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To contact me, please click here: Rep.SusanMcLain@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear Neighbors and Community Members,
The August 29th special session is just around the corner! This will be a critical opportunity to prevent deep service cuts, protect jobs, and keep our roads and transit systems functioning in every part of the state. Next Monday, Oregonians will have the chance to weigh in on the transportation funding proposal at a public hearing. Keep reading to learn more about how to participate in this conversation.
This week, I've enjoyed some great community events and visits with local leaders. I was inspired by the packed room at my recent joint town hall with Sen. Sollman and Rep. Sosa. Thanks to all who showed up to advocate for the issues they care about. Our dialogue and work continues.
In this newsletter you'll find:
- Details on next Monday's public hearing
- My visit to North Marion School District's summer learning program
- A recap of our town hall discussion
- How Governor Kotek is standing up for our Sanctuary State status
- Events in Washington County & more!
ABOVE: Sen. Sollman, Rep. Sosa, and I at our Hillsboro joint town hall!
 
❗ PUBLIC HEARING NEXT MONDAY ❗
On August 29th, the Oregon House of Representatives will consider a funding proposal to reconcile ODOT's current budget and preserve essential transportation services. Before we vote on the bill, we want to hear from you.
For over two years, I've listened to Oregonians around the state about our transportation needs and ideas to improve our system. There is a diverse range of perspectives on this issue, and feedback from all communities is critical.
Click here to submit written testimony or register to testify live. You can share your live testimony either in-person or virtually. Written testimony may be submitted up to 48 hours after the committee meeting is scheduled to begin.
You can view the bill summary and draft bill text here.
 
TOWN HALL RECAP
On Monday evening, I joined Senator Sollman and Representative Sosa for a conversation and Q&A about the issues that matter most to our community. Folks from across Washington County filled the Hillsboro Civic Center to share their ideas, questions, and concerns.
Our conversation was challenging and important—federal actions are causing fear and uncertainty in our community. Recent analysis shows that Oregon will lose over $15 billion in funding due to the of passage of the "Big Ugly Bill" in the U.S. Congress. This means fewer resources for healthcare, education, and programs that support the daily lives of Oregonians. Our national landscape and significant reductions in federal funding led to difficult budget decisions during the 2025 Session.
Despite federal issues, we also accomplished some major wins in the 2025 Session. Rep. Sosa led the effort, and succeeded, in removing medical debt from credit reports. Sen. Sollman championed legislation that will support foster youth and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation. I shared about a bill I helped introduce and pass to stop "deepfake" harassment with AI-generated intimate images, as well as my work to modernize and improve safety in our transportation system.
We'll continue to host opportunities for our community to come together, share what's on our minds, and chart a path forward together.
BELOW: Town hall attendees at the Hillsboro Civic Center.
SUMMER LEARNING SCHOOL VISIT
Before our town hall on Monday, I had a special opportunity to visit summer learning classrooms at North Marion School District alongside Dr. Charlene Williams, the Director of the Oregon Department of Education. We spoke with district leaders, teachers, and students about their experiences with summer learning programming.
I have led and supported summer learning investments as a member and former Co-Chair of the Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education. During the 2025 Session, I was glad to make progress towards sustainable funding for programs to improve literacy, engage youth in enriching educational activities, and prepare students for a strong start to their school years in the fall.
Two bills were key to this: House Bill 2007 established a framework for a stable, evidence-based summer learning grant program focused on closing achievement gaps in literacy. House Bill 5047 dedicated state funding for summer reading programs for the next three years, including $35 million for this summer. We were glad to create a promise for ongoing funding this Session.
North Marion School District received some of this funding—we were able to see these investments during our classroom visits. Students are working with evidence-based curriculum to strengthen their reading and writing skills with the guidance of a team of educators.
As a former teacher, it was a pleasure to step back into the classroom.
ABOVE: ODE Director Dr. Williams, North Marion School District leaders, and staff
BELOW: Collage mural created by North Marion Elementary School students
OREGON HISTORICAL SOCIETY VAULT TOUR
My staff, Grace, attended a visit to the Oregon Historical Society's Vaults, a massive collection of items significant to Oregon's history. This tour showcased some iconic pieces of Oregon history, ranging from incredible paintings and sculptures to clothing and everyday objects.
The Executive Director of the Oregon Historical Society, Kerry Tymchuk, provided insight on the significance of this collection and shared about the importance of historical research and education in our state. Thank you to the Oregon Historical Society for providing this glimpse into Oregon's history. You can learn more about OHS and opportunities to engage by clicking here.
BELOW: Oregon State Legislators and staff with Executive Director Kerry Tymchuk
KOTEK STANDS UP FOR OREGON'S SANCTUARY LAWS
President Trump's Department of Justice issued a warning to states with sanctuary laws, threatening to pursue lawsuits and prosecute public officials who "obstruct" federal immigration enforcement. In response, Governor Tina Kotek did not back down from upholding Oregon values and our sanctuary state status. She replied to the federal government:
"Oregon enacted a law regarding federal immigration enforcement in 1987. A 2018 ballot measure to repeal portions of Oregon's federal immigration enforcement law failed when 63% percent of Oregon voters opposed repealing the existing law... The citizens of Oregon have repeatedly and emphatically supported Oregon's immigration enforcement policy."
"Oregon's enacted laws are consistent with the Tenth Amendment and anticommandeering rule. The state does not take on the additional expense or burden to perform federal immigration enforcement as it is the job of the federal government."
I stand with Governor Kotek in continued support of Oregon's status as a sanctuary state. Click below to read more from the Governor's Office on this issue:
CORNELIUS FIRE ENGINE PUSH IN CEREMONY
Celebrate the arrival of new Engine 8 into service! Firefighters and community members will "push" the new engine into its bay. After the ceremony, enjoy refreshments and take a tour of the fire station. This is a family-friendly event. Click here to learn more.
WHEN: Saturday, August 23rd at 10 AM
WHERE: 1311 N Barlow St , Cornelius, OR, United States, Oregon 97113
ANNUAL FOREST GROVE CORN ROAST
The 61st Forest Grove Annual Corn Roast is seeking volunteers, vendors, and attendees! Click here to learn more about how to get involved.
WHEN: September 20th from 11-4 PM
WHERE: College Way, Forest Grove
HILLSBORO DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP BLOOD DRIVE
If you are looking for a local blood donation opportunity, the Hillsboro Downtown Partnership has organized an event! Click here to learn more.
WHEN: Thursday, August 28th from 1-6 PM
WHERE: 233 SE Washington St, Hillsboro, OR 97123
WASHINGTON COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DEBRIEF
State legislators representing Washington County have been invited to participate in a moderated Q&A session. Attendees will hear reflections on the session and have a chance to ask questions and share feedback on the issues that matter most to local businesses. Click here to learn more.
WHEN: Thursday, September 11 from 4-6 pm
WHERE: Embassy Suites Washington Square, Tigard
  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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Photos from my visit this summer to the beautiful Oregon Coast.
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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