|
Replies to this message are sent to an unmonitored mailbox.
To contact me, please click here: Sen.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Friends and Neighbors,
Legislative Updates
This Presidents' Day was a special one at the Oregon State Capitol, with students taking center stage in the legislative process. Young advocates spent the day fully immersed in civic life, exploring the Capitol, testifying in committee hearings, and sitting down with their elected representatives for meaningful conversations.
One of the highlights of the day was students speaking before the Senate Committee on Energy & Environment, where they shared their concerns about nuclear energy and made the case for stronger climate action. It was a great reminder of just how much our youth have to contribute to the conversations that will shape their future.
This Week's Testimonies and Floor Speeches
Week Three Committee Snaps
Senate Committee on Energy and Environment
Public Hearings were held on the following bills:
-
HB 4102 Modifies the authority of the Department of Environmental Quality to enter into agreements with regulated entities to expedite or enhance a regulatory process.
Work Sessions were held on the following bills:
-
SB 1525 Establishes the Blue Economy Task Force.
-
SB 1597 Requires an electric utility to disclose to its customers the costs of storing the waste produced by an energy facility in generating electricity.
Senate Committee on Education
Public Hearings were held on the following bills:
-
HB 4066 Prohibits the student member of the Oregon Health and Science University Board of Directors from participating in any discussions or action by the board or attending any executive session of the board involving collective bargaining issues that affect students.
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Work Sessions were held on:
- Federal Grant Applications
- Agency Reports
Week Three - Oregon State Capitol Visits in the halls and in #S207 (Your Senate District 15 Capitol office)
Listen. Learn. Act.
Celebrating Black History Month
This week of Black History Month we recognize the influence of Sojourner Truth on civil rights and women's rights. Born into slavery in 1797, Truth’s firsthand accounts helped shape her monumental speeches following her escape. Similar to Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth moved to Massachusetts to participate in political advocacy. She joined the Northampton Association of Education and Industry (NAEI) in 1844, a group dedicated to advancing citizenship rights for Black Americans. Apart from civil rights, Truth was a staunch advocate for women's rights. In 1851, she delivered the famous “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech in Akron, Ohio. The speech explored previously unaddressed intersections between race and gender, highlighting the struggles of Black women during the 19th century. She demanded justice not only for Black Americans but also called into question the hypocrisy of a nation that claimed to value the contributions of women while neglecting those of certain races. Her outspoken activism faced immense opposition, with an attack in the 1850s, leaving her permanently disabled. Still, Truth continued her political work until she died in 1883.
Sojourner Truth’s ideas have spurred legislation to protect the rights of both women and Black Americans. Her bravery has inspired dozens of working groups, especially today, where issues of race and gender remain prevalent. In 2009, a bust of her became the first Black woman honored in the U.S. Capitol. Celebrating Black History Month, we honor her bravery and mission for truth.
~Athena L.
|
Out and About in Senate District 15
The Immigrant Story
I had a great time attending The Immigrant Story Live at Willamette University this week. It was an evening of powerful stories and live music featuring Gemanereida Barragan-Cruz, directed by Lesslie Nuñez. A personal highlight was watching our high school intern, Audrey P., perform with Forest Grove High School's Mariachi Tradición & Alumni. Seeing her and the rest of the students on that stage was truly special.
Winnie the Pooh at Theatre in the Grove
Last Sunday, I enjoyed Theatre in the Grove's performance of Winnie the Pooh with my daughter-in-law and grandson. What a fun play to share with family and community.
Love is Love Rally in Forest Grove
A heartfelt thank you to Indivisible Forest Grove Oregon for organizing a Love is Love Rally on Valentine's Day, creating a wonderful space for community connection and unity.
Community Outreach
Lunar New Year
This week, we welcomed the Lunar New Year and the dawn of the Year of the Fire Horse, a rare combination that only occurs once every 60 years. Senator Khanh Pham marked the occasion with a meaningful message on the Senate Floor. As more than 1 billion people across the globe take part in this celebration, it's a powerful testament to our shared humanity and the connections that transcend borders.
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
| 
