11/26/2025 Senate District 15 Newsletter

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Senator Sollman

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To contact me, please click here: Sen​​​.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov


Friends and Neighbors,

Upcoming Events

Virtual Community Conversation

Join me online, for a virtual Community Conversation, Thursday, December 4th from 6:00PM - 7:00PM. Pre-registration is required. Register Here

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Legislative Updates

Oregon Governor and Attorney General Respond to Federal Immigration Enforcement Actions in Oregon

Thank you to Governor Tina Kotek for this strong message of leadership and action, and to Oregon Attorney General, Dan Rayfield, who has shown real leadership throughout every crisis brought forward by the federal administration. I am especially proud of our Washington County District Attorney, Kevin Barton for the collaborative work. 

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Resources for Immigrant and Refugee Communities

Shared from the Oregon Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement

Our office created several tools to support community organizations, agency staff, and families who face stress or sudden change. Partners asked for guides with clear steps, trusted contacts, and simple planning support. We are working to translate these into several languages so more families across Oregon stay informed and connected to help.

  • Emergency Planning Guide
    A workbook that helps families prepare for unexpected situations. It covers contacts, documents, and steps to stay ready.
    https://lnkd.in/g9KRGJkk
  • Immigrant and Refugee Resource Guide
    A list of food support, legal help, health services, and community partners across Oregon. It gives families clear pathways to trusted groups.
    https://lnkd.in/gyNhef7S
  • Legal Services Directory
    A directory of nonprofit legal groups and trusted partners who support immigrant and refugee communities with screenings, rights information, and referrals.
    https://lnkd.in/gNE3Uvj7

These documents are available on the ODHS site under the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement. Sharing them so families know where to turn and how to stay connected to support. These tools focus on safety, access to services, and clear information. They support families across Oregon without regard to politics or status. Our role is to help people stay informed and connected to trusted support.


In The News

Oregon lawmakers press education officials on backlog of school discrimination claimsThe Oregonian/OregonLive, Hillary Borrud, November 21, 2025.

“I’m just wondering how, when we’re looking at protecting students and their families, how do we justify a prolonged time?” Sen. Janeen Sollman, D-Hillsboro, asked state education officials during an interim meeting of the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday, referring to the five-year wait reported by The Oregonian/OregonLive.

State economist gives insight into Oregon’s slowing economic realityOregon Capital Chronicle, Mia Maldonado, November 21, 2025.

Oregon’s economic activity is declining, population growth is slowing and unemployment is rising — all at a faster pace than the U.S. 

While the state’s economy is slowing down, there’s hope for moderate growth in 2026, State Economist Carl Riccadonna told lawmakers this week.

An economic upturn in 2026 is possible as interest rates are on the decline, which usually spurs home buying, business investment and vehicle sales, he said. Tax cuts for businesses from a new law President Donald Trump signed in July will also likely stimulate more economic movement, he said. 


Out and About in Senate District 15

Visit to Furrow Farm in Helvetia

The beauty of Senate District 15 was evident at Furrow Farm in Helvetia this week. I appreciated my visit, especially as they were SO busy prepping for opening weekend. We talked about land use, ag overtime, environmental reuse (hazelnut shell use) and Christmas. If you are in the Hillsboro area, I hope you get a chance to check out all that Furrow Farm has to offer this holiday season.

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Casita Azul Preschool and Daycare

On Friday, I had a fabulous start to the day, spent with bright littles and their teachers at Casita Azul Preschool and Daycare. Hillsboro families are blessed to have such a beautiful space for learning and growing future leaders through bilingual education. I could have stayed all day with those little chefs in that kitchen.

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Tamale Fest and Cornelius Community Dinner

Last Saturday saw two fabulous local events centered around one theme - community. The M&M Marketplace Tamale Fest is always a delicious favorite and afterward, I enjoyed volunteering at the Cornelius Community Dinner. This was a day needed for all, with smiles, good food, family, supporting local and each other!

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Community Outreach

Poynter Middle School Student Receives Cooke Scholarship

Shared from Hillsboro School District

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Congratulations are in order for Poynter Middle School 8th grader Andy Alonso Garcia! He is the only student in Oregon to have been awarded a scholarship through the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Young Scholars Program, which provides mentorship and access to rigorous educational opportunities for his remaining middle and high school years. Andy’s Virginia-based mentor flew to Oregon in September to tour Poynter and to meet Andy, his family, and teachers. In November, Andy will fly to Virginia to tour the Foundation facilities and get a better sense of the programming he will engage in starting next summer. Andy reports being very happy about receiving the scholarship. He is currently interested in becoming an aerospace or civil engineer.

Way to go, Andy! You make us Proud to be HSD


Forest Grove Holiday Tree Lighting - Friday, November 28th

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The Forest Grove Holiday Tree Lighting is back, but now in a new location!

Join us Friday, November 28 from 6–7:30 PM at Pacific University (intersection of College Way and 21st Avenue) for one of our most beloved community traditions.

Enjoy caroling, cookies, family activities, photos with Santa and Clara from The Nutcracker, and the magical moment the tree lights up downtown!

Bring your family, invite your friends, and help us kick off the holiday season in true Forest Grove style.

Learn more at fgcchamber.org/fg-holiday-tree-lighting


City of Cornelius Holiday Tree Lighting - Friday, December 5th

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The City of Cornelius will hold its 13th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting event on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Veterans Memorial Park beginning at 6PM. Veterans Memorial Park is located at 1251 Baseline Street between 12th and 13th Street.

Santa Claus and Mayor Jef Dalin will kick off the holiday season by lighting the Holiday Tree at 6:05PM. They will lead everyone to the new Cornelius Elementary School for singing performed by our local school Choirs. Enjoy free champurrado and cookies!
Join the fun!

This years 2025 Choir:

  • Forest Grove High School Choir
  • Neil Armstrong Middle School Choir
  • and more coming soon!

Free Activities:

  • Letters to Santa
  • Ornament decorating
  • Photos with Santa
  • and more!

Made possible by the generous support of:
Cornelius Boosters Club, Cornelius Elementary School, Dutch Bros., Forest Grove & Cornelius Chamber of Commerce, Walmart
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La Ciudad de Cornelius celebrará su 13 evento anual de iluminación del árbol navideño el viernes 5 de Diciembre de 2025 en Veterans Memorial Park a partir de las 6PM. El Veterans Memorial Park está ubicado en 1251 Baseline Street entre las calles 12 y 13.

Santa Claus y el alcalde Jef Dalin darán inicio a la temporada navideña iluminando el árbol navideño a las 6:05 PM. Llevarán a todos a la nueva Escuela Primaria de Cornelius para oír canciones por el Coro. ¡Disfruta con champurrado y galletas gratis!
¡Participa en la diversión!

Coro de este año 2025:

  • Coro de Forest Grove High School
  • Coro Neil Armstrong Middle School
  • ¡y mas próximamente!

Actividades gratuitas:

  • Cartas a Santa
  • Decoración de adornos
  • Fotos con Santa
  • ¡Y mucho más!

Hecho posible gracias al generoso apoyo de:
Cornelius Boosters Club, Cornelius Elementary School, Dutch Bros., Forest Grove & Cornelius Chamber of Commerce, Walmart


Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical at Theatre in the Grove

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Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical, is the heartwarming stage adaptation of the beloved 1964 Rankin/Bass television classic.

Visit here for more info and to buy tickets.


Forest Grove Holiday Light Parade - Saturday, December 6th

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Additional Resources

Senate District 15 – Event Calendars

Federal Delegation Links

Education Links

Food and Housing Assistance

Immigration Resources


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This Thanksgiving holiday I have so much to be grateful for and it starts with family. However, I recognize we are living in troubled times. There is much pain and some Oregonians are separated from those they love. This is heartbreaking.

Please remember sometimes an act of kindness can create a positive ripple effect, if only for a moment. Standing with our community during this economic and humanitarian crisis is so important. Here are ideas to help:

  1. Shop local. Visit neighborhood stores throughout Senate District 15. The Main Street businesses in our communities need your support. Our Latino-owned businesses are especially hit hard right now and they would greatly appreciate your business.
  2. Donate or volunteer. Contribute groceries to local food pantries or community organizations.
  3. Help each other...neighbors, family, and friends. My grandkids remind me everyday that the simple things are everything. Small acts of kindness make a big difference, especially when fear and uncertainty weigh heavily.

We will get through this. Building community. Standing up for justice. We are stronger united, than we are divided. Be well neighbors.  

Be good to yourself and each other. ❤

Onward & Upward,

Janeen

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