Happy December!

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To contact me, please click here: Rep.SusanMcLain@oregonlegislature.gov 

Dear Neighbors and Community Members,

I hope each of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and were able to spend some meaningful time with family, friends, or simply take a moment to rest.

With December and the giving season officially underway, I want to take a moment and encourage you to find ways to show up for your neighbors. Whether it’s a donation, a kind check-in, or lending a hand to someone in need, there are so many ways we can take care of one another and strengthen the communities we call home. 

In this newsletter you will find:

• Important updates regarding immigrant protections in the community
• All Things Electric Vehicles Work Group update
• Insight into my Rotary and community outreach excursions of the week
• A recap of my December 4th town hall event
• Local events for the whole family

Hillsboro Approves Plan for ICE Response

On Monday, November 24th, the Hillsboro City Council unanimously approved a plan to address the impacts of increased federal immigration enforcement activity in town. The plan follows a special work session held earlier that day, continuing discussions that began after Hillsboro declared a state of emergency on November 18. 

The plan consists of several short and long term provisions to aim to support Hillsboro residents, including: 

• Advocating for changes at the state and federal level, including a statewide emergency declaration.
• Creating a grant program for small businesses affected by ICE activity.
• Partnering with the Hillsboro School District to support online learning and assist students experiencing housing instability.
• Pausing the use of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) while the City conducts a more thorough review.
• Expanding “Know Your Rights” and immigration resource information on the City’s website.

I am encouraged by these responsive and unified provisions, and I believe that continued collaboration will lead to the meaningful support our vulnerable neighbors need. 

Washington County Immigration Response Group Holds First Meeting

On Monday evening, our Coordinated Westside Immigration Response Group held its first meeting. Metro Councilor Juan Carlos Gonzalez and Washington County Commissioner Nafisa Fai organized this collective to bring federal, state, regional, county, and city partners together in one room. It is unacceptable that ICE continues to target, profile, and unlawfully detain our neighbors. We are working toward a cohesive path forward to ensure due process and safety in our community.

By collaborating across jurisdictions, we can be stronger and more effective in our efforts. We are working to coordinate on short-term, mid-term, and long-term action plans to provide support across our region.

Watch the video below to hear from Councilor Gonzalez and Commissioner Fai about the purpose of this group: 

Final EV Workgroup Meeting

On Monday, I hosted the final meeting of the work group on “All Things Electric Vehicles.” We wrapped our discussion by reviewing our short-term and long-term policy priorities. Looking ahead to the 2026 Short Session, our group developed recommendations for legislation that addresses technical fixes and refinements of our current EV policy.

I am grateful to the legislators, stakeholders, advocates, and staff who participated in this important dialogue and shared their insights on opportunities to improve our system. If you would like to read more about this work group and our meetings, please visit our website here.

Getting Ready for the 2026 Session

Right now, my office is working to get ready for the 2026 Short Session beginning next February. Each legislator is allowed to introduce only two personal bills, and my policies will both focus on transportation safety. Committees may introduce three bills. As Chair of the House Transportation Committee, I am excited to share what our committee is working on:

Personal bills:

• Autonomous Vehicle Regulation: This bill 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.

• Work Zone Safety: This bill will address worker safety by implementing radar speed technology to strength protections for frontline transportation workers in work zones. Right now, workers face safety risks due to drivers operating vehicles at excessive speeds. This legislation aims to reduce crashes and improve safety in our work zones.

House Transportation Committee bills:

• Electric vehicle fixes: This bill will incorporate recommendations from the "All Things EVs" Workgroup and include: 

  • EV Rebate Program updates to prioritize effective use of funds when resources are limited

  • Efficiency reference rate adjustments to create a more equitable payment structure across vehicle types and gather data on our transportation system needs

  • Gradual incorporation of additional vehicle types to join and participate in the RUC program and evaluation appropriate rates for such vehicles

  • Standardized commercial EV charging to avoid large energy cost and fee discrepancies across public charging stations

• Transit funding task force: This bill will create a task force focused on evaluating our system for funding transit in Oregon. The group would produce a report that includes recommendations for future legislation to improve our revenue mechanisms and evaluate these options on the basis of adequacy, equity, and reliability

• Multi-issue transportation bill: This bill will address several topics related to transportation, including:

  • Technical fix for statutes related to light rail signals, as Oregon uses signals that no longer match the guidance of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)

  • Clarifications and fixes related to micromobility devices to improve safety, protect consumers, and equip communities with clear guidance on appropriate usage

Family Peace Center Showcases New Facilities

On Wednesday morning, my staff and I visited the new location of the Family Peace Center, a single space where survivors of violence and abuse can access advocacy, counseling, legal aid, food assistance, safety planning, and more through coordinated services. This innovative, evidence-based model provides transformative care and community.

The current Family Justice Center has seen a 323% growth in survivors coming to the center since 2020. Our community’s need continues to grow, and the Family Peace Center expects to serve over 10,000 survivors in their first year.

We saw the progress on construction in the renovated site, which will provide updated facilities, trauma-informed spaces, and additional capacity for partner organizations. By connecting and housing a wide range of services in one location, the Family Peace Center is designed to alleviate the challenges many individuals face navigating a complex web of services. Our team was inspired by the remarkable work of the team at Family Peace Center to help families and children in our community find healing and hope. 

Thank you to Executive Director Rachel Schutz and Senator Sollman for arranging this opportunity. I’ve known Director Schutz for a decade, and she is a talented, dedicated community leader. We are lucky to have her at the helm of the Family Peace Center.

Meetings with Community Leaders

This week, I connected with city leaders from Hillsboro, Forest Grove, and Cornelius to hear updates on immigration and land use issues. I appreciated the chance to connect with our local governments about the experiences of our community members and responses from our cities. I also met with Pastor Rhett Ansley of Forest Grove United Methodist Church and Pastor Linda Quanstrom of Cornelius United Methodist Church to discuss the impacts of federal actions on faith communities in our region. I am grateful for the many partners in Western Washington County working to provide support and address our community’s needs.

Presentations to Local Rotary Clubs

I was glad to speak this week to both the Forest Grove Rotary Club and the Hillsboro Rotary Club. As a non-partisan service organization that promotes integrity, understanding, and open exchange of ideas, Rotary meetings provide a great opportunity for dialogue across political differences. I appreciate the members of the clubs who attended and participated in these conversations. I am a member of my local Forest Grove chapter, and it was a pleasure to connect with fellow members to provide an update from the State Legislature. Thank you to both chapters for two engaging conversations!

In Case You Missed Yesterday's Virtual Town Hall...

Last night, I had the opportunity to meet with members of the community and host my final town hall of the year. We certainly covered a lot of ground over the hour and a half!

Here are a few of the highlights:

• Legislative Session: As you’ve already read above, I’m bringing two bills to the short session: one to improve safety for workers on our roadways and another to guide how automated vehicles can be used in our state. I’m excited to keep you updated as these move forward.
• Budget Updates: This session will also center on the health of our economy and how we can address the gaps created by the significant lack of grant funding we’re facing. Because of that, I’ll be spending much of my time digging into issues around education, healthcare, and how we use and plan our land.
• Immigrant Protection Response: I want to repeat what I shared last night with you all: we are not leaving any stone unturned when it comes to protecting our immigrant communities and communities of color. In responding to this federal administration and its reckless deployment of ICE, it is crucial that we find an approach that will stick—one that is built through coordinated, unified efforts. As detailed earlier in this newsletter, our cities are making great strides in that very direction, and I remain hopeful in the results we are seeing.
• Technology, AI, and Data Centers: On any issue or topic in the realm of technology, I’m not one to make hasty decisions. I’m in constant conversation with experts and with neighbors who are directly affected, and their insight helps guide the best path forward. I’ll share more information as these discussions continue to move along, and I truly appreciate your engagement and thoughtful questions on these important topics.

AG Rayfield Leads Lawsuit to Block Unlawful SNAP Cutoffs

Just before Thanksgiving, the Oregon Department of Justice led a lawsuit in partnership with 21 other states to stop the federal government from ending SNAP eligibility for thousands of lawful permanent residents. New guidance from the USDA wrongly categorizes some legal immigrants as ineligible for food assistance, including permanent residents who were granted asylum or admitted as refugees.

The new memo from the USDA makes recipients of humanitarian immigration pathways permanently ineligible for SNAP, even after they are issued green cards and become lawful permanent residents. 

Withholding food assistance from vulnerable communities is simply wrong. Our state has been impacted by federal economic uncertainty, tariffs, and a rising cost-of-living. No family in Oregon should go hungry, and I am glad to see AG Rayfield leading this effort to ensure refugees and asylees have access to critical assistance.

Click here to learn more from the Oregon Department of Justice.

Holiday in the Grove

Artisan Holiday Market

Don't miss out on the chance to purchase the OFFICIAL Holiday in the Grove Ornament. Each year an Artist is selected to create this Forest Grove heirloom ornament which represents Forest Grove. 

WHEN: First Saturday of December from 10am - 5pm

WHERE: Forest Grove Community Auditorium, 1915 Main St Forest Grove, Oregon

Hillsboro Lightopia: An Illuminated Journey

Drive through a glimmering landscape with colorful characters and holiday icons in bold, beautiful lights. Plan your own seasonal playlist for more fun. Check back for updates on special events at Lightopia.

New this year: no tickets or reservations required! Lightopia is a free event.

All visits are first come, first served 7 days a week.

WHEN: December 9 – December 28

• Monday - Thursday: 5:30 to 8 pm
• Friday - Sunday: 5:30 to 9 pm

WHERE: Gordon Faber Recreation Complex

Cornelius Holiday Tree Lighting

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 NEW Cornelius Elementary School for singing performed by our local school Choirs. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies!

Join the fun!

WHEN: Friday, December 5, 2025 at 6 PM

WHERE: Veterans Memorial Park

Pacific University Supports Students Facing Food Insecurity

In the wake of food insecurity and turbulence around SNAP benefits, Pacific University's Boxer Food Share is helping ensure no student goes hungry. Open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Boxer Food Share in Forest Grove offers students and staff easy access to essential groceries with no questions asked. I deeply appreciate all of the work of Ron Calkins, the student volunteers, and everyone else who helps keep this wonderful resource afloat.

Read more here.

ABOVE: Photo credit to the Forest Grove News Times

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