Action at the Capitol & How to Get Involved

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

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The 2026 Session is officially upon us and this week has already been quite the sprint. We only have 35 days to move policies through the legislative process, so the Capitol was full of energy and action this week. Things aren't expected to slow down anytime soon, and there are plenty of opportunities to share your voice in these important conversations.

In this this week's newsletter, you will find...

• A recap of our January 30th Town Hall
• My testimony in support of federal accountability and transparency
• Opportunities to submit your feedback on federal response legislation
• A few of the community members and advocates that stopped by my office this week
• News for the Governor's office regarding action against DHS

Joint Town Hall with AG Rayfield, Senator Sollman, and Representative Sosa

As I wrote about earlier this week, Senator Sollman, Representative Sosa, and I had the opportunity to join Attorney General Dan Rayfield on his Oregon Priorities Tour, where we brought the conversation to Pacific University. Nearly 400 of you took the time out of your Friday evenings to engage thoughtfully, ask important questions, and share your perspectives on the issues impacting our community.

We heard from many of you about federal immigration enforcement actions. Though the conversations were difficult, they were absolutely necessary. I appreciate the courage of the individuals who shared their important stories.

The pain that you all shared from the atrocious, unsafe, violent actions against your families and friends is not okay. If we are able to host a follow-up town hall, I will make sure that we listen to you and that we truly try to answer the question: "What are you doing to change this?"

I want to be clear that I am unequivocally supportive of efforts to reign in this terror. Below, I will reshare the upcoming opportunities to ensure your voice is heard regarding pending federal response legislation.

Week 1 Meetings

We were fortunate to welcome so many incredible organizations and community leaders throughout the week, each advocating for important causes and impactful initiatives. Below are just a few of the highlights.

Food for All Oregonians

Food for All Oregonians is doing tremendous work on the front lines of tackling hunger across Oregon. It was great to discuss protecting and sustaining SNAP benefits, as well as the necessity of ensuring that no child goes hungry at school.

Early Childhood Coalition

I was also fortunate to catch up with partners associated with the Early Childhood Coalition. Investing in our youth is one of my top priorities, so it was wonderful to touch base on their legislative priorities.

Metropolitan Mayors’ Consortium

Lastly, I appreciated the time to connect with mayors from the Portland Metro region. It's always a pleasure to speak with leaders from the community.

Public Hearing on Work Zone Safety

On Wednesday, we heard from workers, safety advocates, and community members about HB 4081, work zone safety legislation. This bill will address worker safety by implementing radar speed technology in some work zones across Oregon. Right now, workers face safety risks due speeding and distracted driving. Every worker deserves to come home from their job at the end of the day, and this bill intends to make our work zones safer for everyone.

My Testimony on the Law Enforcement Accountability and Visibility Act

I am a co-Chief Sponsor of HB 4138, the Law Enforcement Accountability and Visibility Act. On Wednesday, this bill received a public hearing in the House Judiciary Committee. We heard from community members and elected leaders about the importance of transparency and identification from law enforcement. Please see my written testimony below:

My Testimony on Safeguarding Students

I am a co-sponsor of HB 4079, legislation to safeguard students and educators. During the public hearing in the House Education Committee, we heard from educators and families about the need for clarity and communication when immigration enforcement enters spaces of learning. Please see my written testimony below:

Share Your Perspective on Federal Response Legislation

Earlier this week, I sent out an email with information regarding the public hearings for federal response legislation. Many of these dates and times have passed, however, written testimony can still be submitted within 48 hours of the public hearing. Below are the list of bills still accepting written testimony but only for a limited window. Please take a look at the deadlines and ensure your voice is heard!

Judge Limits Federal Agents’ Use of Tear Gas in Portland

Judge Michael H. Simon of Oregon temporarily limited federal agents’ use of nonlethal munitions against protesters outside of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Portland.

This comes after ICE officers deployed tear gas, shot pepper balls and rubber bullets and set off flash bang-grenades at individuals demonstrating their First Amendment Rights. Notably, the crowd included children and elderly people. 

Governor Kotek, Oregon Mayors Call for Immediate Halt to Federal Immigration Enforcement Actions 

Governor Tina Kotek and over 30 Oregon mayors sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Tom Homan, President Trump's Border Czar, demanding an immediate halt to federal immigration enforcement actions in Oregon until all recent federal use-of-force incidents are fully investigated and those responsible are held accountable. This letter was signed by Mayor Pace of Hillsboro, Mayor Wenzl of Forest Grove, and Mayor Dalin of Cornelius.

“We demand an immediate halt to federal immigration enforcement actions in Oregon until thorough investigations of use-of-force incidents in Minneapolis, in Portland, and all other use of force incidents by federal agents are thoroughly investigated and those involved are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” Governor Kotek and Oregon Mayors wrote in the letter. 

The letter also highlights the real harm current practices are causing in Oregon communities, including families avoiding school, health care, work, and local businesses out of fear, something that is undeniably felt in Washington County.

The full letter was sent today to the Department of Homeland Security and the Trump Administration. A copy of the letter can be found here.

Caregivers for Our Vulnerable Populations

This week, I had the opportunity to meet with caregivers who provide terrific services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and who are represented by SEIU. Their work is challenging, deeply important to our community, and it is crucial that these services are properly regulated so the safety of both patients and providers is ensured. Thank you for your work and advocacy!

Hillsboro Play Supported by Oregon Arts Commission’s Arts Build Communities Grant

Congratulations are in order for Hillsboro’s residential theater company Bag&Baggage Productions! They are the recipient of a $5000 grant and will use it to support its mainstage production of “Antíkoni” — a reimagining of Sophocles’ “Antigone” through a Native American lens.

Hillsboro - 1st Annual Winter Market

Saturdays 9am–1pm
February 7th – March 21st, 2026
Civic Center Plaza, Downtown Hillsboro

Stay warm and shop local at the Hillsboro Farmers Market Winter Market. Enjoy a welcoming heated tent, fresh seasonal foods, handmade goods, hot food options, and a festive community atmosphere.

SNAP and EBT accepted!

Forest Grove - Winnie-the-Pooh

This production of Winnie-the-Pooh is an amazing, heart-felt adaptation, by Sean Patrick Nill, of the original stories by A.A. Milne.

Directed by Donald Cleland with assistant director/stage manager Kathleen Lacock, the cast of this production is mostly youth, ages 8 to 20. 

There are 6 performances open to the public: Feb 6 & 13 @ 7:30PM, Feb 7, 8, 14, 15 @ 2:30PM.  

Cornelius - Bilingual Family Storytime | Hora de Cuentos Bilingüe en Familia

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.

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.

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.

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