Dear Neighbors and Community Members,
I am back in Forest Grove after a busy and productive week in Salem. We just wrapped up three days of committee meetings and policy discussions at the Capitol. It was great to reconnect with colleagues and dig into some important issues, including our process for prioritizing critical services amidst federal impacts to our state budget. My office continues to prepare for the upcoming 2026 Short Session, and I am looking forward to sharing more soon about the bills I'll be introducing. On the evening of December 4th, I'll host a virtual town hall to hear from you and look ahead to next Session—save the date!
In this newsletter, you'll find:
- A recap of November Legislative Days
- Highlights from my meetings with community members and advocates
- How Oregon is stepping up to support Planned Parenthood
- A new addition to Team McLain
- Upcoming events and opportunities around Western Washington County
ABOVE: Team McLain in the Salem office this week.
 
November Legislative Days - Honoring Rep. Nguyễn
On Monday morning, we honored the life and legacy of House District 48 State Representative Chi Têrêsa Nguyễn Hiền Hòa. Representative Nguyễn was a remarkable person and friend. She was talented, compassionate, and deeply dedicated to her community. We will carry her vision forward and keep working for excellent education opportunities for all students.
 Committee Meetings: Transportation, Education, and Agriculture
On Monday afternoon, the House Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water met to review our fish hatchery infrastructure and hear an update on how virtual/invisible fencing can support emergency response and post fire management. We also heard from OSU researchers on wildfire mitigation and riparian area protection.
This Tuesday morning, the Joint Ways and Means Education Subcommittee met to review possible reductions to the Department of Education, Department of Early Learning and Care, and Higher Education Coordinating Commission. Agencies presented their proposals for various degrees of budget reductions, and we had an important conversation about how to prioritize our most critical programs and services.
Tuesday evening, the Joint Transportation Oversight Committee held its first meeting. We discussed the purpose and scope of our committee, then heard from the Oregon Department of Transportation. This presentation and conversation covered the status of ODOT's ongoing major projects and a financial update from the agency.
ABOVE: The House Chambers are now open!
On Wednesday, the Joint Public Education Appropriations Committee discussed the adoption of our committee's report on the adequacy of public education appropriations. During this meeting, I shared my concerns about the need to modernize our Quality Education Model (QEM) to account for the complete needs of our schools. You can read the full report here.
Finally, I chaired the House Committee on Transportation on Wednesday afternoon. We heard from ODOT, DEQ, and electric vehicle stakeholders on how federal policy and funding changes our impacting our transportation infrastructure. I shared an update on my "All Things Electric Vehicles Work Group," and we heard from legislators on additional transportation work groups. The meeting concluded with a status report on public transit in Oregon from local jurisdictions and tribes.
Recordings of these meetings can be viewed at the links above. You can view updates from my committees and others on the Oregon Legislative Information Service website.
Updates from Work Groups on Goal 1 and EVs
This week, my work groups on Goal 1 and electric vehicle policy both held productive conversations. In my meeting on Goal 1, we discussed the results of a survey that was distributed to all participants of our work group. This survey asked members to share their priorities for Goal 1 reform. Staff analyzed the responses for their fiscal impact to identify feasible next steps for improvement while keeping costs to a minimum. We are looking at how to keep moving forward on this issue through the 2026 and 2027 sessions.
My work group on "All Things Electric Vehicles" met to discuss short term policy priorities as we work to meet our electrification goals. We are working on maintaining and improving our EV rebate program for consumers, adjusting the efficiency rate of electric vehicles as they are entered into the upcoming vehicle miles traveled program, and addressing how medium-duty delivery vehicles will contribute to the cost of maintenance for our transportation system. Our group is also examining our charging infrastructure and the charging needs of EV drivers. The House Transportation Committee will build off of these discussions and introduce legislation related to these issues in the 2026 Session.
 
Washington County Community Conversation on Due Process and Federal Accountability
This week, community advocates from Washington County visited the Capitol to share their support for upholding due process and public safety as federal immigration action continues to impact our community. We had an important conversation about Oregon's Sanctuary State status and ongoing responses at every level of government to protect our neighbors.
University of Oregon Students on Preventing Food Waste
I had the pleasure of sitting down with University of Oregon’s OSPRIG Students during my time in Salem. We had a delightful conversation about unnecessary food waste. Their passion and innovation was truly inspiring!
Environment Oregon Advocating for Pollinator Protections
Additionally, advocates from the nonprofit group Environment Oregon stopped by the office to share their Save Oregon Bees campaign, an important effort to protect these vital pollinators and our local communities. I appreciate their dedication and advocacy.
 
Oregon Acts to Preserve Planned Parenthood Services After Federal Attacks
More than 70,000 Oregonians with Medicaid coverage a year rely upon Planned Parenthood for services like abortion services, cancer screenings, STI testing and treatment, contraception, preventive care, basic infertility services, and gender-affirming care. However, a recent Trump administration budget law threatened that access by limiting Medicaid patients’ long-standing right to choose their health care provider.
Oregon Democrats are taking action. The Legislature’s Emergency Board will allocate $7.5 million to Planned Parenthood to ensure patients can continue receiving the full range of care they depend on. Democrats will continue to work to support this essential provider throughout the 2026 short session.
“Despite President Trump and federal Republicans’ efforts, we will not let Planned Parenthood health centers close in Oregon,” said House Majority Leader Ben Bowman.
Planned Parenthood Action Oregon Executive Director Christopher Coburn said the organization is ready to work alongside lawmakers to ensure both accessible care and patients’ freedom in choosing a trusted provider.
Cities Mobilize Swift Immigration Response
I want to recognize the three cities in my district who are acting to support our community amidst the impacts of federal immigration actions. The City of Hillsboro has held public meetings with active engagement from community members. They have declared a state of emergency and mobilized $200,000 in community grant funding to provide assistance to those impacted. The City of Forest Grove voted last Monday to unanimously approve an emergency declaration. They have also provided up to $50,000 to organizations who are serving impacted communities. On Monday night, the City of Cornelius heard powerful testimony from community members and voted unanimously to declare a state of emergency. I am grateful to the elected leaders and staff for their commitment to supporting our immigrant community members.
Indivisible Forest Grove Stands Up for Community
I had the pleasure of speaking to Indivisible Forest Grove last Friday. I shared about state responses to federal action and heard from community members about their ideas to strengthen protections. I also learned of Indivisible Forest Grove's work to witness and document the impacts of federal immigration actions in our neighborhoods. Members are participating in legal observer trainings to appropriately monitor immigration enforcement and maintaining a presence in public places to provide support and rapid response to community members. Thank you to Indivisible for the robust conversation and for showing up for our neighbors in times of need.
Forest Grove Cheer Squad Takes Home 1st Place at State!
I would like to offer a huge congratulations to the Forest Grove High School cheer squad, who won the 6A Medium Division at the 2025 OCCA Game Day Championships on Saturday, November 15, outperforming 12 other teams from across the state. You all should be very proud of yourselves and this great accomplishment!
 
Welcome to Team McLain, Avery!
This week, we welcomed a new legislative assistant to Team McLain, Avery! Avery is a recent graduate of the University of Oregon and now calls Salem home. She recently completed an internship with the United States District Court for the District of Oregon. In her free time, she enjoys reading and running. We are excited to have her on board with us throughout the upcoming short session.
Cornelius Community Dinner
The City of Cornelius, Cornelius Police Department, and Washington County Sheriff's Office will be hosting their annual Community Dinner on Saturday, November 22, 2025.
Enjoy a traditional turkey dinner, free of charge, with an expected 400–500 community members in attendance. This is a wonderful opportunity to gather with neighbors and celebrate the holiday season together.
Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers aged 14 and older are needed to help make the event a success. Click here to sign up!
WHEN: Saturday, November 22nd from 4-7 PM
WHERE: OLD Cornelius Elementary School (200 N 14th Ave., Cornelius, OR 97113)
Forest Grove Annual Community Tree Lighting
The holiday season is officially upon us! Join us for Forest Grove’s Annual Community Tree Lighting on Friday, November 28, 2025.
The evening will feature photo opportunities with Santa, Clara, the Nutcracker cast, and the Big Sleigh, along with live performances from the Spanish Choir at the Community Senior Center and the Forest Grove Barber Shop.
In addition, free family activities will be offered by several local nonprofits, making it a fun and festive celebration for all ages.
WHEN: Friday, November 28, 2025, at 6:00 pm
WHERE: Pacific University, at the tree intersection of College Way and 21st Avenue
Hillsboro Senior Center Annual Holiday Bazaar
The Hillsboro Senior Center invites you to their Annual Holiday Bazaar. Enjoy festive holiday music, tasty treats from the Bistro, and handmade treasures from more than forty local vendors. The Annual Holiday Bazaar is proudly hosted by the Friends of the Hillsboro Community Senior Center; it’s the perfect place to find unique gifts and soak in the holiday spirit!
WHEN: Saturday, November 22: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm and Sunday, November 23: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
WHERE: Community Senior Center, 750 SE 8th Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97123
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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