07/25/2025 Senate District 15 Newsletter

Oregon State Legislature sent this bulletin at 07/25/2025 11:33 AM PDT

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

Friends and Neighbors,

Transportation

Oregon’s transportation system is facing pressing and complex challenges. While a comprehensive funding package was under consideration during the 2025 legislative session, the time clock from when we finally received the final transportation package information had run out. With the scope of the package and end of session before us, the proposal did not advance and the session ended. Now, with a budget shortfall threatening core services and jobs at the Oregon Department of Transportation and within Oregon cities and counties, a special session has been scheduled to begin August 29 for the Oregon House to take up the issue. The Oregon Senate will convene on Monday, September 1st to conclude with a solution. As soon as details come foward, I will share that information so that you can be a part of the process. A virtual hearing will take place for public input.

The proposal coming forward has a goal to preserve critical services, stabilize public transit agencies, and avoid large-scale layoffs, while also being mindful of the long-term need for a more sustainable, fiscally responsible, and equitable transportation funding model.

I remain committed to ensuring Oregon’s transportation system is safe, reliable, and responsive to the needs of all communities—urban and rural. That includes supporting workers, addressing public safety, and being accountable to taxpayers. With accountability comes public trust. I’ll be at the table during the special session to help move us toward balanced, forward-looking solutions.

Legislative Survey

My number one priority is to serve the people of Senate District 15 to the best of my ability. The work happens both inside the Capitol, during a legislative session, and outside of the building. Your priorities and experiences help guide the work. Please take a few minutes to fill out this survey so I can better understand what is important to you. Survey in English. Survey in Spanish.

Upcoming Events

I am excited to have so many upcoming opportunities to connect. Please visit me at an upcoming Community Conversation or Town Hall. Bring your thoughts and questions and meet fellow members of the community. I look forward to seeing you soon!

Virtual Community Conversation

Join me online, for a virtual Community Conversation, Monday, July 28th from 6:30PM - 7:30PM. Pre-registration is required. Register Here.

Save the Dates

Save the dates for my upcoming Joint Town Hall in August and Community Conversations in September.

Joint Town Hall with Reps Susan McLain and Nathan Sosa. Monday, August 18th. 6:00PM - 8:00PM at the Hillsboro Civic Center Auditorium
Community Conversation #150!! at Orenco New Seasons/Farmers Market. Sunday, September 7th. 10:00AM-11:00AM. We will meet on the outside patio at the Orenco New Seasons.
Community Conversation at Rogers Park in Forest Grove. Wednesday, September 24th. 6:30PM - 7:30PM. Meet at the tables under the shelter.

Farm Stand Permit Rules

📣 The Department of Land Conservation and Developments' (DLCD) is in the process of rulemaking related to farm stand permits. When our office heard from you, we reached out to DLCD. The information we received from DLCD was that the scope was very narrow for this rulemaking and did not include the wide-range of farms that the public is raising concern for. My office is actively monitoring this issue. Formal draft rules are expected later this year.

Written comments to be submitted to DLCD any time before 5:00pm on November 7, 2025. by emailing: farmforest.comment@dlcd.oregon.gov
For more information please visit DLCD's Farm Stand Rulemaking page.

Intern Corner

Sister City

Hillsboro’s Sister City relationship with Fukuroi, Japan began in 1988 and has grown over the past 37 years. A key part of this friendship has been a high school cultural exchange program between the two cities. This past June, I had the honor of joining a delegation of ten high school students from Hillsboro who traveled to Japan as part of this unique partnership.

While in Fukuroi, we met with city officials and toured important facilities and cultural sites. Our group visited a local high school where we met students, attended classes, and participated in a traditional tea ceremony. We were hosted by local families who gave us a glimpse into their daily lives and traditions.

I valued being able to experience the Japanese cultural values woven into society such as etiquette on public transportation, respect shown through gift-giving, and the intentionality with every action in the tea ceremony. The kindness and hospitality we were shown left a lasting impression and demonstrated how important it is to foster special relationships such as these.

~Anna Kappler

DELC

As co-chair of the Ways and Means Education Subcommittee, critical work happens outside of session, meeting with education agency leadership to continue to learn about their successes and challenges of the service they provide to Oregon students, families and professional staff. When challenges are presented, we must inquire.

I recently met separately with Tobias Read, Oregon's Secretary of State, and the DELC leadership team. I was informed of the recent audit the SOS office completed. Now that the audit report has been officially released, I will be following up with the agency, specifically on their "partially agree" responses to the SOS findings. These audits are critical for accountability and public trust.

Out and About in Senate District 15

Washington County Fair

From farm animals and fair booths to sweet treats from the Washington County Dairy Women, this year’s Washington County Fair has something for everyone. Most animals will be on display Wednesday through Sunday—plan your visit accordingly!

Forest Grove School District

Thank you to Forest Grove School District for the opportunity to tour the summer STEAM program for 5th and 6th graders at Tom McCall. Highlights included hearing students confidently share their writing, watching them tackle challenging division problems with determination and support, and witnessing a student—initially skeptical about math—effortlessly solve earthquake-related equations. A wonderful reminder of the joy of learning in action!

Hillsboro School District

Grateful to Hillsboro School District for the chance to visit several vibrant summer programs. From the first signs of sunflower sprouts to early readers gaining confidence, and bilingual learners engaging deeply with dedicated educators, it was inspiring to see so much growth—in every sense of the word.

In The News

Exhibition Tells Story of Virginia Garcia, 50 Years After Her Death

by Rachel Saslow, Willamette Week

The Oregon Historical Society show about migrant health care is open through Aug. 3.

Make sure you use these tax credits before they're gone!

By Rewiring America

Popular federal home energy tax credits are ending years earlier than planned, cutting off support for American households facing increasing energy bills.

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.

Learn more about land acknowledgment here.
Learn more about the Afalati-Kalapuya here.

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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