The 2021 Oregon Legislative Session has officially adjourned, marking an end to a sadly controversial legislative session for Oregonians. The public had been banned from attending to the businesses of their own governance at the Salem capitol building, with only one Republican Representative strongly advocating for their attendance. That Representative was Mike Nearman, of Independence, Oregon, and he was expelled by his fellow legislators for opening a door for the common people.

Senate President Peter Courtney (D-Salem) and House Speaker Representative Tina Kotek (D-Portland) made the call to exclude the people of Oregon from attending legislative functions at the capitol building. This seems to have accelerated the passage of many policy bills, which would have likely been halted from public input and participation.

Since January, although they were in the minority, House Republicans called for this year’s session to concentrate on relief for Oregonians negatively affected by the pandemic, natural disasters, address learning losses and protect jobs.

While harmful legislation was still passed on party lines, Republicans were able to weaken or eliminate some of the worst offenders.

At the same time, Republican caucus members celebrated several wins such as better protections for students, a common-sense solution to lower the cost of cold medicine, relief for property owners, and more.

“I’m proud of the work we accomplished for our communities and for Oregonians across the state this session. From the start, we called for a focus on pandemic recovery, returning students to school and assistance to wildfire impacted communities,” said House Republican Leader Christine Drazan (R-Canby). “As the legislative session progressed, it was clear transparency suffered as public policy was rushed through behind closed doors. This harmed communities, businesses and families. As the Oregon economy recovers, businesses reopen and students return to school, we must ensure the policy making process also returns to normal, which must include reopening Capitol to the voices of Oregonians.”


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2021-06-27 09:50:04

Last Update: 2021-06-27 13:00:56