06/12/2026 Senate District 15 Newsletter

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Senator Sollman

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To contact me, please click here: Sen​​​.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov


Friends and Neighbors,

Legislative Updates

June Interim Legislative Days

June Interim Legislative Days are next week, Monday, June 15th - Wednesday, June 17th. Committees and task forces will convene and hear about current issues, and updates on past bills and implementation of programs. The Senate Floor will also convene for confirmation of Executive Appointments by the Governor to State Boards and Commissions. 

The Legislative Day agendas for the committees I serve on are linked and listed below:

If you are planning a visit to Salem, there are metered and electric vehicle charging spots near the Capitol. Stop by my office (S-207) to say "Hello" if you are at the Capitol. To ensure the safety of the public, employees, tenants and Legislators in the Capitol, all visitors will encounter a security checkpoint with a walk-through metal detector upon entry. Please see the Building Use Policy, Rule #15​ for prohibited items.​

Not able to make the trip? You can still watch the meetings from home on OLIS, the Oregon Legislative Information System. Please find links provided by OLIS below for further information. 


Keeping Up With New Rules for Food Assistance

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Starting June 1, 2026, all SNAP households must complete an interview when they apply for or renew their monthly food benefits.

This includes households that previously did not need an interview, like those where all adults are age 60+ or meet the SNAP definition of disability, or where no one in the household has income from work. These rules help make sure benefits are accurate and reflect each household’s current situation.

What you can do now:

  • Make sure Oregon Dept. of Human Services (ODHS) has your current contact information -
  • Watch for mail, email, text messages or phone calls from ODHS about your interview -Respond to messages from ODHS to avoid delays -
  • Connect with ODHS in the way that works best for you: Use your ONE online account, call 800-699-9075 or 711 (TTY), visit a local ODHS office, or write to ODHS at ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309.
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Listen. Learn. Act.

NCSL Education Policy Forum and Math Policy Academy

Last week, I joined legislators and policy staff from across the country at NCSL's Education Policy Forum/Math Policy Academy in Austin, Texas. The research is unambiguous: high-quality instructional materials, trained educators, and instructional time produce better outcomes for students. What made this convening valuable was the time spent on harder implementation questions — how to scale what works, build coherent systems, establish governance guardrails, align assessments, and create clear pathways from early grades through postsecondary.

The throughline across every session was this: innumeracy and illiteracy are avoidable. States that have made deliberate, evidence-driven investments in math and literacy and build comprehensive systems for implementation are seeing results. Oregon can too.

~Ali

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Hillsboro Wellness Center

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This week I enjoyed visiting the Hillsboro Wellness Center, that provides acupuncture and massage services, and chatting with Dr. Amber Reding-Gazzini and staff about challenges they are facing with insurance issues, both for businesses and their patients. There is additional worry about upcoming provider shortages due to the federal administration's declassifying of professions, that leaves certain students unable to get student loans. Dr. Reding-Gazzini is a combat veteran, the board president of the Oregon Association of Acupuncturists and a fierce advocate for patients and a healthcare system that works for all. It was a pleasure to learn more about her business and her advocacy.


Out and About for Senate District 15

FGSD Board Meeting - Farewell to Director Grandusky

Earlier this week, I attended the Forest Grove School District School Board Meeting to bid a fond farewell to retiring school board member, Kate Grandusky. Director Grandusky has been a champion for literacy and for Gales Creek Elementary (my elementary school) during her 15 years of service on the board and will be missed. Our volunteer school boards devote so much time to the service of our communities for student success. Thank you for your tireless advocacy! Other volunteers that give their time and energy to our schools were also recognized at the meeting.

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Fleet Week - HMCS Max Bernays 

What an honor to be asked to join for a tour of the HMCS Max Bernays Canadian Naval Icebreaker Ship during Fleet Week. The crew were so gracious and kind. It really was an impressive tour. Canadian and Oregon trade relations are so very important. I look forward to the NCSL Summit 2026 this summer to highlight positive opportunities with our neighbors.

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Forest Grove High School Graduation

Congratulations Forest Grove High School Class of 2026! 429 students crossed the stage last weekend. I love graduations! The family pride, the fabulous band (kudos to Forest Grove Band & Guard) and new beginnings and adventures for Seniors. Forest Grove School District has 14 career pathway programs and students took advantage of the opportunities. As a fellow Viking, I was honored to attend and witness the joy. 

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Community Outreach

Washington County Juneteenth Celebration - Saturday, June 13th

Shared from Washington County Chamber of Commerce

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Join us on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM at Jerry Willey Plaza for our annual Juneteenth Celebration.

This year’s theme, Freedom, Food, and Fellowship, reflects the heart of Juneteenth by honoring the history and legacy of freedom, celebrating the tradition of gathering over food, and fostering connection within our community.

Enjoy live entertainment presented by Florian Raqueño Productions, featuring a DJ, Fenix Rising Band, and Ms. Vee and a Badass Band. Attendees can also explore a diverse mix of local vendors, including Black-owned businesses, along with art, food, and community experiences.

This FREE, family-friendly event brings the community together to reflect, celebrate, and connect in a meaningful and vibrant way.


How to Prepare for Extreme Heat

Summer weather can go from beautiful to life-threatening when conditions shift. Local services can give some relief to people struggling with the heat, and verified guidance can help anyone prepare for a heat wave.

Extreme heat is a safety threat to some of the most vulnerable people in our community: elderly adults living alone, people who are houseless, and low-income people without access to air conditioning.

Cooling centers open or expand access in severe conditions. Dates and times vary at each location, but centers are listed by county at 211info.org.

Visit 211info.org to find a center near you or share this information on how to find one:

  • Online: 211info.org/hot
  • Call: 211 or 1-866-698-6155, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Text: Text your zip code to 898211, Mon–Fri, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • TTY: 711 and call 1-866-698-6155, Mon–Fri, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Whether you need to get away from the heat at a cooling center, or you are OK at home, take some extra precautions to stay safe in the summer heat. Oregon State University’s Extension Service has these tips:

  • Check on family, friends and animals often. Make sure animals have a cool place and plenty of water.
  • Limit outdoor activities and rest indoors during the hottest parts of the day.
  • Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water, start now. Limit caffeinated or alcoholic drinks.
  • Prepare for power outages. Keep cell phones charged. Fill car with gas. Have insulation to surround freezer. Have a supply of water ready if you have a well.
  • Cover any windows that face the sun with aluminum foil-covered cardboard. This is very effective in keeping out heat. Plain cardboard or dark fabrics will also help. Add extra coverings even if you have curtains.
  • Have a fan to move air in your home if you don’t have air conditioning. When the temperatures drop at night, open doors and windows to cool off the interior of the home before the sun comes up the next day. Keep as many lights and appliances turned off as possible.
  • Have light, ready-to-eat foods ready for regular small meals and snacks.

Read more at https://bit.ly/heat-prep

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Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici: Passport Fair

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Virginia Garcia Memorial Foundation - Strides for Health

Shared from Virginia Garcia Memorial Foundation

We are excited to introduce the Strides for Health 5K! Happening August 15-16, and you can join from anywhere. Walk it, run it, make it yours.

Start your fundraising page today, hit $100 by July 24 to score your event tee, and know that every step brings us closer to a community where quality health care is within reach for everyone. Sign up, share your why, and tag us when you cross your finish line!

Ready to take your first step? https://bit.ly/StridesForHealth

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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,

Janeen

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