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Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Community Members,
We hit a significant milestone at the Capitol this week with the formal introduction of House Bill 2025, the Transportation Reinvestment Plan. I have worked on the concept for HB 2025 over the past three years in my role as co-chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation, and I am grateful to everyone who came together to develop this plan. The bill encapsulates the feedback we received from over 800 meetings with stakeholders, advocates, and community organizations, as well as from the statewide tour and workgroup sessions held last year. The Transportation Reinvestment Committee held three public hearings this week on HB 2025 and received over 2,700 pieces of written testimony. You can read more about the bill in the “Legislative Updates” section of this newsletter and you'll also find information there on how to submit written testimony before the deadline on Saturday.
Despite the Legislative demands that come with the imminent approach of Sine Die (the close of the session), it is also one of my favorite times of the year. Our high school and college students are celebrating their graduations, and I enjoy seeing the commencement photos on social media. As a proud mom and grandmother, and a teacher for 42 years, I have always found it meaningful to attend or participate in commencement ceremonies. Congratulations to all the students in the Class of 2025, and a particularly special congratulations to my grandson, Max McLain, who graduated from Liberty High School in Hillsboro last weekend. He was one of the top students in his class, and I'm very proud of him. |
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On Monday, the newest member of the Legislature, Dr. Sue Rieke Smith, was sworn in as the representative for House District 26, which includes Sherwood and Wilsonville. Rep. Rieke Smith is a longtime educator who served as the Superintendent of the Springfield and Tigard-Tualatin School Districts. I am pleased to have another experienced and dedicated educator in the House, and I look forward to working with her on policies that support and uplift our students and teachers.
BELOW: At the swearing-in ceremony with Governor Kotek and Rep. Rieke Smith
Topics in this week’s newsletter include:
- Wildfire Alert on I-8
- The Transportation Reinvestment bill & public hearings
- The Oregon Housing Budget
- Highlights from recent Floor votes and speeches
- Governor Kotek on the National Guard deployment in LA
- Celebrating Juneteenth in Oregon
- Summary of the week’s meetings and events
- Shouting Out all 2025 graduates
- What’s happening in Western Washington County
WILDFIRE CLOSES PARTS OF I-84 & US 30
Fires that started Wednesday afternoon prompted closures of I-84 and U.S. 30 between Hood River and The Dalles. The closures could be lengthy depending on fire activity.
- Choose an alternate route that keeps you well away from any active wildfire zones
- Stay away from closure areas—roads are not expected to reopen soon, and waiting nearby puts you and emergency crews at risk
- Expect lengthy delays if you are near closure areas—crews are reporting that eastbound I-84 traffic is currently backed up miles from Hood River
- Make sure you are using an alternate route that is suitable to the type of vehicle you drive. Some routes, like OR 216 E (Sherars Highway)—are not suitable for trucks or large vehicles
Stay tuned to TripCheck.com for up-to-date closure information. Tripcheck also shows traffic congestion information which can be helpful when choosing your route. This Flickr album is being updated with pictures and videos from the fire area.
Your cooperation helps keep everyone safe and the roads clear for emergency responders.
 HEARINGS HELD ON TRANSPORTATION BILL
On Monday, I chaired a meeting of the Joint Committee on Transportation Reinvestment to introduce House Bill 2025, the official bill for Oregon Transportation Reinvestment Package. The bill focuses on repairing the state’s aging roads and bridges, investing in city and county transportation systems, completing major “anchor” projects, and holding the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) accountable for delivering those investments efficiently and transparently.
The Transportation Reinvestment Committee reviewed the bill in an informational meeting on Monday night, and then held topic-specific public hearings on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. You can link to each of the hearings below:
Submit written testimony on any of these topics here - the deadline is 4pm on Saturday, June 14th.
From day one, this process has been about collaboration and listening to stakeholders and constituents from all parts of Oregon. The public hearings underscored that Oregonians are ready for action — not just to improve safety and mobility, but to ensure that the investments we make truly serve every community in our state. No matter where you live or what party you belong to, one thing is clear: we can’t afford to wait. Oregon’s transportation system needs investment — and accountability — now.
LEARN ABOUT OREGON'S HOUSING BUDGET
As state and local governments continue to work toward solving Oregon's housing crisis, the Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development advanced an ambitious plan this week to expand affordable housing, reduce homelessness, and protect vulnerable families.
Building on an historic investment in the 2023-2025 Housing Affordability and Supply Budget framework, the Oregon Housing and Community Services budget (House Bill 5011) continues the progress made over the past five years by investing in more affordable housing, reducing homelessness, and making sure more Oregonians have a safe and stable place to live.
The 2025-27 proposal was shaped through consultation with local governments, service providers, and community stakeholders across Oregon. Informed by public feedback and on-the-ground data, the budget focuses on strategic, high-impact investments:
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$204.9 million to support homeless and emergency shelters across Oregon
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$50.3 million to help households move from homelessness to permanent, stable, safe housing
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$87.4 million for long-term rental assistance, providing up to 24 months of support to help families stay housed
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$33.6 million to fund eviction prevention services, helping keep Oregonians safely in their homes
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$10 million to support housing initiatives led by Oregon’s nine federally recognized Native American tribes.
This budget also provides OHCS with the tools to continue helping families rebuild after disasters, complete affordable housing projects already in progress, and bring in new resources to strengthen communities across Oregon.
HB 5011 now moves to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means for final committee approval before consideration on the House and Senate floors.
RECENT FLOOR REMARKS AND VOTES
As we get closer to Sine Die on June 29th, the constitutional day we must adjurn, Floor time is picking up pace. We are often in the House Chamber for long sessions in the mornings and afternoons, and there will likely be a few weekends spent at the Capitol to ensure we get through all the bills that passed out of policy committees and to finish the final budgets. Keep reading for highlights from this week. ↓
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🔺SB 1098
I am a proud chief sponsor of SB 1098, which was introduced and championed by Senator Lew Frederick. I spoke in support of the bill, also known as the Freedom to Read Act, when it passed on the House Floor this week.
SB 1098 prevents educators, schools, and school districts from prohibiting the selection, retention, or use of library materials, textbooks, or instructional materials on the basis that the materials contain perspectives, stories, or are created by individuals or groups that are members of protected classes under Oregon's anti-discrimination law.
Over my long teaching career, I have seen how critical it is for students to be able to see themselves in, or identify with, the stories that they read. However, those opportunities for exploration are currently under threat.
According to the State Library of Oregon, libraries and schools in Oregon reported challenges to more books and other materials in 2023-24 than at any point since the Library began collecting data. As the State Librarian’s letter states in her testimony on OLIS regarding requests to ban books:
“A clear pattern has emerged in recent OIFC reports: incidents and challenged materials are disproportionately about, by, or center the stories of individuals who belong to an underrepresented protected class under ORS 659.850. In 2023-24, 87% of the items challenged told the stories of one or more underrepresented groups. 66% of challenged materials focused on 2SLGBTQIA+ people, while 22% centered Black, Indigenous, or people of color.”
This marginalization of students through the banning of books is exactly why this bill is necessary and why I support it. For more on my support for SB 1098, you can view my Floor speech and a joint press release I sent with other members:
SB 1098 has passed both the House and Senate and awaits the Governor’s signature.
Click the image to below to watch my speech on SB 1098
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🔺SB 916
Yesterday, we voted to repass SB 916 and approve the new amendment from the conference committee. My vote on SB 916 was a challenging decision, and I took time to carefully consider my position on the bill and discuss implications with stakeholders.
I have heard questions raised about how this bill may impact public education, and I take these concerns seriously as a former teacher. It is important to note that over the past 20 years, there have been only eight educator strikes out of more than 1,700 contract negotiations—less than 0.5%. For education support professionals, there has been only one strike in Oregon’s history. Educator strikes are rare and understood to be a last resort.
I appreciate the changes made by the conference committee to limit striking workers to 10 weeks of unemployment insurance eligibility. The bill also includes provisions for a two-week unpaid waiting period before workers can begin to claim benefits. I will be closely monitoring the implementation of SB 916 to ensure the policy fulfills its intended purpose of leveling the playing field between workers and employees.
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🔺SCR 7, SCR 15, & SCR 17
This week, I had the privilege of carrying three Senate Concurrent Resolutions on the House Floor that honor three incredibly important people in our community: Dr. Phillip Creighton, Hector Hinojosa, and Colonel Richard Kidd. Keep reading to learn more about these amazing leaders in our community.
♦SCR 7 Honoring Dr. Phillip Creighton
Dr. Phillip Creighton served as president of Pacific University from 2003 to 2009, and his tenure was very successful and beneficial for the school and the community. He oversaw a period of substantial growth for the university by shepherding the development of six new buildings and a new athletic complex, both of which helped transform the campus. Financially, he turned the deficit he inherited into a surplus, and in 2006, he was instrumental in the establishment of the Hillsboro Campus. In honor of his tenure, the original building of the Hillsboro campus was dedicated as Creighton Hall.
Dr. Creighton was renowned for his integrity, work ethic, dedication, and vision, and for being an extraordinary educator. This recognition by the Legislature for his decades of dedicated service in higher education and his profound and lasting impact on his students, his community, and the people of the State of Oregon, is well-deserved. He had a lasting impact on Pacific University and Forest Grove.
♦SCR 15 Honoring Hector Hinojosa
I am proud to say that I have worked with Hector Hinojosa for decades on improving the lives of our community, and I am honored to call him a friend. Western Washington County is the heart of the Latino community, and particularly of farmworkers, in Washington County, and we all know that it's not hyperbole to say that Hector is the soul of this vibrant community.
Hector came to Washington County with his family as a teenager in the 1960s and lived in the migrant camps with their challenging conditions. He uniquely understands the issues affecting our community, particularly those faced by our Latino residents, through his personal lived experiences, which have formed the basis for his activism and service.
Hector has been a tireless champion for expanding access to critical services and improving the quality of life for migrant farmworkers. His accomplishments are too many to list here, but from helping struggling students obtain their GEDs, to being a founding member of both Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center and Centro Cultural de Washington County, to his work with the Building Bridges of Understanding initiative, Hector has truly left an indelible mark on our community that few, if any, can rival.
Hector has commitment, passion, and motivation, and he has used these qualities to bring people together and ensure everyone’s voice is heard. He is deserving of this recognition for his tireless work to improve our community for every single person that lives here.
♦SCR 17 HONORING COLONEL RICHARD KIDD
Senate Concurrent Resolution 17 celebrates the life and accomplishments of Colonel Richard Kidd and honors him for his service to our country. This resolution is very personal to me because I had the privilege of working with Richard for many years when I was a Metro Councilor and he was the mayor of Forest Grove. I know it is also meaningful to many of you, as every resident in Forest Grove has benefited from his service and significant contributions to our city in countless ways.
Richard dedicated his entire life to public service and to improving the world around him. He was a Colonel in the United States Army and served Forest Grove as a member of the Planning Commission, as a City Councilor, as our Mayor, and as an affordable housing advocate through West Tuality Habitat for Humanity.
He is remembered in Forest Grove as a champion for our library, the driving force behind building the City Auditorium, and for his efforts to expand our Senior Center. He was also the founder of our Public Arts Commission.
Richard championed the beloved saying we all know that Forest Grove is “a great place to live, learn, work, and play.” Very few citizens have so profoundly improved our city's livability and quality of life, and I know we are all proud that he was a member and leader in our community.
BELOW: I read the Floor carry in honor of Mayor Kidd and was joined by Senator Janeen Sollman, who introduced the resolution in the Senate, and Rep. Nathan Sosa to celebrate its passage in the Legislature.
CELEBRATING JUNETEENTH
Juneteenth, which is short for “June Nineteenth,” marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people were freed - even though the troops’ arrival came two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end of slavery in the United States.
The first Juneteenth celebrations began in Texas in 1866 where Black communities gathered for parades, cookouts, prayer gatherings, historical and cultural readings, as well as musical performances. In 1980 Texas made Juneteenth an official holiday.
In 1945, Clara Peoples helped introduced Juneteenth to Oregon during her work break, celebrating the day at the Vanport Shipyards. Clara and other Black Oregonians have made long-lasting contributions to Oregon’s history and cultural legacy by working to establish Juneteenth celebrations here. During the 2021 Legislative Session, I was proud to vote with my colleagues to pass HB 2168, which formally established Juneteenth as a state holiday here in Oregon.
Juneteenth provides an opportunity for all Americans to become more educated on the history of race and racism in our country and its perpetuation in the present-day. It is also a great time to begin or continue supporting Black-owned businesses in our community.
CELEBRATE LOCALLY:
The Washington County Chamber Black Advisory Business Council, in collaboration with various community groups, will present a vibrant and engaging celebration. Juneteenth will feature an array of activities, including food, music, art, and a diverse range of Black-owned business vendors around the theme of “From Roots to Wings.”
Join other community members in honoring this historic milestone and celebrating the resilience, heritage, and achievements of the African American community.
STANDING WITH LOS ANGELES
I am deeply concerned by the escalating targeting of immigrant communities in Los Angeles and around the country. I recognize the fear and uncertainty many families are experiencing right now. Here in Oregon, we will do everything in our power to protect and stand up for the rights of our communities.
In her recent media availability, Governor Kotek spoke out against President Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops and Marines in California, undermining local authority and heightening safety risks for community members and law enforcement. She shared her belief that Trump’s actions demonstrate “an alarming disregard for the safety of Americans and their ability to govern themselves.”
As many Oregonians are concerned about the deployment of the Oregon National Guard in our state, Gov. Kotek reaffirmed her confidence in local law enforcement and their ability to address emerging issues. Like Gov. Kotek, I support the right to protest peacefully, and I remain committed to upholding Oregon’s sanctuary state status.
Please click here to hear more from Governor Kotek on this issue.
MEETINGS & GATHERINGS THIS WEEK
In between public hearings on transportation investments this week, I was able to connect with additional community members and leaders.
On Monday, I enjoyed meeting former Oregon State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Verne Duncan. Verne is a long-time educator who served in the Oregon Senate after four terms as State Superintendent. It was great to chat with him about our shared education, public service, and speech-and-debate backgrounds!
This morning, I had the opportunity to speak to the Washington County Chamber of Commerce about House Bill 2025, the Transportation Reinvestment Plan. I appreciated the conversation about the necessity of maintaining and preserving our roads and bridges and improving safety for all transportation users to support communities across the state.
As we approach the end of the 2025 Legislative Session, I want to invite our community to reach out with opportunities to engage during the interim. If your organization is hosting an event, holding a community meeting, or welcoming visitors, please share details with my office by emailing rep.susanmclain@oregonlegislature.gov. I look forward to connecting with our community in Western Washington County over the summer months!
CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES
I am sending my warmest congratulations and praise to this year's graduating class! You've committed yourself to four years of hard work and dedication, and it's finally paying off. Cheers to you all and best of luck on your future academic and professional endeavors!
A special congratulations to our intern, Khushi Kalia. All of us on Team McLain are very proud of you.
 Check Out Local Farmers Markets
The Forest Grove and Hillsboro Farmers Markets are open now and Cornelius opens next Friday. Make sure to stop by and support our local growers.
Apply for a Board or Commission in Forest Grove
Help shape policies and projects in our community by applying for an open position! Click here to learn more.
Hillsboro Cruise-In Car Show
Enjoy a fun day of shopping, sipping, and shiny cars while supporting the Hillsboro Community Senior Center on Saturday, June 14th! Browse local vendors, delight in local food, and see a variety of classic, modern, and quirky cars. Click here to learn more.
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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