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September 5th, 2025 Newsletter
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
During the interim, our team is meeting with constituents, agency partners, and advocacy groups. We are also hosting town halls and constituent coffees. All of this helps us craft legislation for future sessions.
Gov. Kotek Signed the FAIR Energy Act
 Photo courtsey of KOIN
Last week, Governor Kotek held a ceremonial bill signing for HB3179, the FAIR Energy Act which overhauls the rate-setting process for gas and electric bills so that consumers’ interests are prioritized over those of utility investors. While I was unable to attend the bill signing, my chief of staff, Lexie Weaver, was there on behalf of our office. I am grateful to Governor Kotek for supporting and highlighting a bill that I championed throughout the 2025 session. To read the governor’s press release, click here
Recapping the Special Session
Transportation Funding Bills Pass House Floor
Over the weekend, the Oregon House met for a special session dedicated to funding our transportation system. We passed HB3991 and HB3992 to ensure the maintenance and safety of our roadways. The bill does several things, including:
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Gas Tax: increases the gas tax from $0.40 to $0.46 per gallon, beginning in 2026.
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Electric Vehicles: requires electric vehicle and hybrid vehicle owners to pay a per-mile rate or a flat fee, beginning in 2027.
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Registration Fees: raises registration fees $42 per year.
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Maintains road safety services.
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Keeps snowplows operational in the winter.
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Funds city and county transportation services and road maintenance.
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Gives the governor the power to hire and fire the director of the Oregon Department of Transportation.
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Requires performance audits of ODOT by the Secretary of State.
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Strengthens legislative oversight of ODOT.
The bills passed the House and are now awaiting action in the Senate.
Upcoming Legislative Dates
September Legislative Days will take place at the Oregon State Capitol from Sept. 29th - Oct. 1st. We hold informational hearings and delve into concepts that may come before us during the short session in February 2026.
August Town Hall Recap
Last month, I joined Representative McLain and Senator Sollman for a joint town hall at the Hillsboro Civic Center. Thank you to everyone who joined us. It was a thoughtful and emotionally charged conversation that delved into the challenges facing our community in light of what is happening with the federal government.
Upcoming Constituent Events
September Constituent Coffee
I invite you to join me Saturday, September 6th from 9:00-10:30am, for a conversation about the issues that matter most to you, your family, and your community. This month, we will meet at Starbucks - Brookwood located at 5222 NE Brookwood Pkwy, Hillsboro OR 97124.
I hope that you will stop by, say hello, and enjoy a cup of coffee with me.
October Joint Town Hall
Join me, Senator Sollman, Senator Reynolds and Representative Watanabe on October 2nd at 5:30pm at PCC Rock Creek (Room 110) for our Joint Town Hall. We will be answering questions and discussing topics that are important to constituents like you.
In and Around the District
Oregon National Guard Readiness Center Groundbreaking Ceremony
My staff represented our office at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Oregon National Guard Hillsboro Readiness Center. This center will allow our local guard members to have an ongoing presence right here in Hillsboro.
Touring the Oregon Historical Society Vault
I joined fellow legislative members and staff for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Oregon Historical Society vault, an incredible warehouse filled with artifacts and knowledge that preserve our state’s history. Thank you to Senator Reynolds' office for coordinating this exciting tour.
Small Business Highlight
Next Level Pinball Arcade
Congratulations to Hillsboro's Next Level Pinball Museum for being named by Newsweek as the best arcade in the United States! It’s one of my personal favorites, and I encourage you and your family to check it out and support this incredible local gem.
For admission, hours, and information, visit: Next Level Pinball Museum
Notable Press Clippings
Consumer Protection
OPINION: Oregon Democrats fight for working people | Hillsboro News Times
Housing & Homelessness
Oregon’s new statewide shelter system has 4,800 beds; here’s a map - oregonlive.com
Labor & Workforce Development
What to know about the US getting a stake in Intel | AP News
Providence lays off 128 workers across Oregon, warns more cuts will come - oregonlive.com
‘The overall picture looks weaker’ as Oregon’s unemployment rate hits 5% - OPB
Economic Development
Oregon ditches farm stand regulations after public outcry • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Oregon Gov. Kotek reacts to projected loss of $15B in federal funding
Education
Oregon education programs for migrant workers, their children could close without federal funds - oregonlive.com
Watch Oregon college president run 1,400 miles to combat student homelessness and hunger (photos, video)
Other
https://news.ohsu.edu/news-media/knight-cancer-institute-to-revolutionize-cancer-care-thanks-to-generous-gift
Nature at Noon: Dairy Creek Park - September 10th
OrencoFest - September 20th
Harvest 5K - September 27th
Hillsboro Farmer's Market Schedule
More Events
Safety Reminder: Back to School
School is back in session! Remember to drive carefully and mind school zones and cross walks. Plan accordingly for delays in commute on school bus routes. Thank you for keeping our children safe!
National Preparedness Month: Preparedness Starts at Home
Each September, National Preparedness Month is observed to encourage and remind us to take proactive steps to prepare for disasters or emergencies in our homes, businesses and communities.
This year’s theme, Preparedness Stars at Home, focuses on the four essential steps to prepare for disasters: knowing your risks, making a family emergency plan, building a supply kit, and getting involved in your community by taking action to prepare for emergencies.
When making your plans, make sure you consider any unique needs of those you care for, whether it be medical conditions, loved ones with disabilities, your pets and any neighbors who might need help getting prepared. By taking steps now, you can be in control of both your safety and those you care about before, during and after a disaster.
Free Food Market: September 9th
- Beaverton-Hillsboro DHS Free Food Market 5300 NE Elam Young Pkwy Hillsboro OR 97124
- Shop for free, fresh, and healthy fruits, vegetables, and pantry staples.
- This food is free, and anybody is welcome
- No identification, name, or address needed
- Please bring bags or boxes
Free Food Market: Every Second Tuesday of the Month | News & Announcements | City of Hillsboro, OR (hillsboro-oregon.gov)
Double Up Food Bucks
Shopping at a farmers' market is a great way to find the freshest food for your family, while supporting our local farmers and small businesses. Double Up Food Bucks helps make farmers markets affordable and accessible for all.
This program matches SNAP benefits, dollar for dollar, for the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables. Double Up is also available at participating small grocers, farm stands, and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs. Check the map here for locations that participate in our district. Happy eating!
Salvation Army Washington County Hope Center
Pathway of Hope Program, Mobile Outreach Program, and Food Pantry
503-640-4311
Food Access
Find free groceries, meals, or fresh produce near you.
Immigration Resources
It is critical for Oregonians to receive the support they need during this time. For a list of resources, see below:
Understanding Your Rights
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This toolkit includes the following:
Legal Representation/Resources
Reporting Injustice
Utility Bill Assistance
The City of Hillsboro is committed to helping customers in need. If you are having trouble paying your utility bill, visit the City’s Utility Assistance webpage or call 503-681-6163 to see if you qualify for a flexible payment plan or bill relief option.
Visit our Utility Rate Adjustments webpage to learn more about when & how the rates on your City of Hillsboro Utility Bill are reviewed and adjusted to support the costs of providing quality utility services throughout the community.
You can also visit our Community Resources webpage to find information on reduced garbage rates, energy & rent assistance, food pantries, weatherization programs, and more.
Small Business Resources
Find small business Resource directory
Economic Development Program | Washington County, OR
Don't forget to contact my office with any questions or feedback. During the interim, our office in Salem is not staffed. Your best way to connect with us is via email: Rep.NathanSosa@oregonlegislature.gov
Take care!
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1430
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-280, Salem, Oregon 97301
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