Dear Neighbors and Community Members,
These are challenging times. I am horrified and heartbroken by growing ICE action across Washington County. While federal immigration enforcement has increased across the state, our communities in Hillsboro, Cornelius, and Forest Grove have been especially impacted. ICE agents have acted without regard for due process or respect for human dignity. Each day, I am in conversations with community members, elected leaders, and my colleagues working to uphold the rights of our community and strengthen protections. No federal agent is above the law. Families deserve to live without fear.
Please save the Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition (PIRC) Hotline in your phone: 1-888-622-1510. If you witness ICE activity, call this number immediately.
We’ll keep showing up for each other and standing up for our community. If you would like to participate, Indivisible will be hosting a gathering a the Flag Pole in Forest Grove from 4:30-6 pm today in solidarity with our immigrant community and those facing food insecurity.
In this newsletter, you'll find:
- Information from Washington County on the State of Emergency declaration
- A recap of meetings and events I attended this week
- News from the Legislature, updates on workgroups, and upcoming hearings
- Community activities and opportunities in Washington County
ABOVE: Rep. Sosa and I shopping locally at Super Mercado last weekend.
 
Washington County Declares Two States of Emergency on Food Insecurity and ICE Activity
I appreciate our County Commissioners taking action to address the needs in our community. As residents face food insecurity due to delayed SNAP benefits and federal immigration enforcement impacts our neighborhoods, schools, and businesses, it is important that community members can access resources and support. I would like to share an update from our County Commissioners on their decision to declare two states of emergency:
On Tuesday, Nov. 4, the Washington County Board of Commissioners declared two states of emergency in response to recent federal activity across the county related to the immigration and refugee community and growing food insecurity following the suspension of federal benefits. The declarations will remain in effect until December 31, 2025.
These emergency declarations enable the County to:
- Enter into mutual aid agreements with other government entities to ensure basic needs are met.
- Redirect county funds for emergency use.
- Take immediate actions necessary to protect life and property.
In response, the Board has authorized expenditures up to $250,000 to bolster local food resources and an additional $200,000 to support immigration-related services. County staff will work in coordination with the board to determine how these funds will be distributed to best meet community needs.
It is important to understand that an emergency declaration gives the County the flexibility to respond rapidly as situations change and needs emerge. We acknowledge that the community's needs are significant, and while these actions won't completely resolve the challenges, they represent a concrete step the County can take to support the community.
To support the community during this time, Washington County has also launched an online guide of food resources. This page will be updated regularly with the most current information available.
Supporting Food Resources in Washington County
Last weekend, Rep. Sosa, Sen. Sollman and I shopped locally at Super Mercado and donated to Centro Mercado, a free food market in Cornelius. If you are able, please consider supporting our local businesses and donating food items, volunteering, or giving to a local food bank this month. This is the time for us to come together and support our neighbors.
The Governor has declared a 60-day emergency on hunger to mobilize additional resources for Oregonians and directed $5 million from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) carryover funds to Oregon’s network of food banks. Resources will go toward food purchasing, distribution, and local operations to ensure families can access emergency resources.
Just yesterday, a federal court ordered the Trump Administration to immediately release 100% of funding to pay for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for all recipients nationwide.
Thank you to the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) staff who worked through the night to issue full November benefits by this morning so families across the state can access the food they need.
Before shopping, people should check their EBT card balance to make sure their benefits have been issued as expected. There are several ways to do this:
As of this morning, Oregon families are beginning to access their full November SNAP benefits restored on their Oregon Trail Cards. The Governor's emergency declaration will stay in place until the uncertainty from the federal government is resolved.
The state’s website for food resource information at the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is regularly updated for anyone in need. Please use these resources and share them with others.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to rep.susanmclain@oregonlegislature.gov if you or someone you know needs help accessing food resources.
Hillsboro City Council Work Session and Meeting
On Tuesday night, I listened to the Hillsboro City Council’s work session and council meeting to hear directly about the impacts of federal immigration enforcement. Over nearly three hours of public testimony, we saw our community show up to advocate and share personal experiences and stories of how these actions have touched the homes, businesses, and schools in our communities.
I appreciate all who lent their voice to this important conversation. It is powerful to see our community showing up and standing up for the rights of our neighbors. Safety for all community members comes first, and elected leaders at every level of government will continue working to strengthen our protections.
Elected and Community Leaders Meet to Address ICE Activity
This week, federal, state, county, and city officials came together to discuss the impacts of federal immigration enforcement in our region and support our communities who have experienced ICE activity in our area. I appreciated the chance to hear an update from Congresswoman Bonamici on this issue and her office's work to hold federal agencies accountable in Washington D.C.. She also shared an update on Victor Cruz's detention after her visit to the Tacoma ICE facility. Leaders are focused on addressing community safety and upholding due process for all.
Strengthening Support for Our Community & Small Businesses
Immigration issues are deeply affecting both our community members and local businesses. This week, the Washington County Chamber of Commerce brought together local partners, organizations, and stakeholders for a meeting to identifying opportunities to collaborate on community support efforts and collectively strengthen communication, resources, and outreach to better assist our community during these uncertain times. This was an important discussion on how immigration actions have disrupted our local economy, small businesses, and working families. It is important that we support our Latino community and small businesses who have been impacted by these difficult times. Let's shop locally and continue showing up for the businesses in Western Washington County.
Welcome Representative-Designate Lamar Wise
I would like to share a warm welcome to Rep.-Designate Wise, who has been appointed to serve House District 48. He has spent his career advocating for Oregon’s working families, strong schools, and quality public services. His previous work has included labor advocacy fighting for the rights and dignity of working people, serving as a board member of economic and social justice organizations, and representing the Oregon Student Association as the former executive director. I look forward to working alongside Rep.-Designate Wise to strengthen our schools and uplift working families in our communities.
Work Group on "All Things Electric Vehicles" Begins
This week, we kicked off a series of meetings on "All Things Electric Vehicles (EVs)" with stakeholders representing business communities, environmental justice leaders, engineers, and transportation policy experts. Over the next several weeks, our work group will meet regularly to examine opportunities for improvement in our electric vehicle policy. We will cover a range of topics related to EVs, including Oregon's rebate programs, charging infrastructure and accessibility, and assessing how EVs will fit into the vehicle miles traveled program that begins in 2027. A central theme of our group is ensuring that all users are paying their fair share for road maintenance and preservation. We are focused on finding short, medium, and long-term solutions to help our state meet our electrification and emission-reduction goals.
 ABOVE: The Joint Transportation Committee meeting during the 2025 Session.
Two Weeks Until November Legislative Days!
November Legislative Days are just around the corner. Here is a quick look at my committee hearings during that week:
- House Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water: Monday the 17th from 2:30-5:00 pm
- Joint Transportation Oversight Committee: Tuesday the 18th from 5:30-8:00 pm
- Joint Public Education Appropriations Committee: Wednesday the 19th from 9:00-12:00 pm
- House Committee on Transportation: Wednesday the 19th from 2:30-5:00 pm
Meetings are open to the public. If you are interested in tuning in remotely, check out the Oregon Legislative Information Service website to watch a livestream or view a recording.
Cornelius Veterans Day Ceremony
Let's salute our soldiers this Veterans Day! Join us on November 11 to pay tribute to our heroes at our annual ceremony. This is a free event open to all.
WHEN: Tuesday, November 11th from 1-1:45 PM
WHERE: Veterans Memorial Park, 1251 Baseline St, Cornelius
Forest Grove Veterans Day Ceremony
Main Street will becomes a living display of military heritage and hometown pride! In collaboration with the Forest Grove 2-218th Field Artillery, American Legion, City Club of Forest Grove, Forest Grove/Cornelius Chamber of Commerce, Pacific University, and the Forest Grove Veterans Action Network, we’re hosting a Veterans Day event on a scale never before seen in Forest Grove!
WHEN: Saturday, November 8th from 12-4 PM
WHERE: Downtown Forest Grove
Hillsboro Veterans Day Celebration
The City of Hillsboro's Veteran & Military Connected Employee Affinity Group invites you to honor all who served our country with the military.
All community members are welcome to join us for this presentation at the Washington County Veterans Memorial.
WHEN: Tuesday, November 11th from 11-12 PM
WHERE: Washington County Veterans Memorial Gateway (Intersection of NE Veterans Dr & NE 34th Ave Hillsboro, Oregon)
Cornelius Community Dinner
The City of Cornelius, Cornelius Police Department, and the Washington County Sheriff's Office will be hosting their annual Community Dinner on Saturday, November 22nd, 2025. The event will provide a traditional turkey dinner for community members. This meal is available at no cost and is expected to feed 400 to 500 people. All are welcome to attend and enjoy a holiday dinner.
WHEN: Saturday, November 22nd from 4-7 PM
WHERE: OLD Cornelius Elementary School (200 N 14th Ave., Cornelius, OR 97113)
I love to attend veteran events to honor their service and sacrifice.
 
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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