Cabinet. My staff and I met with her at the Capitol last week, and can confidently say she has a very bright future ahead of her. Congratulations, Saanvi! Watch her platform video on reducing homelessness and providing basic amenities to the unhoused at the video below:
SUMMER RESOURCES IN WESTERN WASHCO
Summer is officially around the corner with the Summer Solstice happening on June 20th. Below are resources on how to beat the heat, activity guides, and food availability for students during the summer.
Stay Safe in Extreme Heat:
As we head into June, now is the time to prepare for extreme heat. High temperatures can be dangerous, especially for older adults, young children and people without access to cooling. As temperatures rise, it's important to stay informed and take simple steps to stay safe.
- Stock up on water and make hydration part of your daily routine.
- Identify cool places you can go during the hottest parts of the day, such as libraries, community centers or malls.
- Check your fans and air conditioning to make sure they're working properly.
- Plan to check on family and neighbors who may be at risk during extreme heat.
Preparing today can save lives tomorrow. Let's work together to keep our community safe, healthy and cool all summer long. You can find additional heat-related resources at Ready.gov.
Find a Place to Stay Cool
Summer Activities in Western Washington County:
School is almost out and now is the time to start planning summer activities for students. Here's a few great resources to consider:
Summer Food Programs
If you need support for meals this summer, below are a few options to consider:
I also recommend considering the Summer EBT program:
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Summer EBT program - Summer EBT is a grocery benefits program. It helps families buy food for their school-aged children when school is out. Each summer, families will get one yearly payment of $120 for each eligible child to buy groceries.
Important dates for Summer EBT:
May 19, 2025: Oregon Summer EBT Call Center opens and the 2025 program starts.
May 22, 2025: Families who qualify automatically will begin to get their benefits.
May 30, 2025: Paper and online applications will start being processed.
Sept. 3, 2025: Last day to apply for 2025 benefits.
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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Capitol on a Friday!
Busy end of Session this month! Transportation 2025 Bill! Budget Decisions!
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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