Protestors try to force their way into Oregon Capitol, use bear spray on police
Sara Cline, Associated Press/Report for America
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Video of protestors by fellow CNN affiliate KATU
SALEM, Ore. (AP) State police declared an unlawful assembly at Oregon’s Capitol building Monday morning as protesters opposed to COVID-19 restrictions attempted to force their way in during the third special legislative session.
Lawmakers are at the Capitol to consider measures that would provide $800 million in relief to people struggling from the COVID-19 pandemic and this summer’s massive wildfires.
Police said, while entering the building, protestors used chemical agents and bear spray against officers. At least two people were arrested after a smaller group of protestors were successful in entering a portion of the Capitol building. Outside protesters banged their fists against the doors chanting, “Let us in.”
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Oregon State Senator Rips Off Mask in Protest During COVID Relief Talks
On 12/22/20 at 7:41 AM EST
Oregon State Senator Dallas Heard has protested mask requirements by ripping off his face covering during a special legislative session for COVID-19 relief at the Capitol in Salem.
Lawmakers had been asked to follow strict guidelines while meeting in the Capitol, including wearing masks or face coverings while on the floor. After being called upon for remonstrances, Heard, a Republican, expressed his outrage at mask rules. This is yet another illegitimate session where you, the Democratic majority, have declared the people unfit to participate in person in their own Capitol building, Heard, a Republican, said.
Oregon lawmakers pass COVID-19 relief in special session
During a special session in Salem, lawmakers passed a list of bills aimed at keeping Oregonians in their homes while helping struggling landlords and businesses. Author: Maggie Vespa Updated: 6:26 AM PST December 22, 2020
SALEM, Ore. Less than two weeks before tens of thousands of Oregon households were due to be evicted, state lawmakers came through.
During a one-day special session in Salem, lawmakers passed a list of bills aimed at keeping Oregonians in their homes while helping struggling landlords and businesses stay afloat.
Chief among them, Senate Bill 5731 and House Bill 4401. In short, an $800-million relief package for Oregonians impacted by the pandemic and this summers wildfires.
Oregon lawmakers make quick work of COVID-19-related special session Claire Withycombe, Salem Statesman Journal
As protestors and police clashed outside, lawmakers met in a special session Monday to pass measures to deal with the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.
It’s the third time lawmakers have met for an emergency session in what has been an extraordinary year, marked by the pandemic, widespread protests and blistering wildfires.
Here’s what lawmakers did on Monday:
Extended a statewide ban on evicting renters until the end of June.
Partially shielded schools from lawsuits from people who get COVID-19 as long as they comply with emergency health precautions meant to stem the spread of the virus. Lawmakers in favor touted this as a first step toward opening more schools for in-person instruction.