Press Release
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Contact: Shelia Megson
Chief of Staff
503-986-1401
Rep.DavidBrockSmith@OregonLegislature.gov
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020
Rep. Brock Smith Comments on the Governor’s Decision to Apply for the President’s Additional UI Benefits for Oregon Working Families & Recent Decisions by Law Enforcement
Salem, ORE. – Representative David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford) was recently critical of Governor Brown’s failure to apply for the additional $300 federal unemployment benefits allocated by the President through his Executive Order for Oregon working families when they were made available.
“I want to thank Governor Brown for finally directing the Oregon Employment Department to join other states in applying for the additional federal unemployment benefits provided by President Trump through his Executive Order,” said Brock Smith. “As I stated previously, unemployed Oregon families cannot wait for congress to resume their political narrative back in D.C., and I sincerely appreciate the Governor’s direction to move forward and the President’s support of Oregon’s application to the benefit of our struggling families.”
After last weekend’s violent riots in Portland turned deadly, Mayor Wheeler and Governor Brown’s response hit a new low in partisanship, choosing to blame the President rather than taking any responsibility for the lack of action and support of law enforcement in nearly 100 days of protests, many of which have turned into violent rioting and attacks on public safety personnel.
“I agree with Clackamas County Sheriff Roberts, Washington County Sheriff Garrett, the Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police and the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association on their decision to deny Governor Brown’s request. As they stated in their letter, ‘due to the lack of support for public safety operations, the associated liability to agencies who would be assisting in Portland and the lack of accountability for those arrested committing criminal acts, we cannot dedicate our limited resources away from the communities we serve,’ and I agree with these sentiments and their concerns,” said Brock Smith.
“I sincerely appreciate OSP Superintendent Hampton for his swift response to federally deputize his OSP Troopers who will be providing additional assistance to the PPB during future riots. As the Multnomah Co. DA has refused to prosecute cited and arrested rioters, having the ability for law enforcement to arrest under the US Attorney’s jurisdiction on federal crimes should assist in stopping the violence that continues to spread throughout Portland. I also appreciate the leadership of Portland Police Chief Lovell and fully agree with his recent statement, ‘Our elected officials need to do their part to draw a line in the sand and to hold people accountable. The violent behavior must end,’ and hope my colleagues will join us,” said Brock Smith.
“It is my hope that these actions by law enforcement will assist in stopping the violence in Portland that has been drowning out the message of the meaningful and peaceful protests promoting humanity and equality for all Oregonians, and I thank our law enforcement personnel for their leadership and assistance in making that happen,” concluded Brock Smith.
Click Here for more information on the new UI benefits
Click Here for more information from Law Enforcement
Click Here for more information from Law Enforcement
Click Here for more information from Law Enforcement
Click Here for more information from Law Enforcement
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Rep. David Brock Smith represents House District 1, which includes Curry, Coos, Douglas and Josephine counties. This press release and an archive of previous press releases issued by Rep. David Brock Smith’s office are available on the web at: www.oregonlegislature.gov/smithd
 House District 1
Curry, Coos, Douglas and Josephine Counties
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1401
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-379, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.DavidBrockSmith@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/smithd
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