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December 2025 Newsletter
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope that you have been enjoying the holiday season. Over the past month, I had the opportunity to meet with community members and attend informational tours. As 2025 comes to a close, I am preparing for the upcoming session by holding workgroups and refining bill drafts.
AARP Celebration
I attended a luncheon hosted by AARP Oregon. We honored the many volunteers who contribute to the great work of the organization. We also celebrated the passage of HB3187, which addressed age discrimination in job applications. I was proud to be the bill’s chief sponsor and honored to team up with the incredible people at AARP!
November Legislative Days Recap
House Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection
We hosted three informational hearings.
Unlawful Trade Practices Act
The Department of Justice provided an excellent overview of the Unlawful Trade Practices Act, which is the primary consumer protection statute in Oregon.
Speculative Ticketing
We heard from numerous event venues about the problem of “speculative ticketing.” This occurs when online sellers list tickets for sale, often at inflated prices, that are not even available yet. In some cases, the tickets never exist and the sale is a scam. We will be bringing legislation in the next session to eliminate this practice.
Financial Scam Prevention
We heard from banks and credit unions about common financial scams, particularly those aimed at older adults, and what steps the institutions are taking to protect their members from financial exploitation.
Community Meetings
OHSU President Shereef Elnahal
I had the opportunity to meet with OHSU’s new president, Dr. Shereef Elnahal. It was a great introduction and a chance to hear about his early priorities as he steps into this role.
Upcoming Legislative Dates
January Legislative Days
The next round of legislative days will take place at the Oregon State Capitol from January 13th-15th. We will hold informational hearings and delve into concepts that may come before us during the short session in February 2026. You can watch the hearings through the Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS) website.
Bill Filing Deadline: January 16th
In order for a bill to move forward this session, it must be submitted by January 16th. During the short session, members are limited to two personal bills.
In The Community
Family Peace Center Tour
I attended a tour of what will become the Family Peace Center of Washington County, located in Hillsboro. It will serve as a hub to help the survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. In this one location, survivors will receive medical treatment, trauma counseling, material support, legal assistance, access to law enforcement, and more. It will be opening in mid-2026.
Westside Economic Alliance’s “State of the Westside” Meeting
I attended WEA's State of the Westside meeting where we discussed the economic outlook for Oregon. I am grateful to the panelists for sharing their perspectives on what we can do to improve our regional and state competitiveness.
November Constituent Coffee
Thank you to everyone who attended my constituent coffee in November. I’m always grateful for the opportunity to meet and talk with community members. I especially want to thank those who brought a food donation. All items were donated to Centro Cultural's Mercado in Cornelius where they directly support local families in need.
Upcoming Meetings
December Constituent Coffee
Join me for a conversation about the issues that matter most to you, your family, and your community.
I hope that you will stop by, say hello, and enjoy a cup of coffee with me.
Date: Saturday, December 6th
Time: 9:00-10:30am,
Location: Insomnia - Baseline (5389 E Main St, Hillsboro, OR 97123)
Joint Town Hall - January 29th
Join me, Representative McLain, and Senator Sollman next month for our Joint Town Hall. We will be answering questions and discussing topics that are important to constituents like you.
Date: January 29th, 2026
Time: 5:30-7:00pm
Location: Hillsboro Civic Center (150 E Main St, Hillsboro, OR 97123)
Immigration Resources
We continue to face unprecedented attacks on our vulnerable communities. Below, you'll find resources and recommendations for legal aide, and how to report injustice.
It is critical for Oregonians to receive the support they need during this time. For a list of resources, see below:
Understanding Your Rights
Legal Representation/Resources
Reporting Injustice
Reporting ICE Activity in Hillsboro
As a sanctuary city, the Hillsboro Police Department does NOT coordinate with ICE or enforce immigration law. HPD is committed to serving and protecting everyone.
Notable Press Clippings
Consumer Protection
Is PGE Ignoring Oregon's New Data Center Law? - Oregon CUB
Housing & Homelessness
Oregon adds 14K new affordable housing units since 2023, Kotek says
Labor & Workforce Development
TriMet announces layoffs and service cuts to address $300M shortfall - OPB
Providence cuts 150 positions in Oregon, many within its insurance plan - OPB
Economic Development
‘Found money,’ economic resilience dramatically shrink Oregon’s budget deficit • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Oregon Tech collaborates with Google Public Sector to accelerate research, innovation | News | heraldandnews.com
Education
Oregon students on track to graduate reaches record high, but poor attendance persists • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Other
Hillsboro declares state of emergency over ICE
ICE Response: City of Hillsboro Actions
Oregon Legislature allocates $7.5M to Planned Parenthood after federal Medicaid cuts | kgw.com
Hundreds of National Guard troops deployed to Portland and Chicago are being sent home
Note: all winter celebrations and activities can be found at: Winter Festivals & Events - scroll down to find information on various events
Ice Skating at Winter Village at Orenco Station - Thursday- Sunday through January 11th (closed December 24th, 25th, January 1st)
Holiday Hustle @ Lightopia - December 8th
Lightopia - December 9th - December 28th
Artisan Pop-Up Shop - December 9th
Nature at Noon: Jackson Bottom - December 10th
Youth Holiday Market - December 13th
Winter Wonderland at Jackson Bottom - December 13th
Light Up Hillsboro: Public Menorah Lighting - December 14th
Frosty Fun - December 23rd
Modified City Schedules and City Closures on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, New Years Day
More Activities, Cultural Events, and Performances
Preparing for Cold Weather, Travel and Holiday Risks
With the holiday season in full swing, Washington County Emergency Management is sharing tips to help you stay safe while cooking, decorating, shopping and traveling:
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Travel prepared and stock your car with winter weather essentials. Remember to always check road conditions before traveling.
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Cook with care and never leave food unattended. Remember to move flammable items away from the stove.
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Decorate safely by using flameless candles, turning off your holiday lights, not overloading your outlets and keeping your Christmas tree watered.
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Shop smart and watch out for online scams. If you're looking for gift ideas, consider giving emergency preparedness items, such as a NOAA weather radio or a first aid kit.
- Keep pets safe when outdoors and check on neighbors in your community.
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Shorter days and colder weather can affect your mood and energy. If you're feeling down, stressed, or just need someone to talk to, call or text 988 - a free, confidential mental health support line available 24/7. Would you prefer to chat online or need TTY Services? 988 has options for everyone.
Visit Cold Weather Washington County to help you prepare for dealing with winter storms, preparing for power outages, and finding energy bill assistance and tips for heating your home efficiently. Find additional weather-related resources below:
Support Local Small Businesses this Holiday Season
This holiday season, we encourage you to shop local and support the small businesses that make our county unique. Every purchase you make from a neighborhood shop, maker or restaurant helps strengthen our local economy, keeps dollars circulating close to home and supports the entrepreneurs who help our community thrive.
Not sure where to start? Explore the Mercatus Directory, a searchable online guide to local and culturally diverse small businesses across the region. Discover new favorites, find unique gifts and make a meaningful impact with every purchase.
Covid-19 Vaccines Available
You can get an updated COVID-19 vaccine without a prescription in Oregon. Check with your pharmacy for availability. COVID-19 vaccines are also available at medical clinics and at your doctor's office.
Free Food Market: December 9th
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Beaverton-Hillsboro DHS Free Food Market 5300 NE Elam Young Pkwy Hillsboro OR 97124
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Shop for free, fresh, and healthy fruits, vegetables, and pantry staples.
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This food is free, and anybody is welcome
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No identification, name, or address needed
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Please bring bags or boxes
Free Food Market: Every Second Tuesday of the Month | News & Announcements | City of Hillsboro, OR (hillsboro-oregon.gov)
Salvation Army Washington County Hope Center
Pathway of Hope Program, Mobile Outreach Program, and Food Pantry
503-640-4311
Food Access
Find free groceries, meals, or fresh produce near you.
English: needfood.oregon.gov
Spanish: alimentos.oregon.gov
Utility Bill Assistance
The City of Hillsboro is committed to helping customers in need. If you are having trouble paying your utility bill, visit the City’s Utility Assistance webpage or call 503-681-6163 to see if you qualify for a flexible payment plan or bill relief option.
Visit our Utility Rate Adjustments webpage to learn more about when & how the rates on your City of Hillsboro Utility Bill are reviewed and adjusted to support the costs of providing quality utility services throughout the community.
You can also visit our Community Resources webpage to find information on reduced garbage rates, energy & rent assistance, food pantries, weatherization programs, and more.
Don't forget to contact my office with any questions or feedback. During the interim, our office in Salem is not staffed. Your best way to connect with us is via email: Rep.NathanSosa@oregonlegislature.gov
I look forward to hearing from you!
Have a safe and happy holidays!
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1430
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-280, Salem, Oregon 97301
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