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To contact me, please click here: Rep.SusanMcLain@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The holiday season invites us to practice compassion and reflect on our shared humanity. It’s a time of hope, giving, and peace. I believe that now, more than ever, it is essential that we collectively prioritize these values and seek meaningful ways to uplift those around us.
In that same spirit, I’d like to take a moment and reaffirm my commitment to supporting the immigrant families and individuals who strengthen our community every day. As I have shared in previous newsletters and our recent town hall, my colleagues and I are pursuing every possible path to protect our neighbors who deserve the promise of due process and justice.
May we all follow the example set by the Washington County students who have bravely voiced their belief that no person should fear for their own safety. Their recent protests perfectly exemplify what it looks like to speak up and support our community. Thank you again for your powerful work and courage.
Holiday display at the Oregon State Capitol, 2025.
In this newsletter, you will find:
- My response to winter weather impacts on our transportation system
- Reflections on our nation's gun violence epidemic
- Updates on the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program
- News from our local fire department and school districts
- Winter events and holiday activities in Western Washington County
 
Winter Weather Across Washington County
As you're likely aware, we are experiencing some extreme rain and weather conditions due to the atmospheric river passing over the region. Minor flooding is expected to persist through Saturday for slower responding and mainstem rivers.
Here are some inclement weather resources from Washington County:
Power outages:
Travel conditions
Below is a helpful forecast for the Hillsboro area. Stay safe and dry!
 Forecast courtesy of the Washington County Emergency Management.
Responding to Winter Weather Transportation Needs
After more than a week of historic flooding, some Republican representatives have requested emergency funding to maintain roads during the winter. This request comes just after their colleagues turned in signatures to strip funding for the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and after all three members of the legislature voted against a comprehensive transportation package back in September 2025.
Patching our transportation system with temporary band-aid funding is impractical and unsustainable. If this referendum is successful, it will absolutely impact transportation services in the State of Oregon. Emergency funding tools approved by the Legislature have already been frozen as the Secretary of State's office evaluates the validity of signatures.
For the past budget cycles, we have made cuts to ODOT's budget and left vacant positions unfilled. The special session bill provided the bare minimum of funding necessary to maintain our transportation system. HB 3991 was a quarter of the size of the comprehensive investments proposed during the 2025 Legislative Session.
A repeal of this funding will hurt ODOT's ability to provide core maintenance and operations services, delay repairs to bridges and culverts in need of improvements and potentially reduce winter weather responses. Our state needs a fully funded transportation system to ensure safety for all users.
Legislative Action to Address Gun Safety
I am heartbroken by the news of another school shooting which has killed two students and injured at least nine at Brown University. It is unacceptable that students across the nation fear for their safety in classrooms and on campus. We must refuse to normalize or accept gun violence in our communities and in places of learning. The loss of these students and the far-reaching impacts of this tragedy have weighed heavily on my heart this week.
I am committed to action to prevent future violence. In the 2025 Session, I was proud to vote yes on Senate Bill 243, which banned rapid-fire accessories like bump stocks that can make semi-automatic weapons fully automatic. Still, there is more to do to make our communities safer. I'll continue working with colleagues and community leaders to find solutions.
Navigating Autonomous Vehicle Legislation
Team McLain attended an insightful webinar hosted by Safe Autonomous Vehicles Everywhere in the United States (SAVE-US), an organization dedicated to promoting strong, safety-focused regulations for autonomous vehicles nationwide. The discussion was especially timely, as the webinar explored how states can implement autonomous vehicle legislation that prioritizes public safety.
One key focus was that many vehicles labeled as “autonomous” are not, in fact, 100% automated; instead, they may rely upon human supervision to intervene when automation fails. Ensuring legislation accounts for these technicalities is crucial, as such differences warrant separate consideration. That is why our proposed ordinance clearly regulates fully autonomous vehicles, and not vehicles with built-in automated features.
We appreciated the opportunity to engage with advocates and leaders dedicated to implementing informed guardrails and were encouraged by our aligned missions of safety.
Looking Ahead to January Legislative Days & 2026 Short Session
My office has been focused on preparing our legislative concepts for the upcoming session. We have received one of our bill drafts back from Legislative Counsel and continue to work on finalizing the language of our second bill. I have been in regular discussions with stakeholders and community members about the potential impacts and opportunities presented by both bills.
In January, the Legislature will convene for three days of hearings and meetings in preparation for the 2026 Short Session. Here is a sneak peek at my committee schedule:
- House Transportation Committee - Jan. 13th from 8:30-11:00 am
- House Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water Committee - Jan. 13th from 11:30-2 pm
- Joint Ways and Means – Education Subcommittee - Jan. 14th from 11:30-2 pm
- Joint Transportation Oversight Committee - Jan. 14th from 5:30-8 pm
- Joint Public Education Appropriation Committee - Jan. 15th from 2:30-5 pm
Hillsboro Awards $200,000 in Community Grants
The City of Hillsboro selected eleven local nonprofits that will receive grant funding to support Hillsboro community members and families impacted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal immigration enforcement activity.
The 11 organizations that received funding include:
- Boys & Girls Club of Portland Metro Area
- De Rose Community Bridge and Holistic Wellness
- Latino Network
- Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO)
- Open Door HousingWorks
- Oregon Worker Relief
- Pacific Refugee Support Group
- Proyecto Alas
- SOAR Immigration Legal Services
- St. Andrews Legal Clinic
- Together We Are Greater Than
These requests were evaluated through a technical review process and guided by the City Council’s priorities, which placed highest emphasis on Legal Services and Food Assistance. I am grateful to our local leaders who moved swiftly to mobilize resources in response to our community's urgent needs.
The City of Cornelius Receives Technical Assistance Grant
The City of Cornelius has been awarded an $85,000 Technical Assistance grant from the Department of Land Conservation and Development for this upcoming biennium. The City’s application was selected from among 46 proposals statewide and was recognized for aligning well with the priorities and approval criteria established by the Land Conservation and Development Commission. The funding will support the City’s Comprehensive Plan Rewrite project. Congratulations to Cornelius on the City's selection for this competitive award!
Washington County Immigration Response Group Meets with Governor Kotek
As I shared in a previous newsletter, Metro Councilor Juan Carlos Gonzalez and Washington County Commissioner Nafisa Fai have convened a working group to coordinate an immigration and public safety response across our region. This group met again on Monday to bring together community leaders and elected officials to analyze local strategies and policy to protect and defend our neighbors. Unjust and unlawful federal immigration enforcement continues to harm our community and communities across the state. This week, our coordinating group was joined by Governor Tina Kotek to hear updates on statewide action and discuss local experiences. I appreciate the Governor's engagement in this conversation.
2025 Community Engagement in Review
This year, the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program community engagement team connected with over 2,000 people at 22 local fairs, festivals, farmers markets, outdoor concerts and workforce events across the region. Thank you to everyone who asked questions, provided feedback and helped shape the vision for a safe, modern bridge for generations to come!
Below are a few highlights of IBR's community engagement this fall:
December Meeting of Joint Bi-State I-5 Bridge Committee
The Joint I-5 Bridge Committee, including members from both the Oregon and Washington State Legislatures, met on this Monday to discuss the status of the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program. A recording of this virtual meeting is available to watch.
We heard input from members of the public, and leadership of the IBR Program provided an update on the Cost Estimate process, Coast Guard determination, and transit configurations on the replacement bridge. The program currently awaits a Preliminary Navigation Clearance Determination from the U.S. Coast Guard, which will clarify the minimum height for which the agency will grant a permit. We also addressed nationwide trends in infrastructure costs. Transportation projects nationwide and regionally are experiencing inflation, higher construction bids, and changing market conditions. The IBR Program will generate an updated cost estimate for the project and provide this information in context to our committee.
We’ve made a lot of progress in the federal process and look forward to the important decision points in 2026. We are keeping on schedule to ensure we have the most efficient, effective, and responsible information on this critical infrastructure.
Attorney General Rayfield Sues Trump Administration Over Freeze on EV Charging Funds Critical to Oregon’s Economy
This week, Attorney General Rayfield, alongside 16 other states, filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration’s suspension of federal funding meant for electric vehicle charging infrastructure along key freight routes. The funding had been approved by Congress to help states modernize transportation corridors, reduce pollution, and support the ever growing demand for electric vehicles, including medium- and heavy-duty trucks. With this funding now halted, these beneficial projects across the country now hang in limbo.
Attorney General Rayfield had this to say on the lawsuit:
“Oregon’s freight corridors keep our economy moving — from farm goods and timber to everyday products families rely on. When these projects are delayed, it doesn’t just affect charging stations. It affects jobs, supply chains, and the cost of doing business in our state. Congress already approved this funding, and Oregon should not be penalized because this administration decided to put the brakes on investments that support our economy and working communities.”
 
Washington County District Attorney's Office Breakfast
Last Friday, my staff attended the Washington County District Attorney's Office's annual gathering of legislators and community leaders. They heard from District Attorney Kevin Barton, Presiding Judge Guptill, and Judge Brandon Thompson on the issues impacting our community justice system and public safety. This conversation included dialogue and important questions from stakeholders, elected leaders, and community partners, like the Family Peace Center.
One of the most significant takeaways from this conversation was the impact of federal immigration enforcement on our justice system. ICE's presence in our community has left many individuals fearful of engaging with the courts. This discussion also highlighted the need for additional resources and facility updates to adequately serve the needs of Washington County. I appreciate the DA's office, public defenders, and community partners who took time to engage with the challenges and opportunities ahead.
 
Brand New Forest Grove Fire Engine
Forest Grove Fire & Rescue recently welcomed its newest fire engine. Purchased jointly by the city of Forest Grove and the Forest Grove Rural Fire Protection District, this engine is expected to serve the western Washington County community for at least two decades! This $1 million, fully equipped investment was officially placed into service for the city and surrounding community following a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, December 15th.
ABOVE: New fire engine ribbon-cutting ceremony. Photo courtesy of Forest Grove Fire & Rescue.
Cornelius, Forest Grove & Hillsboro Issue Emergency Declarations
In recent months, Cornelius, Forest Grove, and Hillsboro have each declared states of emergency to formally address the impacts of federal immigration enforcement within their communities. These declarations allow communities to mobilize resources and coordinate effective responses to protect residents. As touched on in "Community Updates", the City of Hillsboro has recently done such work though providing grants to essential nonprofits. Action is necessary in times like these, and I am grateful for the dedication behind these efforts.
Hillsboro and Forest Grove School District:
No School December 22nd-January 2nd
Happy holidays to our students, families, and educators! I hope each of you is able to enjoy a restful and restorative winter break.
Winter Village @ Orenco Station
WHEN: November 30, 2025 – January 11, 2026*
WHERE: Jerry Willey Plaza at Orenco Station; 943 NE Orenco Station Loop, Hillsboro, OR.
Find seasonal cheer at this outdoor ice-skating rink. Winter Village is a beloved Hillsboro event. Bring your friends and family to a skate session, take an ice skating lesson, or rent the rink for your private party. Don't miss exciting special events and skate days!
The rink will be closed on the following days:
- Wednesday, December 24
- Thursday, December 25
- Thursday, January 1
Cornelius Library - Drop-In Hours with the Social Service Coordinator
WHEN: Wednesdays from 1 PM to 3 PM & Fridays from 4 PM to 6 PM.
WHERE: Cornelius Public Library; 1370 N Adair St, Cornelius, OR.
Need assistance with housing, clothing, food, or rent? Looking for health care, job support, or simply want someone to talk to? Everyone is welcome! Don't miss this chance to connect with resources and community support.
¿Necesitas ayuda con la vivienda, la ropa, la comida o la renta? ¿Buscas atención médica, apoyo laboral o simplemente quiere hablar con alguien? ¡Todos son bienvenidos! Visítanos nuestro horario los miércoles de 1 p.m. a 3 p.m. y viernes de 4 p.m. a 6 p.m. No pierdas la oportunidad de conectarte con recursos y apoyo comunitario.
Ballet Forest Grove’s Performance of The Nutcracker 2025
WHEN: December 20th and 21st. Shows at 1pm and 6pm.
WHERE: Forest Grove High School; 1401 Nichols Ln, Forest Grove, OR
Bring the family to see Ballet Forest Grove's performance of a holiday classic! You can purchase your tickets here.
 Photo Courtesy of Ballet Forest Grove.
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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Cookie baking. Holiday activities are the best!
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
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