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To contact me, please click here: Sen.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Friends and Neighbors,
Upcoming Events
Forest Grove Town Hall - Tonight at 6:30pm
Join Attorney General Dan Rayfield, Senator Janeen Sollman, Representative Susan McLain, and Representative Nathan Sosa for an Oregon Priorities Town Hall in Forest Grove on Friday, January 30 at 6:30pm. 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.
RSVP: http://bit.ly/Jan30ForestGrove
The event is part of a statewide Oregon Priorities Town Hall series with AG Rayfield focused on hearing directly from Oregonians, in order to shape legal strategies that best protect the state’s interests. We hope to see you there!
Legislative Updates
2026 Legislative Session begins this Monday, February 2.
The 2026 Legislative Session will begin this Monday, February 2.
The schedule and information for the committees I serve on, are linked and listed below:
If you are planning a visit to Salem, there are metered and electric vehicle charging spots near the Capitol. Most parts of the Capitol have reopened after construction and it is a beautiful building to come and tour. Stop by my office (S-207) to say "Hello". Visitors may enter through the ADA accessible doors on State Street, the south side of the building. To ensure the safety of the public, employees, tenants and Legislators in the Capitol, all visitors will encounter a security checkpoint with a walk-through metal detector upon entry. Please see the Building Use Policy, Rule #15 for prohibited items.
Not able to make the trip? You can still watch the meetings from home on OLIS, the Oregon Legislative Information System. Please find links provided by OLIS below for further information.
2026 Legislative Session Information
The Oregon Legislative Website and the Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS) have an abundance of resources to use for following along with the Legislative Session. Visit www.oregonlegislature.gov to find out:
Find many more ways to explore and engage by visiting the "Get Involved" tab.
JOINT COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 29, 2026
Lawmakers to Hear Feedback on Budget Reduction Options Proposed After Federal Cuts
The Legislature will be considering budget reductions in the upcoming session as part of its balanced approach to responding to the budget crisis
SALEM, Ore. – Today, the co-chairs of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means announced they will hold a public hearing to receive feedback on budget reduction options proposed by state agencies after federal actions put a $900 million hole in Oregon's budget.
The public hearing is scheduled for February 3 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Hearing Room 40 in the Oregon State Capitol building. Members of the public can attend the hearing in-person or tune in virtually through the Oregon Legislative Information System.
Individuals interested in providing testimony on possible budget reductions can register to speak via the committee's webpage on OLIS. Written testimony can also be submitted and will be accepted for up to 48 hours following the hearing.
"In 2025, we made careful, forward-looking budget decisions, knowing that changes were coming from the federal budget bill. The cuts in that bill were beyond what any state could have predicted, and left a nearly $900 million gap in our state budget," said Rep. Tawna Sanchez (D-Portland), co-chair of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. "This is a difficult situation. We've been working with stakeholders for months, and now we want to hear from the public."
As part of the process to respond to the multi-year budget crisis created by the Trump administration, state agencies submitted prioritized lists of budget reduction options to the Ways and Means subcommittees in November. These lists formed the basis for inclusive, bipartisan conversations with legislators and stakeholders over the past few weeks.
Any reductions will be on top of efficiency cuts that budget-writers already took during the 2025 legislative session, which included eliminating certain vacant positions and clawing back unused funds.
"There aren't very many easy cuts left to make," said Sen. Kate Lieber (D-SW Portland and Beaverton), co-chair of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. "We are taking a balanced approach to get through this budget crisis. That means eliminating waste and inefficiencies and potentially making some really tough decisions around program reductions."
The Legislature is required by the Oregon Constitution to maintain a balanced budget. Lawmakers will know more about current available resources after the quarterly economic outlook and revenue forecast is presented on February 4.
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Meet the High School Interns
We are fortunate to have a robust team of high school interns who help with special projects for Senate District 15. They also contribute articles to our weekly newsletter on topics that are important to them. I value hearing and uplifting youth voices, they are our bright future.
Please meet the SD 15 high school intern team below.
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Maanya is a junior at Jesuit High School. She is passionate about STEM and has been an active participant and proponent of the FIRST Robotics program for the past 7 years. She is actively engaged with Title 1-A schools and the BIPOC community to bridge the social, racial and economic gaps in our community. Maanya aspires to create technology for societal good in a responsible and ethical manner. Additionally, Maanya is an accomplished flutist and plays for the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra.
~Maanya S.
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As a multiracial student, I strive to create a positive change in my community and to right the injustices to minority people. I perform in my school's orchestra and in our mariachi group, Mariachi Tradición, and have won multiple awards and performed with Grammy Award winning artists. In addition, I'm also the president of Forest Grove High School's AAPI club. I believe we should share the stories of our ancestors and tell our histories, whether it be in a classroom or through music. After graduating, I plan to attend Pacific University to major in Business Administration and work with an organization that seeks to help underprivileged people.
~Audrey P.
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My name is Amara and I am currently a senior at Beaverton High School. Some things to know about me is I love to be involved in activities at my school, some include varsity soccer, Model United Nations, and the Woman and Sports Club I co-founded with a couple of friends. My favorite academic subjects include government, history, and writing, all of which I plan to pursue in college. Outside of school, I enjoy baking, doing fun art projects, and working out. I am super excited to be a high school intern for Senator Sollman this year!
~Amara D.
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My name is Shaayan and I am a junior at Glencoe High School, passionate about science and public policy. Working alongside Senator Sollman, I introduced a bill in the Oregon Legislature focused on installing vape detectors in public high school bathrooms to better support students struggling with vaping addiction; while the bill didn’t pass, the experience sparked my love for the legislative process. Serving as an intern for Senator Sollman has allowed me to make a lasting impact on my community and gain hands-on experience in the legislation process. This same motivation drives my long-term goal of becoming a pediatric oncologist, where I hope to make a lasting impact in treating childhood cancer. In my spare time, I love working out, cooking new dishes, and going on hikes.
~Shaayan S.
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Anisha is a junior at Westview High School and a young environmental researcher and advocate. With over six years of experience in climate and sustainability research, she has been recognized nationally, including America’s Top 10 Young Scientist and a recipient of the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes. Anisha is passionate about translating research into real-world impact by empowering youth to take action on climate change.
~Anisha D.
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I am a senior at Oregon Episcopal School and this is my second year as a high school intern for Senator Sollman. I am passionate about making a positive impact in my community through advocacy, policy, and art. As co-chair of the Hillsboro Youth Advisory Council, I have been able to work on projects related to sustainability issues and share my voice on important issues to youth. It has been an incredible learning experience to intern for Senator Sollman on the state level while being actively involved with my local government on the city level. In school, I love to share the joy of music and art through acting in theater productions. I am also a part of Mock Trial and an editor of the yearbook.
~Anna K.
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I’m Helena, a junior at Tualatin HIgh School. I feel passionately about writing and journalism and am a Co-Editor-in-Chief of my school’s newspaper, The Wolf. Much of my time is devoted to school and learning, as it is an important value in my life to always be curious about the world. Outside of school, I love listening to music, playing piano, and going out for coffee. I enjoy being able to contribute to Senator Sollman’s newsletter with my articles, which has been my favorite part of my internship in her office. I’m also glad for the opportunity to take part in initiative-led projects. Though it has been mostly a trial by error for me, I really appreciate all the opportunities I’ve gotten to take on leadership roles inside and outside school this year. I’ve learned many, many things working closely with others, and it’s been a wonderful feeling to see tangible results from the efforts I’ve contributed. I hope to continue learning more about the legislative process during the rest of my internship (and hopefully attend more meetings at Insomnia Coffee Co.).
~Helena V.
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Listen. Learn. Act.
Westside Economic Alliance - Annual Legislative Reception
Earlier this week, I participated in the Westside Economic Alliance Annual Legislative Reception. This is an opportunity for legislators to meet with local business and discuss upcoming policy for the short session, and pressing issues for their members. It was a great evening of conversation and listening.
 Photos by: Naim Hasan Photography and Senator Sollman
Out and About in Senate District 15
Forest Grove Vigil for Alex Pretti
Over 200 people lined the block to stand in peace and solidarity Sunday night in Forest Grove. It lightens our hearts and strengthens our resolve to see more and more people show up, stand up and speak up. We are all human beings on this planet, treat each other and her well. Alex Pretti was a good human.
Visit to Tuality Plains High School
Last Friday, I had a beautiful start to my day. My former Forest Grove High School teacher, Howard Sullivan asked me to join volunteers with the Rotary Club of Forest Grove to help students sharpen their interview skills at Tuality Plains High School in the Forest Grove School District. I always enjoy my conversations with students. Our future looks bright!
Community Outreach
Tax Filing Tips from Oregon Department of Revenue
 Oregon taxpayers can claim their share of this year’s $1.4 billion kicker. The IRS and the state began processing e-filed 2025 state income tax returns on January 26, 2026.
You must file a return to get your kicker – Use the Kicker Calculator
The kicker is a refundable credit that will either increase a taxpayer's Oregon state income tax refund or decrease the amount of state taxes they owe. It is not sent to taxpayers separately as a check. Taxpayers may use the “What’s My Kicker? Calulator” to determine their credit.
Only taxpayers who filed a tax year 2024 return and file a tax year 2025 return can receive a kicker. The credit is a percentage of Oregon personal income tax liability for the 2024 tax year.
Electronic filing is faster—especially in 2026
On average, taxpayers who e-file their returns and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund within two weeks. E-filed returns will be processed in the order they are received, with the first refunds expected to be issued February 15. For paper filed returns, refunds will not start being issued until early April.
Due to the delayed receipt of tax forms and information from the IRS in late 2025, processing of paper-filed Oregon personal income tax returns will be delayed until late March, a process that has historically begun in February.
The delay in paper return processing means the department won’t be able to tell taxpayers who file paper returns, that their return has been received until paper return processing starts at the end of March. Also, information on paper-filed returns won’t be available in the “Where’s My Refund?” tool until that time.
Free e-filing options open January 26 Oregon residents who normally mail their tax return to the department should consider using Direct File Oregon, a free filing option available through Revenue Online, or other online tax preparation software, to receive their refund—and their kicker—sooner.
Free guided tax preparation is available from several companies for taxpayers that meet income requirements. Using links from the department’s website ensures that both taxpayers’ federal and state return will be filed for free.
All electronic filing software options approved for filing Oregon personal income tax returns can be found on the Electronic filing page of the agency’s website.
Free and low-cost tax help
Free tax preparation services are available for low- to moderate-income taxpayers through AARP and CASH Oregon. United Way also offers free tax help through their MyFreeTaxes program. Visit the Department of Revenue website to take advantage of the software and free offers and get more information about free tax preparation services.
Additional Resources
Senate District 15 – Event Calendars
Federal Delegation Links
Education Links
Food and Housing Assistance
Immigration Resources
 Like many of you, the news from Minnesota, this past weekend left me feeling the full range of emotional grief. Sadness. Anger. Worry. More sadness.
I started my day with hope, an important first step. I was fortunate to receive an invitation from Governor Kotek to join a small-round table in Salem to discuss immigration enforcement impacts. The table convened legislators, community-based organizations, the Governor and her team. During our meeting, we had not even been briefed of the shooting by border agents in Minnesota. We spoke about local impacts and legislative concepts. After the conversation, I urged next steps, we must be prepared.
OUR SILENCE WILL NOT PROTECT US. I saw this message painted on the side of I-84 recently. What we see happening in Minnesota, we must be well-prepared for. This is not fear-mongering, being prepared is emergency management 101.
Another grief emotion is the feeling of numbness or retreat. Some use this as a way to protect themselves, maybe because of their own life experiences. We must protect and honor that as everyone processes grief and trauma differently, in their own way and time.
I know the sense of loss can be heavy and feel lonely to some, but we don't have to do this alone. So many have asked during all this, what can I do to help? I do see the good in all 5 of these ideas shared below. There are many good people doing hard things. Here are a few ways to build community. I stand strong on the belief that community will get us through this.
1. Reach out to friends and neighbors and just let them know you care. And do what you need to do to take care of you.❤️
2. Donate time, talent, or money to local organizations that need support to serve survivors of trauma. As immigration enforcement increases, people do not go out to seek assistance for the many things they need. Here are a few:
3. Support local business. Our latino-owned businesses are especially hit hard. Our immigrant neighbors add so much to our local economy and our local businesses will feel this.
4. Support Minnesota efforts: https://www.standwithminnesota.com/
5. Stand with community. Join a peaceful vigil.
There will be a series of bills coming to the short session related to immigration. We will share further information as they move through the process.
Be good to yourself and each other. ❤
Onward & Upward,
 Senate District 15 lies on Kalapuya land. The Atfalati were the northernmost band of the Kalapuya that lived along the Tualatin River in present day Washington County. Many of the Atfalati descendants are members of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon today. The Indigenous Peoples of this land experienced a painful history of colonial violence, sickness and removal from their land. The Atfalati are the foundation of Oregon's past and we must honor them well into our future.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1715
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, S-207, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Sen.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/sollman
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