Legislature opens 2021 session with a heavy infusion of reality
Ritual and rhetoric are subdued; members of color reach historic high in Oregon.
The new Oregon Legislature was light on the usual ritual and rhetoric during its opening day on Monday, Jan. 11 though they were present but heavy on the realities that have reshaped state politics during the past year.
All 60 representatives and 17 new senators took their oaths from Chief Justice Martha Walters. But unlike typical opening days which have been compared to the first day of school staff, families and friends were largely absent from the Capitol in Salem because of social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Oregon lawmakers OK millions for pandemic, wildfire costs
Emergency Board meets for record 13th time before 2021 session starts Monday.
Oregon lawmakers have approved millions in state and federal funds to pay some of the mounting expenses of the coronavirus pandemic and the Labor Day wildfires.
The Legislative Emergency Board acted during a four-hour meeting Friday, Jan. 8, its record 13th since the end of the 2020 session and its last before the 2021 session gets under way on Monday, Jan. 11.
The 20-member board decides budget matters between sessions.
Leaders planned the meeting after the Legislature drew $800 million from the state s projected ending balance during a special session Dec. 21. Unspent money reverts to the full Legislature.
Nearman under criminal investigation for Capitol breach
House speaker says four-term GOP lawmaker also could face internal sanctions.
Legislative leaders say that state Rep. Mike Nearman, a Republican from Independence, is under criminal investigation for his alleged part in allowing anti-lockdown demonstrators to enter the closed Capitol in Salem during a Dec. 21 special session.
House Speaker Tina Kotek, D-Portland, made the disclosure Thursday, Jan. 7, during a briefing on how the Legislature will conduct its 2021 session amid the continuing coronavirus pandemic and protests. Oregon State Police has confirmed and informed us that Rep. Mike Nearman did open a door to allow demonstrators to enter the building, Kotek said during the briefing, which she conducted with Senate President Peter Courtney, D-Salem. This is a serious, serious breach of public trust. His actions put legislators, staff and law enforcement in danger. In fact, law enforcement officers were hurt
(Update: Adding video, more Kotek comments)
Legislative leaders release Capitol health, safety plan for 2021 session
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) Oregon House Speaker Tina Kotek said Thursday Oregon State Police have confirmed a Republican lawmaker opened a door to let demonstrators into the state Capitol during a protest last month.
Kotek outlined new new details from OSP as she and Senate President Peter Courtney released plans for both COVID-19 health protections and safety/security measures for the upcoming special session, in the wake of the violent storming of the U.S. Capitol and continued Salem protests.
The far-right protest, held during a one-day special session on Dec. 21, brought together protesters in opposition to statewide COVID-19 restrictions and attracted hundreds of people. Some protesters assaulted reporters, attacked authorities with bear spray and broke glass doors.