2020 Session: Important Work Left Undone

Sheri Schouten

2020 Session: Important Work Left Undone

 

Greetings,

 

It is with a heavy heart that I write to update you on the conclusion of the 2020 Legislative Session. After seven weeks of work, we adjourned last Thursday with only three bills having made it all the way through the legislature and onto the governor’s desk.

 

Rep. Schouten's House Floor Desk

 

It is a privilege to represent you in the Oregon House of Representatives. I’m sad to report that my Republican colleagues chose not to show up and do their job to vote on bills for nearly half of the 2020 legislative session, effectively ending the session and blocking real progress on the issues you care about. The walkouts by my Republican colleagues were appalling, undemocratic and left many important priorities and funding needs on the table.


In spite of all this, I showed up every day ready to fight for you. You elected me to be your voice in Salem, and I will always take that responsibility seriously.

 

Speaker Kotek's Remarks on Conclusion of 2020 Legislative Session

Click the Photo Aboe to Watch Watch Speaker Kotek's Remarks on the Conclusion of the 2020 Legislative Session

Regardless of how you feel about the Climate Action bill SB 1530 (and I personally support it) this is not how we should do business in Oregon. All legislators represent districts of equal population. Whether you’re the Speaker or the freshest Freshman, all our votes count equally when the Clerk calls the roll.

There is no legitimate mechanism, other than voting “no,” to register opposition to a bill. By walking out, the minority undermined the process and set a dangerous precedent for the future. The House of Representative did lots of good, bipartisan work prior to the Republican walkout.

Here are some stats on the progress we made together:

     • Bills Passed: 59
     • Partisan votes: 3
     • Bills with at least 5 Republican “aye” votes: 53
     • Unanimous votes: 28
     • Republican Chief Sponsored Bills: 24

Important bipartisan bills that died include both my Insulin Affordability Act (HB 4073) and Genetic Counselor Licensing bill (HB 4074).

Both were unanimous votes in Committee and passed on the House floor with only a handful of “no” votes. Both had Republican co-sponsors and incorporated important feedback from my colleagues across the aisle.

The Oregonian has an article that highlights some of the important work that was left undone because of the walkout. It’s worth taking a look at.

I am committed to passing these important pieces of legislation and am hopeful we will be able to implement them next year.

 

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE:

Oregon currently has 15 presumptive or confirmed cases of the novel Coronavirus, COVID-19, in places as diverse as Umatilla, Klamath, Jackson, Marion, Douglas, Multnomah, and Washington counties.

OHA Coronavirus Infographic

 

While many of these cases are related to known international travel, some are not, which points to limited community transmission of the virus. OHA and local health systems are working to rapidly increase testing for the virus for those showing symptoms and people who have had close contact with them.

It is important to avoid panic, while taking sensible everyday precautions depending on your risk factors.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified people most at-risk of severe illness from COVID-19: older adults; people who have severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. Older people are twice as likely to have serious COVID-19 illness.

OHA recommends older adults and people with underlying conditions take the following steps to stay safe and healthy:

  • Minimize contact with people who may be ill.
  • Avoid large public gatherings.
  • Order prescriptions by mail.
  • Take daily precautions such as:
         Washing your hands frequently
         Avoid touching your face
         Frequently sanitizing high-touch surfaces

Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms. If you are feeling sick with mild symptoms and do not need to seek medical care, stay home while you recover. If you are sick and plan to seek care, please call before going in for care so arrangements can be made to prevent exposing others.

For general information on novel coronavirus in Oregon, healthoregon.org/coronavirus or call 211. If you are having a medical emergency, call 911.

 

UPCOMING TOWN HALL:

Cooper Mountain Nature Park Photo

 

On Wednesday, April 8th from 6-8pm I will be co-hosting a Legislative Town Hall meeting with my colleague Rep. Courtney Neron at Cooper Mountain Nature Park (18895 SW Kemmer Rd, Beaverton, OR 97007).

I hope you’ll join us to ask tough questions, learn more about what we’re working on, and share your thoughts with Rep. Neron and myself!

 

February Capitol Update:

Despite the stalled legislative process, February was busy in Salem. I was honored to welcome dozens of groups and individuals to my office to hear about their priorities and help them engage with their Legislature.

Highlights include:


Moms Demand Action

Moms Demand Action

 

American Diabetes Association

American Diabetes Association

 

Oregon Episcopal School 4th Graders

4th Graders from Oregon Episcopal School Visit the State Capitol

 

Alzheimer's Association--Oregon Chapter

Alzheimer's Association, Oregon Chapter

 

Oregon Head Start Coalition

Oregon Head Start Coalition

 

Despite the frustrating session just concluded, I remain honored to serve as your State Representative. Easy questions don’t end up at the Capitol, and it is our responsibility as legislators to do the hard work of building majority support for concepts.

That process only works when all parties are committed to showing up and putting the broad interests of the State above special interests or even political party.

I am 100% committed to showing up and taking votes on any and all legislation that comes before me. If I don’t like something, I have a big red “no” button on my desk. But I will never abandon the process—and my constituents—to score political points or appease campaign donors.

As always, thank you for taking the time to read what I have to say. If you’d like to share your thoughts or have questions, pleased don’t hesitate to send me an email.

 

Warm regards,


Rep. Sheri Schouten

 

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1427
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, HS-280, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.SheriSchouten@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/schouten