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To contact me, please click here: Sen.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Friends and Neighbors,
Upcoming Events
Community Conversation - Thursday, November 20th
Join me on Thursday, November 20th, from 6:30PM to 7:30PM at Bites Restaurant in Forest Grove, located at 2014 Main St. If you would like to purchase dinner and support a local restaurant, come early to order some delicious food, then pull up a chair and join the conversation.
I look forward to seeing you soon!
Legislative Updates
November Interim Legislative Days
November Interim Legislative Days are next week, Monday, November 17th - Wednesday, November 19th. Committees and task forces will convene and hear about current issues, upcoming bill concepts and possible budget reductions for agencies. The Senate Floor will also convene for confirmation of Executive Appointments by the Governor to State Boards and Commissions.
The Legislative Day agendas for the committees I serve on are linked and listed below:
If you are planning a visit to Salem, there are metered and electric vehicle charging spots near the Capitol. The historic part of the Capitol is still under construction and remains closed, but the Senate and House wings are open. Stop by my office (S-207) to say "Hello" if you are at the Capitol. Visitors may enter through the ADA accessible doors on State Street, the south side of the building. To ensure the safety of the public, employees, tenants and Legislators in the Capitol, all visitors will encounter a security checkpoint with a walk-through metal detector upon entry. Please see the Building Use Policy, Rule #15 for prohibited items.
Not able to make the trip? You can still watch the meetings from home on OLIS, the Oregon Legislative Information System. Please find links provided by OLIS below for further information.
Legislative Days Details:
SNAP Resumes Normal Operations
The federal government shutdown is now over and regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) processing has resumed, effective today. This means:
- People approved for SNAP after November 6 will now get their food benefits.
- December benefits will go out on their regular schedule (during the first nine days of the month).
Background
During the federal government shutdown, the Governor and ODHS acted quickly to make sure Oregonians didn’t go hungry. In a very short window between federal court rulings, Governor Kotek directed ODHS to issue full November SNAP benefits to all eligible Oregonians on November 7, helping families keep food on the table and making Oregon one of the first states in the nation to get food benefits out during the shutdown.
What constituents need to know:
- SNAP benefits sent on November 7 will stay on people's EBT cards and can be used as normal. Today SNAP also will begin being issued to people who were approved after Nov. 6.
- December benefits will be sent out on time.
- Customers can check their balance using the official ebtEDGE app, website, or by calling 888-997-4447.
- If someone thinks their benefit amount is wrong, they can call the ONE Customer Service Center at 800-699-9075.
- EBT theft is on the rise. People can find tips on protecting their cards and benefits at https://bit.ly/protectEBTbenefits
- People needing food support can find resources at https://needfood.oregon.gov
Note: The recent shutdown did not change new federal SNAP rules about eligibility or work requirements. Those rules are still going into effect. Some may see a reduction or loss of food benefits because of the new eligibility rules.
In The News
Oregon’s new recycling law is three months old. Here’s one thing residents should stop doing, KLCC, Karen Richards, November 13, 2025.
Oregon’s Recycling Modernization Act has been in place for more than three months, and so far, both consumers and recycling centers seem pleased.
For the most part, the correct containers are showing up in the county’s mixed recycling, said Kelly Bell, the Master Recycler Coordinator with Lane County Waste Management. But there’s one material Bell said is a big offender, citing a survey from a year ago. The survey of 1,029 Oregon residents was conducted by the producer responsibility organization, or PRO, that manages and distributes the funds paid by packaging producers as part of the law.
Listen. Learn. Act.
Senate District 15 Schools Visit and Tour
This week, I spent a day visiting four schools across Senate District 15, listening to educators, learning from students, and identifying ways we can act to strengthen opportunities for every child. School stops included W. Verne McKinney Elementary and Glencoe High School in Hillsboro, Cornelius Elementary and Forest Grove High School.
We saw incredible work in classrooms, from early literacy instruction to intensive support for English language learners. We discussed shared accountability and how policymakers and district leaders can better align high expectations with practices that expand real student opportunity and growth. Our conversations ranged from curriculum adoptions and assessments to literacy initiatives and the importance of strong CTE programs that connect students to meaningful career pathways.
At each stop, we saw the data come to life. Students enrolled in CTE programs consistently graduate at higher rates, and it’s clear these pathways are making a powerful difference. We also enjoyed a delicious lunch at Forest Grove High School, prepared by students!
Out and About in Senate District 15
Honoring Our Veterans in Hillsboro and Cornelius
On Tuesday, our community came together to honor the brave men and women who have served our nation. Veterans Day events in Hillsboro and Cornelius brought residents together in meaningful celebration and remembrance. For many of us, Veterans Day holds deep personal significance. Coming from a military-strong family, this day of remembrance carries even greater meaning. It was an honor to pay tribute to my mother, a proud U.S. Navy WAVE herself. Thank you to all our Veterans for their service to our country.
Veterans Lunch at the American Legion Forest Grove
Last weekend, I joined the American Legion Auxiliary Forest Grove Unit 2 in honoring our Veterans with a lunch at the Forest Grove Elks #2440. Thank you to the volunteers for their time and dedication to uplifting our Veterans and their service.
Community Conversation and Ways to Help Build Community
Thank you, community members for getting around a table at Uptown coffee in Hillsboro to share questions and concerns, community advocacy ideas and bringing donations for IRCO. Afterwards, I shopped for a friend at the delicious San Juan SuperMarket off NE Cornell and then shopped for myself at M&M Marketplace.
From last week's newsletter on ways to build community:
- Shop local. Visit neighborhood stores like Supermercado Mexico and La Imperial Bakery to show support.
- Donate or volunteer. Contribute groceries to local food pantries or community organizations.
- Help your neighbors. Small acts of kindness make a big difference when fear and uncertainty weigh heavily.
Community Outreach
Food Drive for Students
Hillsboro Holly Days - Saturday, November 22nd
Hillsboro Holly Days is a beloved community tradition!
Celebrate the season at this annual celebration in Downtown Hillsboro on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
Artisans showcase their best handmade work at this bustling market, while carolers, live music, and activities for all ages abound.
Downtown merchants will also be open for business with a variety of in-shop activities and promotions.
The streets will be full of holiday cheer and excitement leading up to the awe-inspiring tree lighting at 6:00 pm.
Learn more about the festivities and plan your visit: DowntownHillsboro.org/Holly-Days-Celebration/
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Additional Resources
Senate District 15 – Event Calendars
Federal Delegation Links
Education Links
Food and Housing Assistance
Immigration Resources
Be good to yourself and each other. ❤
Onward & Upward,
 Senate District 15 lies on Kalapuya land. The Atfalati were the northernmost band of the Kalapuya that lived along the Tualatin River in present day Washington County. Many of the Atfalati descendants are members of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon today. The Indigenous Peoples of this land experienced a painful history of colonial violence, sickness and removal from their land. The Atfalati are the foundation of Oregon's past and we must honor them well into our future.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1715
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, S-207, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Sen.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/sollman
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