Dear Neighbors and Community Members,
As we settle into a new school year this September, transportation safety is top of mind. Students will be traveling to and from their classes, and new drivers will be on the roads. Let's all recommit to driving cautiously and without distraction, especially near our schools. Every kid should be able to safely walk, bike, roll, or ride to school.
Over the interim, I've enjoyed connecting with our community at local events, city council meetings, and town halls. Please continue to reach out to my office with upcoming events or community conversations by emailing Rep.SusanMcLain@oregonlegislature.gov. As always, we are available to answer questions or provide support.
Keep reading for more about:
- COVID and flu vaccines - no prescription needed!
- Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
- My thoughts on layoffs impacting our community
- Consumer protections signed into law this week
- Welcoming to a new member of the House Democratic Caucus
- My presentation to the Hillsboro City Council
- Events and opportunities in Western Washington County
 
COVID Vaccines Available Now!
Many community members have reached out to share concerns about limited access to COVID vaccines due to federal policy changes. Last week, Governor Kotek and the West Coast Health Alliance announced coordinated winter virus vaccination recommendations, including the 2025–26 COVID-19 vaccine, influenza, and RSV.
The updated COVID-19 vaccines are now available without a prescription. People ages 7+ can get vaccinated at a pharmacy, clinic, or provider's office. Those between 6 months old and 7 years old can receive a vaccine from a medical office. It is a good idea to call ahead or book an appointment online as pharmacies and providers put these changes into place.
The Governors of Oregon, California, Hawaii, and Washington formed the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) as a unified regional response to concerns regarding the CDC’s credibility and scientific integrity under its current leadership.
These WCHA guidelines were developed with information from credible national medical organizations, like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Vaccination is safe, effective, and the best protection available against respiratory viruses like COVID-19, influenza, and RSV.
For more information, check out this FAQ from the WCHA.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15—an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions of Hispanic and Latino communites. In Western Washington County, and across the United States, Hispanic and Latino communities continue to make a profound impact. We are fortunate to be the home of historic organizations like Centro Cultural, Adelante Mujeres, and Bienestar, that empower our community. The rich diversity of backgrounds and perspectives that make up our schools, businesses, and neighborhoods makes us stronger. I stand with our Hispanic and Latino communities and reaffirm my commitment to keeping families and communities in Oregon united.
 
Layoffs Impacting Our Community
I am deeply concerned by more news of major layoffs at Intel and Edwards Semiconductor Manufacturing. The workforce impacted by these cuts is integral to our community in Western Washington County. I feel deeply for our neighbors and families who are navigating these devastating changes.
A strong economy and business community is foundational to Oregon's success. We must ensure our state's competitiveness in a wide range of industries to keep working families connected to living wage opportunities. While global and national factors—like tariffs and unpredictable federal policy—feel out of our control, there are avenues at the state level for action to promote economic development.
Our vision for Oregon is a place where both workers and businesses can thrive. The path forward must balance protections for our state's rich agricultural community and history, while creating space for innovation in clean energy and cutting-edge tech sectors. These are challenging times. Our community is hurting. But I am committed to finding solutions. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office to share your story or perspective.
Special Session Schedule Update
 ABOVE: The Joint Transportation Committee's tour bus in The Dalles last summer.
During the special session over Labor Day weekend, I voted yes on a transportation funding plan that protects our most essential transportation services. The bill keeps the state/local funding split, dedicating 50% of funding to the state and 50% to our cities and counties for road maintenance. It makes sure snowplows, repair crews, and transit services can keep doing their jobs and requires all users to pay their fair share, including EVs. It also strengthens oversight and accountability for ODOT. The funding plan we passed in the House is a responsible solution to reconcile our transportation budget and keep our system functional. It isn't perfect, but it is a step in the right direction.
The Senate has rescheduled their vote on the special session transportation plan from September 17th to September Legislative Days (29th-Oct 1st) as Senator Gorsek continues his recovery. I wish Senator Gorsek and his family all the best as he heals. We look forward to welcoming him back to the Legislature when he is able to rejoin us.
Consumer Protection Laws Signed Last Week
Last week, Governor Kotek signed several important laws on consumer protection and transparency. My colleague, Rep. Sosa, has championed these issues and consumer justice priorities in the Legislature.
He shared: "As chair of the House Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection as well as a chief sponsor of all three bills, I am thrilled that we passed such sweeping legislation to create a more equitable marketplace for Oregonians."
Here's a bit more information about how these bills will impact Oregonians:
Senate Bill 605 – Ending Medical Debt Credit Reporting
The bill prohibits medical debt from appearing on consumer credit reports, protecting Oregonians from long-term financial harm due to unexpected health care expenses. Oregon joins other states taking action to ensure medical crises don't damage credit histories.
Senate Bill 430 – No Hidden Online Fees
The bill bans online sellers from hiding mandatory fees in advertised prices. Companies must now include all required fees upfront so Oregonians know exactly what they'll pay before completing a purchase.
House Bill 3178 – Auto Loan Fairness and Transparency
The bill requires car dealers to provide plain-language disclosures in Oregon's top six spoken languages outlining consumer rights during purchases. Dealers now have 10 days instead of 14 to finalize auto loans and must notify consumers within two days if their purchase contract is voided.
Rep. Javadi Joins Democratic Caucus
I would like to take a moment to welcome my colleague, Rep. Cyrus Javadi of Tillamook, to the Democratic caucus. This month, he announced that he would be leaving the Republican party and registering as a Democrat. In his announcement, Rep. Javadi shared: "Time after time this past session, it was Democrats who stepped up to support the priorities of the coast, even though I wore the other team’s jersey,” he wrote. “It didn’t matter to them. What mattered was whether the policy worked.” I have known Rep. Javadi to be a strong advocate for coastal communities and a thoughtful legislator—I look forward to continuing to work with him in this new role.
Hillsboro City Council Legislative Update
Last Tuesday evening, I gave a legislative update to the Hillsboro City Council. I shared about our work during the 2025 Legislative Session and the need for the transportation funding package under consideration this special session. Half of the revenue from this plan will go to cities and counties for local maintenance and repairs, providing our local community leaders in Western Washington County and across Oregon with the resources they need to maintain our roads. You can watch the full meeting by clicking below:
WEA Transportation Committee Presentation
Last week, I had the opportunity to speak to the WEA Transportation Committee. It is always a pleasure to work with WEA. Thank you for your work on the transportation future for Oregon—a multimodal safe system for all users.
Coffees with Community Members
Over the past week, I've sat down with business leaders and individual constituents who reached out to share an idea or talk through an opportunity for improvement in our community. I always enjoy hearing from folks in our neighborhoods about the challenges they see and their creative proposals for solutions. I often bring my takeaways from these meetings to policy discussions, committee hearings, and floor votes. Thanks to all those who take have taken time to connect and share perspectives.
Washington County Product Finalist for State Award
Congratulations to Beaverton Foods, headquartered in Hillsboro, for being selected as a finalist in Oregon Business and Industry's 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Oregon contest. The Coolest Thing Made in Oregon contest allows Oregonians to nominate their favorite Oregon-made products, then participate in a bracket-style competition to choose the winner. Click here to read more about the contest and vote for your favorite product.
One Year of Drake Learning Center at Cornelius Library
The Drake Learning Center opened just a year ago! Our community has been loving it ever since. The Drake Learning Center is a 2,700 square-foot space that offers two functions:
- a versatile, 50-person event space equipped with state-of-the-art technology to support community events and innovative library programming for all ages, and
- an innovative library makerspace designed to engage Cornelius youth in programs that promote critical math and science skills essential for student success.
This community and learning space is named in honor of Rob Drake, former Cornelius City Manager and the driving force behind many successful community initiatives in Cornelius.
Pacific University Public Lecture *New Date*
Jeff Goodell, author of The Heat Will Kill You First, will be speaking about his book. Goodell’s talk will explore the connections between climate, inequality, and survival.
WHEN: Tuesday, September 30th at 7 pm
WHERE: Taylor-Meade Performing Arts Center, Pacific University
Free to attend | Registration required: pacificu.edu/Goodell
Hillsboro Harvest 5K
It’s time to lace up your tennis shoes for Harvest 5k. This is a fun, non-timed event for all ages and fitness levels. Children 17 and under free. Click here for more information.
WHEN: Saturday, September 27th at 10 am
WHERE: Orenco Woods Nature Park
Centro Cultural - Youth Workforce Workshop
Centro’s Workforce and Community Voz teams proudly announce that the next Ponte las Pilas Male Youth Conference is coming up September 27th. Youth will get the chance to meet professionals across the diverse manufacturing industry. The conference is free to attend with this registration form.
 
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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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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