Dear Neighbors and Community Members,
It's hard to believe it, but we are in the final stretch of the 2026 Session. The Legislature must adjourn sine die by March 9th, which leaves just over one week for bills to make it across the finish line. The House has been busy with robust discussions and votes on the Floor. We approved a new tax credit for businesses that bring jobs to Oregon and expanded the Earned Income Tax Credit. We also advanced policies to protect community safety, conserve our natural habitats and wildlife, and preserve funding for essential public services. Stay tuned for updates on these issues and more as we near the end of Session.
In this newsletter, you will find:
- My speeches in support of law enforcement accountability & wildlife conservation
- Policy wins on the House Floor this week
- A reflection on the hard budget choices we face
- Recognition of some talented Oregon youth
- Civic engagement opportunities & events in Western Washington County
The 2026 Legislative Session Team McLain!
 
Bills Passed on the House Floor This Week!
Here is a snapshot of some important bills we passed this week in the House:
PASSED AND CO-CHIEF SPONSORED ✅ ❤️
Law Enforcement Visibility and Accountability Act
(HB 4138)
Click below to see my testimony in support of House Bill 4138:
I am proud to be a Co-Chief Sponsor of HB 4138, which pushes for the visibility and transparency of all law enforcement officials within Oregon. This bill was thoughtfully constructed with community safety top of mind and builds upon Oregon's Sanctuary Promise to safeguard our vulnerable communities.
Washington County is no stranger to the chaos and fear caused by anonymous agents. We have an obligation to restore clarity and accountability in how authority is exercised in Oregon, and I am thrilled to share that the House passed this bill and is now headed to the Senate for consideration.
Thank you to my colleagues and the essential stakeholders who took part in the conversations which led to this bill's conception. If successfully passed, the people of Oregon will be better and safer because of this work.
PASSED AND VOTED YES ✅
Federal Tax Code Disconnect (SB 1507)
The Trump administration has destroyed a long history of partnership between state and national leaders, who once could be counted on to share responsibility for funding everything we expect of a good government. With that partnership in tatters, it’s Oregon’s job now to reconfigure state tax laws so massive corporations and ultra-wealthy people are doing their part for a thriving state.
Senate Bill 1507 closes some of Trump’s tax loopholes to preserve programs Oregonians care about, like education and health care for children, seniors, low-income families, and people with disabilities. It also creates a new tax credit for businesses that produce good-paying jobs in Oregon and the measure expands the Earned Income Tax Credit for more than 200,000 families struggling to make ends meet. These are concrete steps to widen prosperity and affordability for all Oregonians.
Families need breathing room in their budgets, but giant corporations making record profits aren’t entitled to extra Oregon tax breaks on top of Trump’s giveaways. That’s
why our legislation preserves $291 million for core state services, while shifting the tax benefits to job creators and working families.
The federal government isn’t finished trying to intimidate and undermine our state. When we make sure our tax code reflects our priorities instead of Trump priorities, we strengthen Oregon communities’ ability to manage the challenges ahead.
PASSED AND CO-CHIEF SPONSORED ✅💖
1.25% for Wildlife (HB 4134)
Click below to see my testimony in support of House Bill 4134!
Early this week, the House passed HB 4134, bipartisan legislation that takes a significant step forward in securing sustainable funding for Oregon’s fish, wildlife and natural habitats. The bill would also help prevent the spread of harmful invasive species, reduce poaching crimes, alleviate wildfire risks, reduce conflicts with wildlife, and invest in workforce development and natural resource livelihoods, increasing resilience for both wildlife and communities across the state.
As a fifth-generation Oregonian, I am committed to ensuring future generations can appreciate the same wildlife and habitat diversity that I was lucky enough to experience. That commitment is why I am proud to be a Co-Chief Sponsor of HB 4134. I’m grateful for all the hard work poured into this bill and look forward to its progression in the Senate.
PASSED AND VOTED YES ✅
Local Government Representation on the Oregon Government Ethics Commission (HB 4159)
If passed by the Senate, this bill will require the Governor to appoint one member who has local government experience to the Oregon Government Ethics Commission. It also provides that attorney-client privilege is not waived when a communication is made to the commission for purposes of providing information regarding a complaint alleging a violation of government ethics laws or public meetings laws. This is an important step towards ensuring transparency in government decision-making and to prevent the misuse of public office for personal gain.
PASSED AND VOTED YES ✅
Relating to Oregon Health and Science University
(HB 4179)
Under this bill, Oregon Health and Science University can create and maintain a nonprofit corporation under the laws of this state so long as the university is a corporate member of the corporation. This legislation will allow for the creation of the Knight Cancer Group and allow for state of the art care for OHSU cancer patients.
PASSED AND VOTED YES ✅
Protections to Ensure Oregon Students Are Free from Immigration-Based Discrimination
(SB 1538)
SB 1538 strengthens state education law by explicitly adding immigration and citizenship status to the list of protected categories in Oregon’s nondiscrimination statutes. The update provides clarity to schools and reassurance to families that every child in Oregon has the right to access a public education, regardless of background.
The bill is intended to reduce confusion, support school leaders, and maintain learning environments where students feel safe and able to focus on their education. As a former teacher of 42 years, I know how important it is that our students feel supported and comfortable in their learning environments. This bill codifies foundational protections for vulnerable students and helps ensure our schools are welcoming environments.
 On the House Floor with my colleague, Rep. Tran!
Hard Choices in our Challenging Budget Landscape
There is no way to put it lightly– there are incredibly difficult decisions to be made this legislative session. Chaos at the federal level has resulted in the impossible task to rank and prioritize necessities Oregonian families rely upon daily.
HB 4075 is one example of the challenge at hand. The Bay Area Hospital, a rural hospital in Coos Bay, has operated at a loss in recent years due to falling out of compliance with a loan it had previously obtained. The Hospital is struggling to stay afloat without dipping into its cash reserves or downgrading to a Type B hospital, which would lead to a severe cut to staff, beds, and services. HB 4075, if passed, would direct the State Treasurer to provide a stabilization loan to prevent these inevitable, devastating consequences and maintain essential services to the area of Coos Bay.
But this directive does not come without consequences. HB 4075 sets a precedent of the state utilizing the Unclaimed Property and Estates Fund as a band-aid for local funding challenges, eroding the integrity of dedicated education funds; the Treasury, as a result of HB 4075, will have to withhold dollars that would otherwise funnel into the Common School Fund. Oregon schools can not afford such a hit, as essential programming and services are already in jeopardy due to proposed budget cuts.
Oregonians deserve better than choosing between healthcare and education. And yet, because of the havoc created by this federal administration, there is simply not enough funding for all the essential services our state requires. It is imperative that the Legislature handle these choices with excruciating attention and caution. I appreciate everyone who has made their voices heard and participated in these considerations; we will continue to navigate these unprecedented conditions together.
Oregon DOJ Files a Case Against Federal Agents for Targeting Crowds in Portland
The right to peacefully protest is guaranteed by the Constitution and must be respected by law enforcement – including federal agents.
Last week, the office of Attorney General Dan Rayfield submitted a court filing with eyewitness testimony detailing an abuse of power by federal agents at the Portland ICE facility targeting children and peaceful crowds. And next week, case is expected to be heard court.
Forest Grove High School Cheerleading Team Wins National Championship!
A huge congratulations to the incredible cheerleaders of Forest Grove High School on winning the national cheerleading competition in Las Vegas this week! Your hard work, discipline, and teamwork have paid off in an extraordinary way.
The Delphian School Choir from Sheridan, Oregon
Tuesday morning, the House was honored with a beautiful performance by the Delphian School Choir from Sheridan, Oregon. It was a pleasure to welcome them to the Capitol and have them lead us in a lovely opening ceremony. Click the image above to watch!
Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici - Mobile Casework Hours
WHEN: Wednesday, February 25, 2025, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. PST
WHERE: Beaverton City Library, Cathy Stanton Conference Room ; 12375 SW Fifth St Beaverton, OR 97005
Congresswoman Suzanna Bonamici's office will be hosting mobile casework hours at the Beaverton City Library on Wednesday, February 25th, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity is you require assistance navigating federal agencies, including veterans’ benefits, expedited passport requests for urgent travel, backlogged IRS returns, and difficulties with Social Security or Medicare.
Please Note: Staff can inquire about the status of your case, but they cannot guarantee a specific outcome or override an agency’s decision. Staff also cannot provide legal advice.
Join Cornelius’s Civic Leadership Academy!
A Message from City Manager, Peter Brandom:
Participants shared that they gained a deeper understanding of local governance and felt inspired to become more involved. One participant reflected:
“I was honored to participate in the first Cornelius Civic Leadership Academy. Hearing directly from city officials and our expert facilitator gave me a clearer understanding of how our local government works and how community members can play a more active role. Our cohort explored ways Cornelius can strengthen emergency preparedness, including the need for clearer multilingual communication, stronger neighborhood connections, and practical training to help households prepare. This experience deepened my appreciation for those who serve our community and inspired me to stay involved in building a resilient, safe, and thriving Cornelius.”
Thanks in part to a generous grant from the Ford Family Foundation, the City will offer the Civic Leadership Academy again in Spring 2026.
We encourage you to consider applying. Program details and the application are available at corneliusor.gov/civicleadership. If you have questions or would like to learn more, please contact City Hall at (503) 357-9112.
WHEN: Tuesday, March 3rd, from 5pm to 8pm
WHERE: Hillsboro's Downtown Cultural Arts District; See Digital Map.
Hillsboro’s Art Walk is a grassroots-organized event produced by local businesses and creative spaces invested in art, creativity, and community connection. Let live music carry you along Main Street and the Avenues as you discover local artists, explore unique restaurants and boutiques, and enjoy the night with friends and neighbors.
Hillsboro Art Walk is a free, all-ages event presented with support from Hillsboro’s Cultural Arts District and local nonprofit, Influence Music Hall. Art Walk will celebrate its 20th Anniversary on Tuesday, September 1st, 2026. Every month Art Walk features:
- Local galleries and art spaces
- Live music
- Performances
- Food & Drink
- Shopping
- More!
Forest Grove - Craft Night: Spring into Collage
WHEN: March 2, 2026; 5:00 PM - 7:00 Pm
WHERE: Forest Grove City Library; 2114 Pacific Avenue Forest Grove, OR 97116
We're excited to welcome local artist Cherie Savoie Tintary (aka, Kitschy Collagist) back to Craft Night for a spring-themed collage program.
All supplies are provided, but please bring your own crafting scissors if you have them. Attendees will leave with a finished piece of festive springtime art to take home with them.
This program is free and open to adults 18+, but registration is required. Class is limited to 20.
Register here!
Cornelius - Business 101
WHEN: Thursday, March 5, 2026 5:30 PM thru 06:30 PM
WHERE: Cornelius Public Library; 1370 N Adair St. Cornelius, OR 97113
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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The Oregon State Treasury hosted a open house at their Capitol office! Here's a picture of their historic vault.
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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