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To contact me, please click here: Rep.HaiPham@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear Friends and Neighbors,Â
I hope you’re all staying warm and keeping sunny spirits as the rainy season kicks in 🌧️
There’s been a seemingly never-ending stream of negative news lately, which signals that there are some tougher times ahead of us. In light of this, I want to emphasize that I remain devoted to fighting for my constituents and all the things we hold dear in HD 36. I deeply admire the resilience of this community and am grateful for all the different resources and support networks that exist throughout. We are stronger together, and our office in the Legislature is made better because of you.
In that spirit, thank you for staying engaged with my office — continue reading for more news, updates, and events happening in our community. As always, I welcome your thoughts and feedback as a critical part of the work that we do here in Salem.
Every month, more than 750,000 Oregonians — including children, seniors, veterans, and working families — depend on SNAP to put food on the table. There was a lot of good and exciting news from last week and I know that this is an evolving story but here’s the latest update:Â
Last week, a federal judge ruled that President Trump and his administration are required to disburse SNAP benefits which have been fully restored for the month of November as of Friday (11/7). The Oregon Department of Human Services worked overnight to make sure that benefits would appear on Oregonian’s Oregon Trail Cards Friday morning, just in time for families who go grocery shopping over the weekend! Our office is so grateful for Attorney General Rayfield, Governor Kotek, and the agency for their urgency and efficiency in handling this issue, making Oregon one of the first states to get food benefits out during the shutdown.
Just yesterday, the longest federal shutdown in US history finally ended. This means that regular SNAP processing has resumed effective today: people approved after November 6th will get their benefits promptly, and December benefits will roll out as scheduled.
During these weeks of crisis and chaos, I am thankful for all of our community organizations, cities, and counties for stepping up to meet the need. The Washington County Commissioners declared two states of emergency in response to ICE activity and growing food insecurity. These declarations allow the county to move $250,000 to bolster local food resources and $200,000 to support immigrant-related services.Â
What to Know & What Can You Do?
- SNAP applications have remained open through this period. ODHS is encouraging those in need of assistance to continue applying, recertifying and submitting paperwork. This will help avoid delays in receiving your benefits as soon as funding is restored.
- Sign-up for an ONE Online account and download the Oregon ONE Mobile app at benefits.oregon.gov to get notices about your SNAP case.
- Nearly all public schools offer breakfast and lunch at no cost to Oregon students. Oregon public school students can continue to access free meals at schools that provide them.
- If you need additional assistance, here are some local resources that can help:
- Connect with the Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC) for help finding government and community resources. Call 1-855-673-2372 or visit www.adrcoforegon.org.
- Visit the Oregon Food Bank Food Finder website.
- Contact 211info by dialing 2-1-1, texting your ZIP code to 898-211, or visiting www.211info.org.
- Older adults and people with disabilities:
- Connect with the Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC) for help finding government and community resources. Call 1-
855-673-2372 or visit www.adrcoforegon.org.
According to Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition, ICE had made at least 135 arrests in Washington County in the month of October. These arrests are becoming increasingly violent and unlawful — they’re traumatizing to the families impacted, as well as our community at large. This is startling and deeply troubling as many residents in the county are missing work, school, doctor’s appointments as they fear leaving their home. And over on the coast, we have heard that the Trump admin is considering converting an U.S. Coast Guard’s air rescue operations to a new immigration detention center.Â
A piece of good news: I’m relieved to share that Victor Cruz, a 30-year Hillsboro resident who was wrongfully detained by ICE, was brought back home after being in the Tacoma detention facility for nearly a month. It is so uplifting to see the community outpouring and for Congresswoman Bonamici’s office for their work and support in bringing Victor home. It goes to show how chaotic ICE’s actions have been and that we need to hold them accountable to the letter of the law.
In this spirit, I was grateful to join Representative Chaichi in hosting our Washington County Know Your Rights training late last month. It’s imperative that we all know what to do in the event of an ICE spotting or arrest, and how to support anyone who’s been impacted. If you haven’t been able to attend a training session, I highly recommend finding one near you. Some key takeaways from our training that I’ll share:
📢 Call the PIRC Hotline. PIRC has trained volunteers to confirm suspected ICE sightings and act accordingly.Â
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📢 When reporting an ICE sighting, be clear about what you see. Use the acronym CLEAR to know what to say:
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📢 You have the right to film any encounters with ICE that you witness. Video recordings can be crucial evidence in court and have helped secure the release of detained community members on several occasions. However, make your own decisions about your safety in any given situation and how you can help. For instance, intervening in an arrest or harassing a federal agent can potentially get you in legal trouble.
If you would like to attend a Know Your Rights Training and learn more, consider signing up to attend an upcoming event.Â
As a refugee whose family came to this country during the Vietnam War, all of this news is deeply personal. SNAP and food assistance helped me and my family stay fed during a time where we were trying to put our roots down in a new country, learn a new language, culture, and find our community. In the midst of the ongoing chaos and added fear and uncertainty that many families are feeling, we lose sight of these personal stories. I want to thank all of our residents and for our community for stepping up with peace, love and compassion to help our neighbors in need. I fiercely believe that our immigrant community should not have to live in fear of their own homes; it’s imperative that we take action wherever possible to protect the most vulnerable among us.Â
As we navigate these worrying times, I encourage you to tap into your community to see how you can be supportive. Maybe your neighbors could use help getting their groceries delivered if they’re scared to go outside. Maybe someone you know needs a friend at an immigration hearing. Always remember that we are stronger together and we can all do our part.
October was a busy month, full of events and fruitful connections. I’m grateful to have so many opportunities to engage with community and have important conversations about taking care of the home we all share.
CCO Oregon Conference
Early in October, I took part in a panel at CCO Oregon’s annual conference in Salem, alongside my colleagues Senator Campos and Representatives Nosse and Diehl. We had a meaningful discussion about federal impacts on healthcare in Oregon (specifically Medicaid/OHP) and the state’s role in ensuring continuity of care for all who rely on it.
CCOs, or Coordinated Care Organizations, are community-based organizations here in Oregon that allow for the coordination of healthcare for people who receive Medicaid/OHP. CCO Oregon supports the essential work of CCOs and creates spaces (such as this conference) where healthcare leaders can engage on the issues we’re working to solve.Â
Thank you to CCO Oregon for inviting me to the conversation, and to all the attendees who do amazing work providing quality healthcare for Oregonians!
Oregon Workforce Partnership Conference
My team attended the Oregon Workforce Partnership (OWP) conference where over 500 advocates, industry and education leaders, and the public sector gathered to explore opportunities in growing Oregon’s workforce. What was most meaningful to hear was that we need a statewide strategy in a long-term plan that brings together key partners to meet the needs of local communities. We must continue to remind ourselves that strengthening jobs and the economy now is an investment toward the future.
Virtual Fencing Tour in Condon, Oregon
I joined my friend and colleague Representative Helm out in Condon for a tour and educational conversation about the future of wildfire recovery and rural resilience. We learned about innovative new technology creating “virtual fencing” to replace physical infrastructure for livestock management in the wake of wildfire destruction.
Thank you to Gilliam Soil and Water Conservation District for sharing what they are doing to protect and support ranches out in Eastern Oregon. The recent wildfires in 2024 wiped out the land, fences and rancher's livelihoods — virtual fencing is a great tool that allows ranchers to sustainably and efficiently protect, maintain and grow their herds.
Beaverton CATT Tour
I recently had the honor of attending a ribbon cutting ceremony for Washington County’s newest Center for Addictions Triage and Treatment in Beaverton!
Opening its doors in just a few days, the center will provide 86 new treatment beds for those in need of residential treatment, sobering, withdrawal management and transitional services. This is a monumental step for our community, which has lacked critical capacity for substance use treatment services until this year. Thank you to Washington County for investing in these valuable services!
WashCo Know Your Rights Training
A couple weeks ago, my office co-hosted a Know Your Rights training in Hillsboro alongside my colleague Representative Chaichi. We had an informative training session led by Innovation Law Lab and the Oregon Justice Resource Center.
With increasing ICE activity in the heart of Washington County and beyond, we know how important it is to get the right resources and prepare ourselves to protect our neighbors and loved ones. Thank you to Representative Chaichi’s office for bringing us together, to Innovation Law Lab and the OJRC for the training, and to the over 100 community members who joined us for this much-needed conversation!
It can be hard to keep up with the news if you don’t always have your ear to the ground. Here’s some other updates and happenings in and around our community that you should know about, if you didn’t already:
Volunteer with SMART Reading
SMART is seeking volunteers at schools in Washington County to help children blossom into lifelong readers.
“Reading with a child for just one hour a week can ignite confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning,” said Senior Program Manager Stacy Goodwin. “Volunteers often tell us it’s the best hour of their week — and the impact lasts a lifetime.”
Below are a few schools in and around our district in need of volunteer support (visit the SMART website for a full list):
- Beaverton Child Development Center Head Start (12385 SW Longhorn Ln)
- Greenway Elementary (9150 SW Downing Dr)
- McKinney Elementary (535 NW Darnielle St)
- Rosedale Elementary (3901 SE 67th Ave)
Sign up to volunteer and get paired with a program near you. All of us have a role to play in helping our kids learn and grow!
Trimet Seeking Members for TV Highway Committee
Do you ride Line 57-TV Hwy/Forest Grove, or otherwise live, work or recreate near the Tualatin Valley Highway? If so, TriMet needs your help!Â
Trimet is looking for people to join the Community Advisory Committee for the TV Highway Transit & Safety Project. The project will bring TriMet FX service to one of Washington County’s busiest transportation corridors by 2030. The new bus service will provide faster travel times, improved bus waiting areas and access to transit to increase safety and efficiency.Â
Apply to join the advisory committee by tomorrow (11/14)!
Planned Bus and MAX Service Cuts
TriMet will begin to make a number of service cuts and reduce how often buses arrive on a number of lines beginning November 2025 and again in March 2026. They report that they may need to make larger cuts after further evaluation in November 2026 and in December 2027 that would likely impact more riders.Â
The first round of cuts, taking effect on November 30th, will impact the following five bus lines:
After these initial cuts, TriMet research and service planning teams will analyze the community feedback they’ve received to put together proposals for the more extensive service reductions that will be needed in late 2026 and 2027. They’ll commence another round of outreach in January 2026, asking riders to weigh in on those more detailed proposals. For updates on this process, you can follow TriMet on social media or bookmark trimet.org/servicecuts.
THPRD: Give & Get Fit Food Drive
THPRD is collecting non-perishable food donations through the month of November at the Conestoga Recreation & Aquatic Center! All donations will go to a local food pantry. As a thank you, enter to win a raffle for a fitness themed gift basket and get tips on staying active during the rainy season.
Hillsboro Senior Center Holiday Bazaar
The Hillsboro Community Senior Center will be hosting their annual Holiday Bazaar on November 22 and 23!Â
Join for festive holiday music, goodies from the Bistro, and a variety of offerings from more than forty local vendors. Purchase raffle tickets for the chance to win fun prizes, knowing that 100% of the proceeds from vendor fees, raffles, and Bistro sales go directly to supporting programs for local seniors.
While we’re still away from Salem, the work goes on. It’s already been a busy summer so far and it’s looking to be a busy fall, but every day is another opportunity to learn, grow, and make change in our community.
I’m looking forward to the work to come and hope that you’ll continue staying engaged. As always, I’m honored to serve as your State Representative and am always available as a resource to you.
Please reach out and connect at any time. You can connect with my legislative work by following me on Facebook, Instagram, or email my office at Rep.HaiPham@oregonlegislature.gov.
Yours truly,
 Representative Hai Pham
House District 36
Capitol Phone:Â 503-986-1436
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-282, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email:Â Rep.HaiPham@oregonlegislature.gov
Website:Â https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/phamh
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