January 20 2021
Our Opinion: Now, more than ever, we need extraordinary efforts by lawmakers to create an air of normality.
Oregon families and businesses are reeling financially, the state is in the midst of an unparalleled health crisis, and the Capitol building in Salem itself is under threat from potential extremist violence. This moment in time calls for a level-headed legislative session, where lawmakers take care of the immediate business at hand with no walkouts, inflammatory rhetoric or other wackiness.
With Democrats fully in control of state government, it is up to the leaders of that party to keep the focus on a few major issues: the pandemic, the economy and how state agencies have or haven t performed in response to these crises. Toss in the still painful memories of last summer s wildfires, and the Legislature has a very full plate. Republicans, meanwhile, have an obligation to stay in their seats remote or otherwise and do the people s business.
Oregon is introducing a new plan to vaccinate residents for COVID-19, following the federal government s announcement that states will get fewer vaccines than promised.
A broad range of health workers and first responders, as well as long-term care facility residents, already are eligible.
The order for the next groups is:
Jan 25: Educators and school staff.
Feb 8: Residents age 80 and older.
Feb. 15: Residents age 75 and older.
Feb. 22: Residents age 70 and older.
March 1: Residents age 65 and older.
The state had told teachers and residents over age 65 that they could begin getting the shots starting Jan. 23 after federal officials on Tuesday promised a large shipment next week, but that changed Thursday.
Rep. Mike Nearman, who allowed violent demonstrators into Oregon Capitol, issues statement with no contrition, lashes out at others
Updated Jan 12, 2021;
Posted Jan 12, 2021
Security video obtained by The Oregonian/OregonLive under a public records request shows Rep. Mike Nearman, a Republican from Independence, open an exterior door to the Capitol during a Dec. 21 special legislative session, allowing violent demonstrators who were protesting immediately outside the door to illegally enter the building.
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The Oregon Republican lawmaker who generated local and national headlines for letting armed right-wing protesters into the state Capitol last month issued a lengthy public statement Tuesday night in which he blamed House Speaker Tina Kotek for publicly describing his actions and said it triggered a wave of “hate-filled and profanity laced” attacks on his family.
Oregon National Guard Activated Ahead of Potential Unrest at State Capitol wweek.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from wweek.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
State Rep. Mike Nearman of Polk County responded Tuesday to being caught on camera letting protesters into the Capitol building in Salem last month. In a statement, Nearman did not address his own actions; instead, he took aim at House Speaker Tina Kotek who’s called on him to resign. Nearman says Kotek is guilty of a double standard. "I hope for due process, and not the mob justice to which Speaker Kotek is subjecting me," he wrote.