Dear Neighbors and Community Members,
As we gather with family and friends for Thanksgiving this week, I hope we all find a moment to pause, rest, and reflect on the blessings that sustain us. Our community faces real challenges, but we find hope and strength in one another. This holiday break, lets take time to practice gratitude, connect with our loved ones, and restore ourselves so we can continue showing up with clarity and compassion.
I am deeply thankful for the honor of representing House District 29. Every day, I’m inspired by the resilience, generosity, and creativity of our community. I wish you and your loved ones a warm and peaceful Thanksgiving.
Just breathe and enjoy a friend and a break!
 
Save the Date - Virtual Town Hall on December 4th!
Please join me for a conversation and Q&A over Zoom on December 4th from 5:30-7:00 PM. During this Zoom meeting, we'll discuss ongoing responses to federal immigration actions and issues impacting our community, recap the Special Session on transportation funding and HB 3991, review November Legislative Days, and look ahead to the 2026 Short Session.
Bring your questions, concerns, and ideas to share on December 4th from 5:30-7:00 PM. Registration is required. I hope to see you there!
 
Oregon DOJ Sends a Cease-and-Desist Letter to End the Unlawful Use of Force by Federal Agents
Thank you Attorney General Dan Rayfield, Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez, Washington County District Attorney Kevin Barton, and Clackamas County District Attorney John Wentworth for demanding the federal administration puts a stop to unlawful and reckless actions by federal officers in Oregon. This is an important start to ensuring safety and due process for our communities. We stand behind you!
Read more from the Department of Justice:
"BREAKING NEWS: We’ve sent a letter to the U.S. Dept. of Justice and Dept. of Homeland Security demanding that they immediately halt unlawful and reckless actions by federal officers operating in Oregon. The letter details a months-long pattern of excessive force by DHS personnel.
It also serves as formal notice that we - with 3 DAs - are actively monitoring federal conduct and will investigate any case where a federal officer appears to be acting outside the reasonable scope of their duties.
“It doesn’t matter who you are, you have to follow the law and our Constitution. We are asking the federal government to take reasonable steps towards prevention and de-escalation. We are putting them on notice that we are watching and will hold them accountable if they do not follow the law.” - AG Dan Rayfield"
Read the letter in full:
   
Preparing for 2026 Short Session
We are working hard to lay the groundwork for a successful 2026 Short Session. With only six weeks for bills to move through the legislative process, there is lots to do to get ready! Right now, I am focused on wrapping up my work groups on Goal 1 and electric vehicles, developing protections for immigrant communities, and preparing my two personal bills.
The policies I'll be introducing both relate to transportation safety. One will provide the DMV with the ability to regulate autonomous vehicles. Clear statewide guidance on the circumstances under which autonomous vehicles may operate is currently lacking. As emerging technologies are introduced into our transportation systems across the nation, Oregon must adapt by modernizing definitions and regulations.
The other will address worker safety by strengthening protections against excessive speeding in work zones. Right now, workers in construction work zones face safety risks due to drivers operating vehicles at excessive speeds. This legislation aims reduce crashes and protect frontline transportation workers. I look forward to sharing more soon!
Governor Kotek Strengthens Food Security with Statewide Philanthropic Partnership
This week, Governor Tina Kotek announced that philanthropic partners through the Oregon Disaster Funders Network (ODFN) are matching the state’s $6 million investment to help address the food security needs of Oregonians. The funds will support regional food banks, local food pantries, and community organizations in response to needs identified through the Governor’s emergency order.
“Though federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits have been restored, our fight to keep food on the table for Oregonians during the federal shutdown exposed critical gaps in food security across the state,” Governor Kotek said. “We are all going above and beyond to help fill those gaps. The momentum we have built to help feed people in Oregon isn’t going away. I’m grateful to every donor, volunteer, and community partner who has answered the call to feed their neighbors.”
How to Help: Donate
Give to the Stronger Together Fund of Oregon Community Foundation, an ODFN member. By giving through the Fund, you can provide immediate hunger relief - and help build a stronger, more resilient food system for tomorrow. All donations to this collective giving fund through December 31, 2025, will go to fight hunger throughout Oregon.
Organizations can learn more about joining the Oregon Disaster Funders Network by visiting Oregon Disaster Funders Network.
Support regional food distribution through Oregon Food Bank: https://secure.oregonfoodbank.org/a/xap
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!
|
|
 |
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.
|
|
 |
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.
|
|
 |
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.
|
|
 |
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
| 
