Oregonians rally against Republican walkouts
Oregon Senate Republicans are three weeks into a walkout that is holding up hundreds of critical bills in Salem, including urgently needed climate action. On Tuesday, May 23, Oregon Just Transition Alliance’s Executive Director Joel Iboa spoke at the Republican Walkout Rally in Cottage Grove, Oregon, about the need for action around the extreme heat, wildfires, and other natural disasters plaguing Oregonians.
Strengthening our communities before the next disaster strikes is personal to Iboa. “My uncle Lionso was one of many people who lost his home during the 2020 Labor Day fires. He and other extended family members continued to work in the pear orchards while the sky burned red. For a man in his 60s, the combination of working in smoke, losing his home, and contracting COVID was too much,” said Iboa, whose uncle passed away. “Right here in Senator Hayden’s district, hundreds of people lost homes and were displaced in the Santiam Fire. The very next day, many of those folks showed up to their jobs and showed up for each other.”
This legislative session, OJTA has built incredible momentum around our Resilience Agenda, which includes investing in resilient communities, ensuring housing justice, and advancing clean energy opportunities. Frontline community members have turned out for hearings, emailed their lawmakers, and showed up in force for lobby days at the Salem Capitol Building. Just last week, we got great news that the state is forecasted to have ample budget to invest in climate policy, such as Community Resilience Hubs and the Resilient, Efficient Buildings package.
Despite the ample budget (and popular opinion that legislators should not refuse their obligations by walking out on their job), Senate Republicans have chosen to prioritize political games over serving the people. They plan to neglect their duties for another month, obstructing progress on crucial policies that impact every Oregonian. It's time for them to end these games and get back to work immediately.
