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To contact me, please click here: Sen.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Friends and Neighbors,
Upcoming Events
Policy Spotlight
Senate Concurrent Resolutions: Honoring Constituents and Contributions for Senate District 15
An SCR, or Senate Concurrent Resolution, is an official statement or declaration made by the legislature, originating in the Senate; there are also House Concurrent Resolutions (HCRs) originating in the House. While SCRs are voted on, they do not create or change laws. Instead, they are used to honor people, recognize events, or express the Legislature’s position on an issue. Once approved by both chambers, the resolutions are filed with the Secretary of State’s office.
Below are the SCRs I have introduced and passed this session, to honor constituents of Senate District 15 and celebrate the people and stories that make our community so special.
SCR 7: In memoriam: Dr. Phillip David Creighton. Watch my Floor Carry here.
SCR 8: Recognizing and honoring Private William Ezra Leon "Billy" Calkins for his service to his country. Watch my Floor Carry here.
SCR 11: Recognizing and honoring the National Conference of State Legislatures on its 50th anniversary in 2025. Watch my Floor Carry here.
SCR 15: Recognizing and honoring Hector Hinojosa Robles for his remarkable contributions to the people of this state. Watch my Floor Carry here.
SCR 16: In memoriam: Dr. Ralph Franklin Helzerman Jr. Watch my Floor Carry here.
SCR 17: Celebrating the life and accomplishments of Colonel Richard Kidd and honoring him for his service to his country. Watch my Floor Carry here.
Legislative Updates
Oregon To Study Prevalence Of PFAS in Biosolids Used In Agriculture
From the office of Senator Courtney Neron Misslin
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2025
Press Contact: Marcella Martinson, sen.courtneyneronmisslin@oregonlegislature.gov
SALEM, OR - Yesterday, the Oregon Senate passed HB2947 directing Oregon State University’s Extension Service and College of Agricultural Sciences to study the occurrence and distribution of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in biosolids at select sites across the state.
Biosolids, a byproduct of treated wastewater, are nutrient-rich organic materials and are a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers used on pastures and non-food agricultural lands. In other states, biosolids have been found to have high levels of PFAS that disperse into soil, water, and crops.
Under HB 2947, OSU will partner with the Department of Environmental Quality and wastewater treatment facilities to examine PFAS levels in biosolids, test soils from application sites, and evaluate whether these chemicals leach into groundwater or persist in surrounding land.
“Oregonians across the state share a growing awareness and concern about the negative health impacts of PFAS contamination and exposure.” said Senator Courtney Neron Misslin (D - King City, Sherwood, Tigard, Wilsonville), the bill’s chief sponsor and Senate carrier. “When companies manufacture and use PFAS, they become part of our world. We owe it to Oregon farmers, rural communities, and consumers to fully understand what ends up in our water and soils.”
PFAS were introduced into consumer products as early as the 1950s and quickly became popular for their ability to resist heat, water, and grease. Today they are used in thousands of consumer products, from food packaging to clothing to cosmetics. Because they have been in use for decades, they are estimated to be widespread in our environment, although exact data of their prevalence isn’t extensive.
“Companies used to say “better living through chemistry”, but it turns out that some of those chemicals harm our health and natural world,” said Representative Sarah Finger McDonald (D-Corvallis and Adair Village), who carried the bill on the House floor. “We need to know what we are putting into our wastewater because it ends up on our fields and in our waterways.”
As their nickname “forever chemicals” suggests, PFAS bioaccumulate in the human body and in the environment. They are known to cause adverse health impacts at high levels of exposure and have been found all over the globe.
“We must step up to understand the potential impact of these “forever chemicals” in Oregon,” said Senator Deb Patterson (D -South Salem), sponsor and chair of the Senate Committee on Healthcare. “It’s critical that we support the collection of good data to help protect our state’s land and water for future generations.”
“PFAS may be invisible, but their impact doesn’t have to be unknown,” said Senator Janeen Sollman (D - Forest Grove, Cornelius, Hillsboro, and Rock Creek). “This study is an important step toward safeguarding our natural resources and public health.”
“Understanding whether PFAS is a significant threat is paramount to responsible management of our waters in Oregon,” said Rep. Ken Helm (D-Beaverton, Cedar Hills), Co-Chair of the House Agricultural, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water Committee.
This study will deliver necessary information to Oregon leaders, municipal wastewater utilities, and farmers to make sound decisions about community safety and the future of these practices. The bill now heads to Governor Kotek for her signature.
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Policies to Benefit Veterans
Oregon veterans have given so much in service to our country—and they deserve more than just our thanks. They deserve real support that honors their sacrifice and strengthens their ability to thrive in civilian life.
This session, I supported three bills that do just that:
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SB 1094 – Property Tax Relief for Active-Duty Service Members
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SB 225 – State Income Tax Exemption for Military Retirement Pay
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SB 230 – Expanding Access to Veterans Dental Care
These bills reflect a simple truth: supporting veterans means turning our appreciation into action. I’ll keep pressing for action that matches our words.
This Week's Testimonies and Floor Speeches
Week 22 Committee Snaps
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
This week, the committee is meeting three times to hold work sessions on various bills. See their agendas below:
Week 22 - Oregon State Capitol Visits in the halls and in #S207 (Your Senate District 15 Capitol office)
In The News
Wheelchair right to repair becomes law
OSPIRG, Updates, June 12, 2025
“It’s common sense and it sends the power back to Oregonians who depend on wheelchairs and other mobility devices,” said Sen. Sollman, “I fundamentally believe that if you own the product you should have the freedom to choose whether to fix it yourself, go to a local shop or visit a dealer for repair.”
Crying in the Oregon Legislature: Lawmakers keep breaking into tears, unheard of a generation ago
OregonLive/The Oregonian, Aimee Green, June 15, 2025
Sen. Janeen Sollman, a Hillsboro Democrat, said she also has received that advice after one of the “many times” her raw emotions have risen to the surface.
“I remember one legislator, they told me later, ‘Oh, you’ll never see me cry on the floor because I think it shows weakness,’” Sollman said. “And I said, ‘I don’t see it the same way.’”
Team SD 15 Appreciation
The SD 15 Team has been exceptional this year and I am grateful to all our interns and staff for their tireless work and dedication to helping support constituents, and also the work for the legislative session. Last week we celebrated Cailey McGuire and Mark Watson, and this week at the Capitol, we were able to celebrate both Legislative Intern, Ali Lanenga and my Chief of Staff, Nickole Vargas for their contributions to Team SD 15. You can watch their courtesies below.
Team work makes the dream work!
Out and About in Senate District 15
Yesterday, we reflected on the meaning and importance of Juneteenth. In 2021, Oregon passed House Bill 2168, making Juneteenth an official state holiday, beginning in 2022. This holiday, celebrated on June 19th, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and recognizes the contributions of African Americans to our country.
Last weekend, I shared in joy and celebration with the community at the 2025 Washington County Juneteenth Celebration, hosted by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce in Hillsboro. "This year’s theme, “From Roots to Wings,” honored the resilience, history, and achievements of the Black community. We were proud to create a space filled with live music, delicious food, and vibrant Black-owned and local vendors that truly celebrated connection, and community."
Community Outreach
Additional Resources
Senate District 15 – Event Calendars
Federal Delegation Links
Education Links
Food and Housing Assistance
Immigration Resources
Be good to yourself and each other. ❤
Onward & Upward,
 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
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