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To contact me, please click here: Sen.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Friends and Neighbors,
Legislative Updates
OFFICE OF SENATOR JANEEN SOLLMAN
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 13, 2026
Contact: Ali Lanenga, sen.janeensollman@oregonlegislature.gov
The Oregon JOBS Act (SB 1586): Hillsboro and Metro Find Common Ground on Land for Jobs; Now the Legislature Must Act
SALEM, OR — Senator Janeen Sollman (D-Hillsboro) announces the City of Hillsboro and Metro have alignment on the Oregon JOBS Act, a bipartisan, bicameral effort to create family-wage jobs and secure Oregon's competitiveness in advanced manufacturing. The legislation creates opportunities for advanced manufacturing jobs in the region and prohibits stand-alone data centers, retail warehouses, and commercial recreation.
"Oregon has the workforce talent, the innovation, and the community strength to lead in advanced manufacturing. What we don’t have is industrial land available in the size or location required by advanced manufacturing firms,” Sollman said. "This creates a place for firms to invest, expand, locate, and create family wage jobs within Oregon’s existing high-technology ecosystem.”
Central to the agreement is an amendment that will create immediate industrial land supply and a pathway to high quality jobs through the regional process—an option not available without legislative action. The amendment will bring 373 acres into the Metro urban growth boundary directly adjacent to lands being aggregated and held for large anchor project opportunities, while returning the remaining approximately 1,400 acres to the regular land use process. The Oregon JOBS ACT restores Metro's authority.
“The compromise in this bill balances the need for immediate action with the imperative for a thoughtful, region-wide jobs strategy,” said Metro Councilor Juan Carlos Gonzalez. “We look forward to working with the City of Hillsboro in meeting the moment on this specific need and supporting our regional economic recovery.”
This legislation builds on extensive analysis conducted through multiple legislative processes including The Oregon CHIPS Act (SB 4, 2023) and the Semiconductor Task Force. The 2022 Semiconductor Task Force Report identified specific siting requirements for advanced manufacturing, and SB 4 confirmed the 1,700-acre North Hillsboro site as Oregon's most strategic location to meet those requirements.
“We thank Senator Sollman for her leadership and Metro for their partnership on this critical effort,” said Hillsboro Mayor Beach Pace. “Hillsboro is committed to doing our part to ensure that our local, regional and state economy can be as competitive as possible to produce family wage jobs for Oregonians. Though support and action is still needed from State Leadership, this is a historic step forward. This bill will enable us to meet the economic needs of our families, communities, and state.”
The site has been part of Oregon's economic and land use planning for years. When HB 4078 passed in 2014, it designated these acres as rural reserves and removed them from Metro's jurisdiction—establishing that any future change would require legislative action. The Oregon JOBS Act follows this established public process.
"This agreement between Hillsboro, the jurisdiction responsible for planning and serving the land, and Metro, the jurisdiction responsible for managing regional growth, comes on the heels of more than a decade of study and public process,” Sollman said. “The time to act is now.”
Bill Update: SB 1555 - Quality Education Model
This week, Senate Bill 1555 had a public hearing in the Senate Education Committee. This bill came as the result of work done during the Interim in the Joint Public Education Appropriations Committee, which I co-chair with Representative Ricki Ruiz. Senate Bill 1555 will not be moving forward this session, but I would like to share about the bill and what it would have done. This is a vital and timely conversation on how we fund public education in Oregon.
Senate Bill 1555 created a data-driven, educator-focused cost modeling system to calculate what Oregon schools actually need to meet quality goals. The bill improved how we measure funding gaps for teachers, programs, and student services—and eliminated the outdated Quality Education Commission. It laid the foundation to provide the data lawmakers need to close the funding gaps our classrooms are experiencing.
Oregon students deserve better, and I’m disappointed this bill isn’t moving forward. The urgency of our education funding crisis demands transparent, accurate data to help lawmakers get the needed resources into our classrooms. I will continue to do all I can to move this conversation forward and ensure that each dollar invested leads to improved outcomes for students.
This Week's Testimonies
Week Two Committee Snaps
Senate Committee on Energy and Environment
Informational hearings were held on:
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HB 4046 Directs the State Department of Energy, subject to the availability of funding, to conduct a study on nuclear energy, including advanced nuclear reactors.
Public Hearings were held on the following bills:
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SB 1588 Requires each electric company to develop an inclusive utility investment program to provide financing for customers' energy efficiency upgrades or renewable energy projects.
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SB 1582 Requires each electric company to develop a distributed power plant program for the procurement of grid services to be provided by distributed energy resources.
Work Sessions were held on the following bills:
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SB 1526 Requires the State Department of Energy to apply for grant moneys from the State Agency Program Fund to cover the costs and expenses of carrying out pre-startup activities and forming a nonprofit entity.
Senate Committee on Education
Public Hearings were held on the following bills:
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SB 1537 Requires the members of a board of education of a community college district to have an official electronic mail address that is posted on a publicly accessible website.
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SB 1555 Directs the Joint Interim Committee on Ways and Means to use a cost model for the purpose of calculating the sum of moneys sufficient to meet the state's system of public education quality goals.
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SB 1572 Authorizes a teacher to immediately remove from the classroom setting a student who repeatedly interferes with the teacher's ability to communicate effectively with the students in the class or with the ability of the students to learn.
Work Sessions were held on the following bills:
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SB 1537 Requires the members of a board of education of a community college district to have an official electronic mail address that is posted on a publicly accessible website.
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SB 1538 Requires district school boards to admit all students to all schools and instructional programs of the school district.
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SB 1581 Requires school districts to offer lunch and breakfast to students at no charge, regardless of income.
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education
Work sessions were held on:
- Teacher Standards and Practices Commission Report - Revenue Increase
- Higher Education Coordinating Commission Report - Spending and Efficiency in Oregon Public Universities
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Work sessions were held on:
- Federal Grant Applications
- Agency Reports
Week Two - Oregon State Capitol Visits in the halls and in #S207 (Your Senate District 15 Capitol office)
Intern Corner
Meet the 2026 Legislative Interns
Parker Nagy is a student at the University of Oregon studying Political Science and Planning, Public Policy, and Management (PPPM). A lifelong Oregonian, he is especially interested in environmental and immigration policy. Outside of classes, he competes on the debate team, serves on the PPPM Undergraduate Advisory Board, is a Wayne Morse Undergraduate Scholar, and is involved with several clubs. In his free time, he enjoys reading, baking, and hiking on the many trails Eugene has to offer.
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My name is Kylie Meyer, and I am currently attending Portland Community College where I am working towards my Paralegal Certificate. After earning my bachelor's in marketing from Portland State University in 2021 and working for an Oregon- based sporting goods company the last four years, I decided to go back to school and pursue my passion for law and advocacy. I am passionate about advancing justice through public policy, particularly supporting survivors of sexual abuse and strengthening accountability within our legal system. I am excited to apply what I am learning in my program to the work in the Senator's office and to serve the community during the session. |
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Hi! I am Mari, a first-year political science major with a minor in public policy at Oregon State University, with a strong interest in equity-focused policy. I’m especially interested in ethics, social policy, and building community-centered solutions. I enjoy running, creative writing, and baking! I hope to work in public service to help create effective and compassionate systems. I am excited to support Senator Sollman in this short session!
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Athena Li is a junior attending Oregon Episcopal School in Portland, Oregon. She is thrilled to be an intern for Senator Sollman this year during Oregon’s short session. Athena is a competitor for her school’s policy debate team and travels both locally and nationally to attend tournaments. Additionally, she enjoys writing, specifically advocacy for critical issues. A CD collector, she most enjoys albums by The Strokes, The Beatles, and Slowdive. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends, reading, and playing chess. |
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In The News
Commentary: JOBS Act could make small, important changes for Oregon economy, Portland Tribune, Todd Mustard and Josh Tompkins, February 12, 2026.
Oregon lawmakers consider overhaul of school funding model as districts face budget cuts, KATU News, Deb Knapp, February 11, 2026.
A sweeping plan to reshape how Oregon schools are funded runs into a buzzsaw of opposition in Salem, OregonLive/The Oregonian, Julia Silverman, February 10, 2026.
Listen. Learn. Act.
Celebrating Black History Month
This week of Black History Month, we recognize the contributions of abolitionist and Civil Rights advocate Frederick Douglass. Born enslaved as Frederick Bailey in 1818, he escaped to Massachusetts twenty years later and changed his surname to “Douglass.” A passionate activist, Douglass quickly joined several antislavery groups, most notably the American Anti-Slavery Society. He began narrating his own experiences as a slave but progressed towards a leadership position of advocacy. It was this drive that fueled his journeys across the East and Midwest to protest segregation and slavery laws. Douglass received both widespread praise and criticism; his growing prominence eventually compelled him to write the famous 1845 Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. After the Civil War, Douglass held multiple positions in office. His persuasive speeches and newspaper publications swayed public opinion and were pivotal for the eventual Emancipation Proclamation.
During his time as an activist, Douglass faced immense hardships—from daily death threats to constant fears of being recaptured as a slave. However, his ultimate perseverance embodies a quality all of us can learn from during Black History Month. His legacy continues to inspire the work of future generations. As we celebrate Black History Month, we honor not only his persistence, but also the values Frederick Douglass fought for—equality and justice.
~Athena L.
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Out and About in Senate District 15
Hillsboro Winter Farmer's Market
What a treat to have a Winter Farmer's Market open in Hillsboro. This past weekend, I scored some gifts for others (and me), including delicious dilly cheese, peach jam, and more. Check out the Winter Farmer's Market at the Hillsboro Civic Center Plaza on Saturdays 9am-1pm through Saturday, March 21st.
William Sturgill Eagle Scout Ceremony
Congratulations to William Sturgill for earning the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. It is a major undertaking demonstrating leadership and commitment to the community. His family has been there with him throughout the journey. William exceeded his 21 badge requirement and went above and beyond. It was an honor to be there for the ceremony last weekend.
Community Outreach
In November of last year, as we were seeing federal immigration enforcement actions escalating in Senate District 15 and beyond, I sent the below letter to Governor Kotek, asking her to bring stakeholders together at the state level, to make a plan. A few weeks ago, Governor Kotek and First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson convened that roundtable and I am hopeful continued action is forthcoming.
 
Additional Resources
Senate District 15 – Event Calendars
Federal Delegation Links
Education Links
Food and Housing Assistance
Immigration Resources
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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