Dear Neighbors and Community Members,
This last weekend was overwhelming for many of us, and we wanted change now. We wanted people not to be drug out of their homes or hurt on our streets. We wanted to protect our communities. We wanted violence to stop.
The alarming escalation of tactics from our federal administration must end! Masked agents are inflicting terror and violence in Minnesota. We are next in the analysis of many. Your question has to be: what is the State of Oregon doing?
In the 2026 Session, we have a federal response package that starts real action! One of the bills, the Law Enforcement Visibility and Accountability Act, will confirm that ICE cannot hide behind masks to protect themselves and no one else. Our congressional delegation is working on similar efforts at the national level. I am glad to see them standing up for our rights. As legislators and you as community members, we must be bold and stand tall. That does not mean being reckless, it means being firm.
There is no justification for the scenes we have all witnessed. The federal government must end the occupation of our communities.
In these difficult times, I find hope witnessing how people show up for one another. I see the compassion, courage, and resilience reflected in actions across our community. It is powerful. There is no doubt, we have to be prepared for challenges ahead and approach them with clarity. Our democracy depends on us to speak out against the erosion of foundational rights and freedoms. Each of us has a role: in Congress, the State Legislature, our courts, local governments, businesses, schools, faith communities, and neighborhoods. We must all do our part to uphold our values and take care of each other. We are in this together.
Below, I would like to share some information about the impacts of federal actions:
 
In this newsletter, you'll find:
- 2026 legislative proposals that protect Oregon values
- A joint letter from over 600 state legislators in support of the People of Minnesota
- Updates on the I-5 Bridge Replacement from Washington State Rep. Fey
- A win from OR DOJ on EV charging infrastructure funding
- My visits with Congresswoman Bonamici and the Westside Economic Association
- Shout outs to community members in Washington County and in Texas
- Upcoming events and opportunities in the area
 
Joint Forest Grove Town Hall TODAY!
I will join Attorney General Dan Rayfield, Senator Janeen Sollman, and Representative Nathan Sosa for an Oregon Priorities Town Hall in Forest Grove on Friday, January 30 at 6:30pm. We will be at Pacific University's Taylor-Meade Performing Arts Center. As we work to keep communities safe, protect consumers, seniors, and working families, and defend Oregonians' values, we want to hear what’s most important to you and your families.
This event is part of a statewide Oregon Priorities Town Hall series with AG Rayfield focused on hearing directly from Oregonians to shape legal strategies that protect the state’s interests. We hope to see you there.
To submit questions and confirm your attendance, please click the button below to register:
Parking and Arrival Information:
Parking is free. The closest parking lot to the venue is Lot C, which is on the corner of Pacific Avenue and Cedar Street. The entrance to the parking lot is on Cedar Street. You can find a campus map here.
I look forward to hearing from our community.
2026 Session - Federal Response Legislation
Next Monday, the 2026 short session begins. I am committed to advancing legislation that seeks to protect our communities. As part of the 2026 Federal Response, legislation will be introduced to:
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Add $10 million to the Universal Representation Fund to ensure those facing deportation have access to legal counsel.
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Increase transparency and accountability in law enforcement by establishing clear guardrails on masking and officer identification.
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Ensure Oregon tax dollars aren’t used for federal immigration enforcement by prohibiting state contracts with businesses that participate in deportations.
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Protect sensitive data from federal misuse by strengthening statewide standards for immigrant and refugee privacy, including tenant information and landlord data collection.
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Safeguard schools as safe spaces by requiring K–12 schools and community colleges to notify parents and guardians when ICE is confirmed on campus.
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Strengthen anti-discrimination protections for immigrants and refugees so they can work, access the legal system, and participate fully in their communities without fear.
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Prevent unlawful withholding of critical resources from Oregon communities.
I look forward to sharing more about upcoming public hearings and votes on these bills to ensure our community can have a voice in the process.
Transportation Hearings Coming Up This Month
The House Transportation Committee will be hosting public hearings over the next several weeks. Here is a look at the tentative schedule for these hearings:
- Wednesday 2/4 - HB 4007 (transportation technical fix omnibus bill) and HB 4081 (photo radar in highway work zones)
- Monday 2/9 - HB 4085 (autonomous vehicle regulation) and HB 4008 (transit funding)
- Wednesday 2/11 - HB 4009 (electric vehicle policy clean-up) and HB 4126 (road usage charge)
- Monday 2/16 - Possible additional hearings
Joint Statement from 600+ U.S. State Legislators in Support of the People of Minnesota:
I have joined a national collective of over 600 state legislators from 48 states in calling for an end to reckless and unjustified use of federal force. Here is the full letter:
 
The Case for the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program - Washington State Representative Jake Fey
I'd like to take a moment and share this video reposted by the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program this week. Representative Jake Fey of Washington's message is more relevant than ever:
"We have an aged bridge that just is not going to perform much longer in a way that's conducive to being able to grow Southwest Washington and Portland."
Click the video above for Rep. Fey's full thoughts.
News from the AG: EV Charging Infrastructure Protected
As we shared last month, Attorney General Rayfield and 16 other states filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration for halting federal funding used to build electric vehicle charging infrastructure along major freight routes, as the funding had been approved by Congress on a bipartisan basis.
A federal judge sided in favor of the states, ruling the Trump Administration's actions as unconstitutional. This ruling will preserve $26 million for Oregon's electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Thank you to AG Rayfield and the OR DOJ for this work. We will build on this success story!
Westside Economic Alliance 2026 Legislative Reception
 ABOVE: Photo by Naim Hasan Photography
It was great to join fellow legislators and elected officials at the 2026 Legislative Reception hosted by the Westside Economic Alliance. The evening included a moderated discussion on transportation, workforce, and economic development, and was a valuable check-in ahead of returning to Salem next week.
Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici's Forest Grove Town Hall
Later in the week, I was fortunate to touch base with Congresswoman Bonamici ahead of her town hall, which took place Wednesday evening in Forest Grove. During our conversation, I emphasized the devastating impact federal immigration enforcement efforts have had on our community—concerns that were reemphasized throughout the evening's public testimony.
I am thankful for the efforts Representative Bonamici has made at the federal level to fight on behalf of our community, including her vote against DHS appropriations, as well as her commitment to take these important conversations back with her to Washington.
QuestBridge Scholar: Nicole Ayala Congachi
A huge congratulations to Nicole, a Glencoe senior, who was recently admitted to Yale University and awarded a full-ride QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship. Your hard work has certainly paid off.
At Yale, Nicole plans to study Ethics, Politics, and Economics (EPE) and eventually attend law school, with the goal of working in legislation and public service. Congratulations again, Nicole!
Immigrant Families Protest Inside ICE’s Detention Facility in Dilley, Texas
 Image Credit: AP Photo/Brenda Bazán
As you may have seen in the news, recent federal immigration actions have included the unjust detention of children, including 7-year-old Diana Crespo, who was detained alongside her parents in a hospital parking lot in Portland, Oregon, just two weeks ago.
Children must be protected. Full stop. These actions by the federal administration are inexcusable and shameful. With that said, I want to recognize the resilience of immigrant families who, despite being detained themselves, organized a moving protest inside the Texas detention center (where Diana and 5-year old Liam Ramos are being held) to call for the protection of these children.
Hillsboro - Access to Success College & Career Fair by Hillsboro YAC
The Hillsboro Youth Advisory Council (YAC) and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Subcommittee are presenting the Access to Success College & Career Fair in Hillsboro.
This fair will bring together universities from Oregon, Washington, California, and Alaska, as well as local trade programs and internship opportunities.
The event will include a panel of current college students and will emphasize financial aid and support programs to make post-secondary success accessible and exciting for everyone.
Event Details:
Date: Friday, January 30 (no school)
Time: 11 am - 3 pm
Location: Kalapuya Hall, Hidden Creek Community Center: 5100 NE Hidden Creek Drive Hillsboro, Oregon 97124
Open to: All students and families in the Hillsboro area
Forest Grove - Wind Down Wednesdays
Start your morning off right! Teacher Ruby offers practical tips for identifying stressors in your life, implementing simple coping mechanisms, and cultivating emotional survival skills that focus on humor and creativity. Bring your own pillow and/or mat, wear comfy clothes, and prepare to fully unwind. This class is open to adults 16 years or older, but registration is required, and enrollment is limited to 20 people.
Follow this link to sign up!
Cornelius - Basic Technology Class
 Take the first step towards mastering technology! This class is designed to teach the basics and help you become proficient in using computers, office software, browsing the internet, sending emails, and more.
Date: February 5, 2026
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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We have to make this short session count!
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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