Dear Neighbors and Community Members,
Well, folks! We are now in the final hours of the 2026 Legislative Session. It has been a five-week whirlwind, and we've addressed some big issues. Through it all, my focus has remained the same: advocating for our community and finding practical solutions that support working families.
This week, we took action to preserve access to reproductive care, strengthen protections from the threats of the federal administration, and advance our economic development strategy to create opportunity for all Oregonians. Keep reading for more on those issues. Once we adjourn sine die, I look forward to sharing a full recap of the 2026 Session!
In this newsletter, you'll find:
- How I fought to protect education funding this week
- Policies the State Legislature passed to support Oregonians and protect against federal overreach
- A visit to the Capitol from the Hillsboro School District
- Opportunities and events around Western Washington County
Inside the Oregon State Capitol rotunda.
 
Working to Safeguard Education Funding (HB 4075)
I would like to provide an update to last week’s newsletter, where I detailed the difficult conversations surrounding funding for Bay Area Hospital. As you may remember, this is a troubling situation; HB 4075, as it stands, would dip into funds typically set aside for our public schools to stabilize a hospital in Coos Bay facing serious financial challenges.
Every community in Oregon relies on their hospital to provide essential care. I believe strongly that our state must protect our healthcare services. Last weekend, I worked alongside education leaders to put forward an amendment to HB 4075, so that both Bay Area Hospital and Oregon schools would be shielded from devastating financial impacts. By tapping into the Rainy Day fund, we could have avoided an impact to the Common School Fund. I strongly believe Oregonians deserve better than choosing between healthcare and education, and it is the role of the Legislature to pursue lasting solutions.
While the amendment was not adopted, the dialogue it sparked was meaningful. Conversations in committee reflected the concerns of educators and legislators. While many expressed hesitation to pursue this funding source, the bill passed on the House Floor and will move to the Senate for consideration today. I am proud of the work and conversation that transpired as a result of these efforts.
I will continue advocating for funding solutions that do not pit essential public services against one another. Our communities deserve sustainable resources for both healthcare and public schools.
Federal Response Legislation
⚕️Preserving Access to Planned Parenthood (HB 4127)
PASSED IN BOTH CHAMBERS 👍 | Proud Sponsor ❤️
What it does: Requires the Oregon Health Authority to adopt a payment mechanism to pay certain nonprofit reproductive health care providers that are not eligible to receive federal Medicaid funds for services provided to medical assistance recipients.
Why it matters: This summer, the Trump Administration enacted a federal budget bill that blocks "prohibited entities” from receiving any Medicaid reimbursements for one year. This language is designed to specifically target Planned Parenthood. There are 11 Planned Parenthood health centers across Oregon that provide thousands of care visits each year. This care includes preventive screenings, contraception, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and general reproductive health care.
If federal policy changes or funding restrictions prevent Planned Parenthood health centers from receiving Medicaid reimbursement, HB 4127 ensures Oregon can step in with state funding so patients do not lose access to care.
🌄Guarding Public Lands from Privatization (SB 1590)
PASSED IN BOTH CHAMBERS 👍 | Proud Sponsor ❤️
What it does: The measure prohibits state government, local government, and special government bodies from assisting the federal government in selling or transferring federal lands until January 2, 2032.
Why it matters: Oregon won’t collaborate with any federal effort to privatize national parks and monuments. Senate Bill 1590 bars state and local governments from cooperating with the federal government if it tries to sell off public land in Oregon. Approximately 53 percent of Oregon is federal public land. The measure puts no restrictions on Tribes, the original stewards of Oregon land.
🔒 Protecting Sensitive Information (SB 1587)
PASSED IN BOTH CHAMBERS 👍 | Proud Sponsor ❤️
What it does: SB 1587 prohibits public bodies from disclosing personally identifiable information to data brokers unless the broker certifies the data will not be sold or transferred for federal immigration enforcement.
Why it matters: This bill strengthens privacy protections and helps ensure Oregonians’ personal data is not misused. The bill prohibits state and local government agencies from disclosing personally identifiable information to data brokers unless the broker provides written assurance that the information will not be sold or transferred for immigration enforcement purposes. The bill seeks to ensure that public agencies are not inadvertently contributing to enforcement actions through third-party data sales.
🎤 Ensuring Community Voice in Immigration Policy (SB 1594) PASSED IN BOTH CHAMBERS 👍 | Proud Sponsor ❤️
What it does: Senate Bill 1594 directs the Oregon Department of Justice to formally collaborate with the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement (OIRA) when developing or revising model policies tied to Oregon’s longstanding sanctuary law.
Why it matters: Public facilities should remain accessible and welcoming to all members of our community. By ensuring collaboration with the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement, this bill brings informed expertise to the table and helps create thoughtful, consistent policies that protect access to essential services while upholding Oregon law.
🏥 Protecting Patients in Health Care Spaces (SB 1570)
PASSED IN BOTH CHAMBERS 👍 | Proud Sponsor ❤️
What it does: Requires hospitals to have policies and procedures in place that address how the hospital will respond if a law enforcement authority arrives at the hospital and to designate which areas of the hospital are not open to the public.
Why it matters: Oregonians should be able to visit a hospital without fear of immigration enforcement. Healthcare spaces must remain safe, trusted environments where patients can seek care without fear or confusion. By designating private areas and outlining appropriate responses, this policy helps safeguard sensitive medical information, uphold patient rights, and maintain focus on delivering uninterrupted care to those who need it most.
Rep. Tran and I accidentally coordinated our outfits this week!
Fighting for the Success of All Contributors to Our Agricultural Industry
🌾Expanded Definition of Farm Stands (HB 4153A)
PASSED IN THE HOUSE | Voted NO ❌
I've heard concerns from many of you on HB 4153A throughout the Legislative Session. I appreciate all of your important outreach and advocacy on this issue.
The foundation of agritourism has always been to connect visitors with products in the places they have been grown, produced, or raised. Wineries, farm stands, agritourism events, and other commercial and recreational activities are already allowed on our farm land.
My concern is that bill opens the door to losing our world-class farmland to retail, hospitality, and entertainment development. It has the potential to make farming secondary to other uses on farm land and does not consider the additional demands of traffic on the infrastructure in the vicinity of the farm. This change is going to create friction between different partners in our agricultural industry.
Though I appreciate the colleagues who dedicated time to crafting HB 4153A, further repair will be necessary in the future. I will be diligent in working alongside them and advocating on behalf of our small farmers.
Click below to see my thoughts on the House floor:
Healthcare Accountability Legislation
💊Increasing Transparency in Drug Pricing (SB 1527)
PASSED IN BOTH HOUSES & SIGNED 👍 | Voted YES
What it does: Expands drug manufacturer annual reporting requirements to include all patient assistance programs offered or funded by the manufacturer that provided assistance to consumers in this state in the previous calendar year.
Why it matters: Patient assistance programs play an important role in helping Oregonians afford needed medications. This bill ensures the state has a clearer picture of how these programs operate, improving accountability and informing policy decisions related to prescription drug affordability. By expanding reporting requirements, SB 1528 helps promote transparency while supporting efforts to better understand the full landscape of drug pricing and assistance in our state.
Visit from Hillsboro School Board Members
It was great to catch up with leaders from the Hillsboro School District this week, and they shared some exciting news. The district’s on-time graduation rate has reached an all-time high, averaging 90.43% across the community. I’m tremendously grateful for their ongoing efforts to support students and ensure their success.
 
Kiddos in the Office!
It is always a joy to welcome students to the Capitol and give them the opportunity to see democracy in action. Our office hosted several visits this week, and their enthusiasm were a meaningful reminder to stay grounded amid the fast pace of the session. They truly are the future of Oregon.
Rilo swung by the office to talk about transportation with his father, Thomas! He is a strong advocate for bike lanes, as he enjoys biking with his family.
It was great to have Jack and Hudson in the State Capitol
Cesar the No-Drama-Llama Visits Salem
Cesar, the No-Drama-Llama, greeted staff and visitors on their way into the Capitol! Thanks for bringing a smile to everyone's face, Cesar.
Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici Town Hall
Congresswoman Bonamici is hosting various town halls around her district, including one for Washington County.
WHEN: Monday, March 9th at 6 p.m.
WHERE: Glencoe High School, 2700 NW Glencoe Rd, Hillsboro
As always, town halls are a special opportunity to connect with your representative and provide your personal perspective and input. Be sure to save the date!
Hillsboro - Sorting Fact From Fiction: Media Literacy for Adults
Date: 03/11/2026 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Location: Shute Park Library 775 SE Tenth Ave Hillsboro, Oregon 97123
This media literacy workshop helps adults 18+ build skills for evaluating news and online information in a supportive and welcoming setting. Through discussion, hands-on examples, and simple fact-checking activities, participants will learn how to identify misinformation, assess information sources, and navigate rapidly changing news—skills that are especially important during emergencies and disasters, when accurate information helps people make safe, informed decisions.
Forest Grove's Spring Festival - Clothing, Seed, and Plant Swap!
WHEN: March 8, 2026 from 11am-4pm
WHERE: Zesti Carts & Bar; 2131 Yew St. Forest Grove, OR
Celebrate the season with a joyful day of community, creativity, and fresh beginnings! Join us for Forest Grove’s Spring Festival featuring a clothing swap, seed and plant swap, fresh flowers, local makers, food trucks, and live music.
What to expect: • Clothing swap: refresh your wardrobe sustainably • Seed & plant swap: share starts, seeds, and gardening knowledge • Fresh flowers from Sunrise Hill Flowers • Local makers + artisans • Food trucks with delicious options • Live music throughout the day • Family-friendly, relaxed spring vibes
This is a community-focused event centered on reuse, creativity, and supporting local. Bring a friend, bring a tote bag, and come spend the day welcoming spring with us. Sign up to receive info here: https://forms.gle/zFJBZeefjd5Du4sJ7
Free to attend. Pet friendly. All ages welcome.
Cornelius - Meet the Artist | Conoce al Artista: Tina Turner
 Join us to meet Tina Turner, a passionate artist since high school. Tina has exhibited her art from coast to coast in the United States and in Mexico. Her art is deeply personal—infused with emotion, healing, and resilience- and can be found in paintings, drawings, and tattoos. This program is for the whole family! Sponsored by the Cornelius Library Foundation.
Ven a conocer a Tina Turner, una artista apasionada. Tina ha expuesto su arte de costa a costa en Estados Unidos y en México. Su arte es profundamente personal—impregnado de emoción, sanación y resiliencia—y puede encontrarse en pinturas, dibujos y tatuajes. ¡Este programa es para toda la familia! Patrocinado por the Cornelius Library Foundation.
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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 Time with family keeps me grounded in this work!
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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