FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 3, 2023
CONTACT: Sarah Armstrong, sarah.armstrong@brinkcomm.com
Broad Coalition Urges Senate Republicans to Get Back to Work
Groups say Senate Republicans have abandoned critical services that Oregon families need: Child Care, Housing, Health Care, and More
SALEM, Ore.— A broad coalition of community based organizations, unions, and advocacy groups gathered today outside the capitol for the final stop in the Ways and Means Budget Roadshow this evening. The groups called on Senate Republicans who walked off the job to get back to work, and rallied for investments in the critical services that Oregon families rely on.
Supporters chanted “Oregon can’t wait” “I showed up for work today” and “Invest in the people” before heading into the capitol building to testify in what looked to be a lengthy Ways and Means hearing. The groups say they showed up to tell legislators to prioritize key investments to build a stronger economy statewide and highlighted investments in rental assistance, childcare, fair wages, public defense, and climate resilience. Without action this session — and if Senate Republicans fail to return to work — they warn that Oregon’s deepest challenges will get worse and more expensive to solve.
Oregon voters have overwhelmingly made clear that they oppose legislators waking off the job. Last November, voters in 34 of 36 counties voted in favor of Measure 113, demonstrating that they do not support lawmaker walkouts.
Jennifer Parrish Taylor, director of advocacy at Urban League of Portland, said:
“The timing of these lawmakers not showing up to work couldn’t be more purposeful. This afternoon, we are supposed to have a public hearing on passing an equitable budget that would reduce the impact of inflation and economic uncertainty that so many of our families are facing. Tomorrow, there are important votes that would protect and expand the right to reproductive and gender-affirming health care. Failing to show up is a desperate attempt by a few politicians to deny the vast majority of Oregonians of their freedom and their power.”
Lamar Wise, political equity manager of Oregon AFSCME Council 75, said:
“Fair Shot for All and our partners wanted to be here today to support critical investments that our communities need, from health care to child care to worker, immigrant, and environmental justice. Instead, we need to once again call for Senate Republicans to return to work and do their job. We can’t afford to wait. We need legislators to fix our failing system now before more damage is done.”
Gloria Ochoa-Sandoval, policy director of Unite Oregon, said:
“Without action, the challenges facing our communities will get worse and more expensive to solve. Walking out on the job does not offer a solution. It prolongs the crisis and suffering that our families are experiencing. These lawmakers are walking out not only on the job – they’re walking out on Oregon families. They’re walking out on the critical issues that we need action on.”
“Just last week, Oregon State University released a report that warns of rising temperatures and the possibility for more heat domes in Oregon — like the one that killed nearly 100 people two years ago. The climate and environmental crisis is here. The wildfire season is longer and more dangerous than ever before. Extreme heat has become deadly. Water shortages are growing. Oregon families need protection now.”
Courtney Graham, political director, SEIU Local 503
“I came here today to talk about how families and working people can’t wait. We need a state budget that creates economic opportunity for all and better prepares Oregonians to weather any coming storm. But instead, as Oregonians from around the state show up to testify about their needs in the state budget, some Senate Republicans have instead decided to abandon their jobs and abandon Oregon families.
“Because let’s be clear: Republicans are walking out on our communities. They are walking out on child care funding. On funding for essential services. On healthcare funding and access. They are walking out on Oregonians’ constitutional rights and freedoms.”
Photos and videos of the rally are online at https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1ipGXDdQ0wmw5t-AVP_bgMyO-UDFbHQ5A.
The Ways and Means Committee hearing is broadcast online at https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/mediaplayer/?clientID=4879615486&eventID=2023051000.
###