Oregon Families Can’t Wait Any Longer

Unite Oregon staff, together with activists and partners from other community-based organizations, rallied at the State Capitol demanding Oregon Senate Republicans to get back to work. Yesterday marked the ninth day of the Oregon Senate Republican walkout during this legislative session, holding democracy in Oregon hostage unless their political agenda is served.

Republican Senators are using the walkout tactic to block a series of bills that have the support of the majority of Oregonians. These bills would shield abortion rights in Oregon, expand gender-affirming healthcare, and save lives by enforcing gun control.

The republicans’ walkout comes at a crucial time of the legislative session, as a series of bills that were advanced by Oregonians and present real solutions are held at a standstill within the joint committee on Ways and Means. "Ways and Means" is the name given to the legislative committee charged with reviewing and making recommendations for government budgets.

This series of bills represents concrete solutions to problems that Oregonians face on a daily basis. Oregon families can’t wait any longer for these issues to be addressed, and the future of our state requires action from our legislators. The Oregon State legislature has the means to pass these bills – there is a record amount saved in the state’s reserves (over $2 billion). The resources are available, now we need the senate to act.

Unite Oregon urges the Ways and Means committee to prioritize funding for HB 2990: Community Resilience Hubs, SB 610: Food for All Oregonians, and increase funding for child care. It is time to access our state savings accounts and invest them in programs that will help Oregonians now.