Republican Legislators respond to second special session
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Oregon House Republican Leader Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville)
Representative E. Werner Reschke (R-Klamath Falls)
The following are press releases from Oregon House Republican Leader Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville) and Representative E. Werner Reschke (R-Klamath Falls).
SALEM, Ore. - Today Oregon House Republican Leader Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville) and Representative E. Werner Reschke (R-Klamath Falls) released statements regarding the conclusion of the second special session of 2021.
“This unnecessary special session was called because of yet another state agency failure,” said Leader Breese-Iverson. “Democrat state leaders have not addressed the numerous errors and mistakes at OHCS that are hurting Oregonians. This is a complete failure of leadership. House Republicans urge significant changes to these agencies under Democrat control. We call on the Governor to dramatically increase oversight to ensure this money gets to real people in need.”
“The additional legislation passed during this special session finally holds the state accountable to two promises we made earlier this year: action against illegal drug cartels in Southern Oregon and drought relief for farmers,” added Leader Breese-Iverson. “It’s unfair to Oregonians that this money was withheld for months. Democrats are more interested in chasing headlines with a special session, and as a result people continue to suffer while they wait.”
Legislation from Democrats prolongs drastic government disruption in rental housing to give more time and money to the ailing Oregon Housing and Community Services Department (OHCS). For months the agency failed to distribute timely relief to renters and property owners, promising improvements that never came despite millions of dollars from the Legislature.
Additional bills passed and was supported by House Republicans includes belated support for law enforcement to combat drug cartels operating illegal cannabis grow sites in Southern Oregon and long-awaited drought relief for farmers. Both legislative actions fulfill promises made earlier this year that Democrats unnecessarily delayed for months until the special session.
“I’m grateful to finally see this long-awaited drought relief coming to Klamath County that I’ve been working on since June,” said Representative E. Werner Reschke (R-Klamath Falls). “Klamath irrigators and the challenges in the basin are unique and that’s why we needed this extra help. I have personally experienced these water challenges first-hand, as have my friends and neighbors. The Farm Bureau, local irrigators, OWRD and fellow legislators have come together to make sure these funds are directed where they are most needed.
It’s unfortunate that this relief could not come months ago with a fast and efficient Emergency Board. Instead it became a bargaining tool for an unnecessary special session while Oregonians in Klamath County continued to wait for help.”
Representative Reschke also voted in favor of legislation that supports law enforcement in Southern Oregon confronting drug cartels operating illegal cannabis grow sites.