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To contact me, please click here: Rep.SusanMcLain@oregonlegislature.gov 

Dear Neighbors and Community Members,

We are gearing up for an important special session on August 29th—my colleagues and I will soon return to Salem to address our current transportation funding emergency. The upcoming session is a major opportunity to stabilize our system and reconcile our budget. I look forward to getting back to work at the Capitol.

During the last few weeks of the interim, I have enjoyed reconnecting with our cities and communities in Washington County. Please continue to be in touch with my office to share events and opportunities to engage at rep.susanmclain@oregonlegislature.gov. 

I hope to see many of you at my upcoming town hall with Rep. Sosa and Sen. Sollman next Monday at the Hillsboro Civic Center from 6-8 PM! All are welcome to join.

In this newsletter, you'll find:

• A special session update
• Details on next week's town hall
• My recent op-ed in the Forest Grove News Times
• Shout outs to some education and housing superstars
• Events and opportunities in Washington County & more!

Transportation Update

We are less than two weeks away from a special session on August 29th to address our transportation funding crisis. As I wrote in my recent editorial, I am excited to move forward with the proposed revenue tools to reconcile the 2025-26 budget and prioritize safety improvements to our roads.

The draft language of a bill has now been released. The foundational goal of this legislation is to be fair and not an overwhelming burden on anyone’s cost of living, while protecting our essential services and creating equity in fees for different modes of travel. We will let you know when a public hearing is scheduled and opportunities for public comment are open.

You might be asking... why is this special session necessary?

Our biggest funding source, the gas tax, is outdated and doesn’t meet our 21st century needs. Drivers are using more efficient cars and buying less gas—or switching to electric vehicles and buying no gas at all. Resources haven’t kept pace with rising costs. If nothing changes, ODOT and local jurisdictions face some very difficult choices.

Some have proposed dipping into emergency reserves for a short-term fix. This approach is not responsible governance: It fails to address the underlying revenue problem that we need to fix, and would put us back in crisis in two years. Even worse, it would put funding for wildfire response and other emergencies at risk.

There's a lot at stake.

Right now, we risk losing hundreds of dedicated workers who keep our roads safe and functional by clearing debris, responding to incidents, and prepping wildfire evacuation routes.

We are looking at service reductions—meaning even fewer potholes fixed and fewer roads plowed.

Transit providers in both urban and rural areas are warning of massive cuts, limiting options for the 30% of Oregonians who don’t drive to make it to the doctor, go grocery shopping, or visit their friends and family. These are not distant problems—they're already affecting our daily lives and public safety.

Here's what comes next:

During the special session, we’ll consider a plan that spreads out very modest increases across the gas tax, registration fees, and a 0.1% payroll tax increase. The goal of this approach is to keep the financial burden as low as possible while raising enough to prevent catastrophic service reductions.

This plan comes with real accountability for ODOT: regular performance audits, tighter oversight of major projects, and safeguards to ensure local projects don’t expand beyond scope and budget. Oregonians deserve to know their money is being used wisely, and this bill makes sure of it.

It’s also a fairer system. For the first time, a plan will be put in place for electric vehicles and commercial delivery fleets to begin contributing to road upkeep—a shift that eases the burden on working families who have been paying in all along.

I know that the cost of living is top of mind for everyone right now, and a tax increase is the last thing anyone wants. But without action, the consequences are real: more broken axels, fewer bus routes and more delays, and even more unsafe conditions on roads and bridges across Oregon.

We need a responsible, long-term solution that protects public safety and infrastructure alike. Oregonians deserve safe, dependable roads, and the plan we’re considering on August 29th is the first step to getting there

ABOVE: One of my fabulous peers Rep. Tran and I working on listening to community comments on Transportation needs including Transit in Urban and Rural parts of the State. This was part of our 13-stop statewide transportation listening tour in 2024.

Mark Your Calendars - Town Hall Next Monday!

I'll join Senator Sollman and Representative Sosa for a conversation and Q&A about the issues that matter most to you. We'll chat about what happened in the 2025 Legislative Session—and how it will impact our community going forward.

Bring your questions, concerns, and ideas to share. Registration is encouraged but not required. I hope to see you there!

WHEN: Monday, August 18th from 6-8 PM 

WHERE: Hillsboro Civic Center

Spanish-language interpretation will be available.

Check out my recent op-ed in the Forest Grove News Times ↓

This week, the Forest Grove News Times published my op-ed on the importance and urgency of our special session on transportation. I invite you to click below and take a look!

Check out another op-ed on transportation ↓

I also appreciated reading Rep. Javadi's (R-Tillamook) piece in The Daily Astorian this week. We have some differences in our perspectives, but this article is worth your time. Rep. Javadi does a great job breaking down where your dollar goes when you buy a gallon of gas (spoiler: most isn't to taxes) and some of the challenges we face. Take a look:

2025 Session Housing Policy Recap

ABOVE: This is an example of a project I love helping with affordable housing in Cornelius: Los Amigos Plaza.

Addressing our housing crisis was a central focus of the 2025 Session. We worked on policies to enable inclusive housing types, accelerate development, and protect vulnerable communities. We must to continue building on these reforms to increase homeownership and ensure everyone has access to safe, affordable housing. 

Oregon Democrats championed and successfully passed these policies to improve housing access and lower costs:

• ✅ (HB 3054) - Stabilized rent in mobile home parks at 6 percent a year
• ✅ (HB 3521) - Strengthened protections for renters to get deposits back
• ✅ (HB 3644) - Established a permanent statewide shelter program
• ✅ (SB 974, HB 3144, HB 2138, HB 2258) - Made it easier for developers to increase the housing supply—key to improving affordability for everyone
• ✅ (HB 3589) - Established a Senior Housing Development Initiative worth $24m for affordable housing for low-income seniors and people with disabilities

The non-partisan Legislative Policy and Research Office has also put together a valuable summary report of bills that passed (and some that didn't) that will impact our housing law in Oregon. Click below to take a look at the full recap:

Trump's Bill Strips Oregon of $15 Billion 

Oregon stands to lose $15 billion in critical federal funding because of HR1, the so-called “Big, Ugly Bill” recently passed by U.S. Republican politicians. This isn’t just a budget cut; it’s a direct hit to the health, safety, and future of our communities. From our fisheries to our forests, from health care access to the fight against hunger, these dollars support the very services Oregonians rely on every day. 

Here’s what Trump’s bill means for our state: 

• Health care at risk: 1 in 3 Oregonians depend on the Oregon Health Plan, including half of all children in our state. 
• Food security threatened: 1 in 6 Oregonians rely on federal food assistance, yet HR1 slashes $230 billion for food assistance over 10 years and adds new work requirements for parents with children as young as six. 
• Rural Oregon hit hardest: Communities already facing economic challenges will bear the brunt of these cuts. This bill takes Oregon’s federal tax dollars away from essential programs and hands massive tax breaks to billionaires at the expense of children, families, and the environment we cherish. 

We’re fighting back. Oregon Democrats will use every tool available to protect health care, keep families fed, safeguard our natural resources, and ensure our state can face the future — including the challenges posed by climate change. But the truth is that Oregon alone cannot make up the billions being stripped away. We’ve already seen the consequences in the 2025 legislative session, and without federal partnership, more difficult decisions lie ahead. 

Now is the time to stand together. Contact your members of Congress today and tell them to reject cuts that hurt Oregonians. Share your story so we can amplify the real impacts in our fight. Don’t stop speaking out about how this hurts our state and our country.

Transportation Update to Portland City Council

ABOVE: Leaders speaking on regional I-5 issues that affect the entire state and West Coast.

On Monday, I had the opportunity to speak before the Portland City Council's Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. It was an honor to be invited alongside the Director of the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, Greg Johnson, Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle, Metro Council President Lynn Peterson, and other leaders on this project.

We all shared about the urgency and importance of replacing the Interstate Bridge. 

The Interstate 5 corridor is a critical lifeline for the region and the nation. This bridge moves billions in goods each year. But at over 100 years old, it no longer meets our safety and multimodal needs. The Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) Program is planning a modern, earthquake-resilient bridge across the Columbia River. The new structure and I-5 corridor improvements will enhance mobility for all users. 

BELOW: Councilor Loretta Smith, myself, and Councilor Olivia Clark

Coffees with City Councilors

This week, I also enjoyed three coffee chats with local leaders in Forest Grove, Hillsboro, and Cornelius. I was able to share a state update and recap the 2025 Legislative Session. They each shared perspectives on the issues impacting our cities. We had a great dialogue at these events, and I appreciate all of the engaged, thoughtful community leaders who came to meet with me.

ABOVE: Forest Grove Mayor Malynda Wenzl, Hillsboro Councilor Elizabeth Case, myself, Forest Grove Councilor Angel Falconer, and Forest Grove Councilor Brian Schimmel. 

CCC President Runs to Every Community College, Raises $150,000 for Students

1,500 miles, 17 colleges, 50 days, 1 cause

Clackamas Community College President Dr. Tim Cook just finished his run to every community college in the state of Oregon, raising over $150,000! This summer, he averaged 32 miles per day on his run between every community college in the state. President Cook ran to raise awareness for student basic needs—food, shelter, and essentials.

Dr. Tim Cook highlighted the challenges many community college students face in Oregon:

• Food insecurity: Approximately 41% of students reported experiencing food insecurity within the previous 30 days.
• Housing insecurity: About 52% of students faced housing insecurity in the past year, which includes difficulties such as affording rent, utilities or the need to move frequently.
• Homelessness: Nearly 20% of students experienced homelessness in the past year, indicating a lack of stable and safe housing.

Congratulations to Dr. Tim Cook on this truly remarkable achievement. Thank you for your commitment to making higher education accessible for all Oregon students.

Click here to check out his recent feature in Oregon Public Broadcasting. 

Bienestar Serves Washington County

Bienestar is truly a housing *star*. They continue to build and maintain affordable housing and provide resources for folks who need that support renting or buying. Their work includes wraparound services, housing, employment, and education services for underserved and marginalized populations through a comprehensive, community-based approach. 

BELOW: This photo was taken last summer at an affordable housing event in Cornelius. Many of my favorite community members and organizations helping others with state support. More to come!

LOCAL EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES

Visit Our Seasonal Farmers Markets

Farmers markets in Cornelius, Forest Grove, and Hillsboro are still open! Check them out before they wrap up for the season.

Volunteers Wanted for Corn Roast 2025

Volunteers are wanted for the annual Corn Roast this September! Click here to register.

WHEN: September 20, 2025 from 11-4 PM

WHERE: Marsh Lawn

El Grito - Centro Cultural

Join Centro Cultural de Washington County to celebrate culture and community with El Grito. Kick off Hispanic Heritage Month with a powerful celebration of Latin American culture. This event unites approximately 5,000 people in a night of music, tradition, and pride. Click here for more information.

WHEN: Monday, September 15, 2025 at 8 PM

WHERE: Virtual on Social media, Facebook, and Youtube

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!

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.

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.

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.

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