December Updates

You can read our previous newsletters here.

Replies to this message are sent to an unmonitored mailbox.
To contact me, please click here: Rep.SusanMcLain@oregonlegislature.gov 

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I hope this message finds you safe, warm, and dry amid the relentless rain this week. With many areas across Oregon experiencing flooding, I know this weather has created serious challenges for families throughout the state. Please take care of yourselves and look out for those around you.

Before diving into this week’s updates, I want to highlight an important resource that I strongly encourage each of you to use whenever applicable. 

Photo courtesy of Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield.

If you have concerns or information about any actions carried out by ICE/ federal agents that may threaten individual rights or raise constitutional or legal issues, be sure to fill out the Federal Oversight and Accountability Reporting Form, provided by the Oregon Attorney General’s office (click here).

It’s important to note that using this link will not guarantee an official investigation into your submission. However, providing such details will aid the AG in tracking patterns and better understand federal misconduct at large.

With that, here’s a look at what you’ll find in this week’s newsletter:

• Insight on forthcoming bills and deadlines
• Details on next week's I-5 Bridge Committee meeting
• Shout-out to Washington County students
• This week's visits and events (including lunch with Attorney General Dan Rayfield!)
• Upcoming events in Western Washington County

Gearing Up for 2026 Session

With less than two months until the 2026 Short Session, my team and I are working to hard to prepare our policy priorities for the first day of Session: February 1. My two personal bills will focus on improvements to transportation safety and modernization of our laws. These legislative concepts are:

• 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.

Legislators will each receive their bill draft language by January 9th. Over the coming weeks, we will continue working with our bill drafters in Legislative Counsel on the language for legislative concepts. I'll continue dialogue with my colleagues to find legislative partners and build bipartisan support for these proposals.

Alongside the bills I'll be introducing, I will continue to focus on refining our education budget and supporting our immigrant neighbors. Our Washington County Immigration Response Coordination Group continues to meet regularly to develop a cohesive strategy to protect our community. At the state level, legislators are working to advance policies in the 2026 Session centered on immigrant rights and justice.

If you have questions about my policy priorities and work, please feel free to share your perspective with my office via email at Rep.SusanMcLain@oregonlegislature.gov.

Joint Bi-State I-5 Bridge Committee - Meeting Next Week!

ABOVE: Legislators visited the I-5 Bridge this summer. Photo courtesy of Andrew Matto.

Members of the Joint I-5 Bridge Committee from the Oregon and Washington State Legislatures will meet on December 15th at 9 am to discuss progress on the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program. This virtual meeting will be open to the public.

Our discussion will include:

• Program news, including on program milestones and the environmental review process, the bridge permitting process, and recent activities
• An update on the Cost Estimate Process, including the development of the new cost estimate and next steps
• Ongoing work to advance to construction and upcoming work
• Opportunity for public comment

If you would like to submit public comment, click here to learn how to register for remote public testimony. Written public comment can be shared via email to: JI5B.exhibits@oregonlegislature.gov. Please specify the agenda topic in the subject line. Written comment may be submitted up to 48 hours after the meeting start time

I was inspired to see young leaders in our community taking a stand and showing support their friends, family, and communities impacted by ICE. Students and families are experiencing fear and uncertainty as our region has been targeted by federal immigration actions. In Forest Grove, about 350 students walked for miles in the rain to deliver an important message of unity and resilience as our community navigates this crisis.

One student's sign read: "This isn't about politics, it is about humanity." I couldn't agree more. Each of us deserves to feel safe and comfortable in our homes, at school, and in the community. 

Oregon Business Plan 2025 Leadership Summit

ABOVE: Representative Lamar Wise and Representative Susan McLain at the Oregon Business Plan 2025 Leadership Summit.

I had the pleasure of attending the 23rd annual Oregon Business Plan Leadership Summit at the Oregon Convention Center on Monday. Leaders from across the state came together to confront the challenges shaping Oregon’s future and to explore strategies for building a strong, equitable economy. 

As highlighted at the event, rising unemployment, job losses, stagnant population growth, and increasing costs continue to weigh on too many families and businesses. I remain committed to working collaboratively with partners and colleagues to make Oregon a place where families and employers can thrive, and I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with other leaders on such important issues.

Lunch with Attorney General Dan Rayfield

ABOVE: Attorney General Dan Rayfield and Representative Susan McLain.

I had the pleasure of catching up with Attorney General Dan Rayfield, a friend and leader I have had the privilege of working alongside since 2015.

We discussed a wide range of important topics impacting our community, including immigrant rights, tariffs, the rising cost of living, consumer protection, and holding federal agents accountable to ensure public safety. We also talked about safeguarding resources and supporting federal grants and programs that provide essential services to Oregonians.

It’s always inspiring to connect with a leader so dedicated to serving our state. 

Team McLain Visit to New OHSU Facility

ABOVE: OHSU construction leads guide Oregon legislators and staff through new patient building on Marquam Hill in Portland.

On Tuesday, Team McLain joined fellow legislators and staff on Marquam Hill to check out OHSU’s new patient building, Vista Pavillion, which is set to open in April 2026. This new wing will provide 127 new beds and dedicated spaces for integrated care, research, and innovation in cancer treatment.

While this expansion project is located in SW Portland, OHSU's increased capacity will support treatment for patients from across the state. Many Oregonians from underserved communities cannot access the level of care they require in hospitals closer to their homes and travel to OHSU for advanced treatments. Facility expansions are critical to addressing Oregon’s longstanding shortage of adult hospital beds, particularly to address complex care needs.

It is clear that this facility was created with careful consideration of the families and patients who will spend time here. I’m thankful for OHSU’s high-quality care, innovative research, strong workforce, and resilience during these tumultuous times.

Hillsboro Shelter is Open and Serving our Community

Hillsboro's new, pet-friendly shelter is serving our community with 35 beds and 40 private pods. This resource offers free meals, laundry, showers, and 24/7 support. 

The City of Hillsboro and Washington County collaborated on this facility to provide life-saving shelter year-round and connect guests with support services and pathways to long-term housing. Project Homeless Connect manages operations and services. 

If you're trying to get on a shelter waitlist or need immediate placement help, you can reach Community Connect, the coordinated entry system for local shelter and housing resources by calling 503-640-3263 or emailing CommunityConnect@CAOWash.org.

Project Homeless Connect runs our community Access Center, motel and severe-weather shelters, helps people navigate housing and benefits, and provides real practical support for neighbors who need resources. They can be reached by phone at 8971-713-3930 or email at info@phcwc.org. 

Pacific and Willamette Universities Explore Joining Forces To Create Oregon’s Largest Private University

Pacific University and Willamette University have signed a letter of intent agreeing to move forward with due diligence and the negotiation of a definitive agreement to merge to become the state’s largest private university. If approved, this new combined institution, University of the Northwest, would become the largest private university in the region.

If the merger is finalized and approved, the combined university would still preserve the distinct schools and colleges with separate identities and campuses within a shared administrative structure. Negotiations will progress over the coming months as the schools seek to form a definitive agreement and begin the approval process. 

Pacific University has long been a central pillar of Western Washington County, championing education, innovation, and workforce development in our community. I look forward to working with leaders and educators to ensure this new collaborative model continues to expand higher education access and serve Oregon students. 

You can read the full announcement on Pacific University's website here.

Light Up Hillsboro

Come celebrate the start of Hannukah at Light Up Hillsboro for the annual menorah lighting, hosted by the Chabad Jewish Center of Hillsboro! Among various attractions, Light Up Hillsboro will feature traditional Jewish foods, music and a captivating fire juggling show.

WHEN: 4:15 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14— the first night of Hanukkah!

WHERE: Jerry Willey Plaza in Orenco Station, 943 NE Orenco Station Loop Hillsboro, OR 97124

ABOVE: Hillsboro Mayor Steve Callaway lights the second candle of the menorah on the first night of Hanukkah 2023 at Orenco Station. Photo courtesy of Hillsboro New Times.

The Santa House: Forest Grove's Local Home for Santa

Photo courtesy of The Santa House.

Santa’s House is officially open for the holidays! Free of charge, bring the little ones and come take your photos with Santa. The Santa House is also accepting donations for Toys for Tots and the Oregon Food Bank. 

Santa’s House is located at 43465 SW Hiatt Road Forest Grove, Oregon, OR 97116.

For more information and Santa’s full holiday schedule, visit https://thesantahousefg.com/

Cornelius Gingerbread Houses

Flyer courtesy of Cornelius Public Library.

Join the Cornelius Public Library for their traditional Gingerbread House making program! Showcase your construction talents by building your gingerbread house. All supplies will be provided, so you bring your family and creativity along.

While supplies last! Everyone is welcome!

WHEN: Friday, December 19, 2025 5:30 PM thru 07:30 PM

WHERE: Cornelius Public Library

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.

Last year's tree... hope to get 2025's up soon!

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