As the State of Oregon released the latest revenue forecast, Senator Wagner issued a press release displaying just how out of touch Oregon Democratic leaders are with Oregonians.

In his press release he stated “I am dismayed at the disproportionate ways Oregonians have experienced this crisis. More women experienced job loss than did men, and moms are disproportionately exiting the workforce. We cannot allow this pandemic to roll back long-fought-for gender equity”.

Has Senator Wagner examined how many of those mothers had no choice because someone had to stay home with school age children for the last 300+ days? With schools closed since last March, by order of the Governor, someone had to become the educational provider for the children. Even with distance learning children need on-site supervision. Also, in many cases these women were making good living wages, but their spouse, partner, etc. was making slightly more and/or was the one with healthcare benefits provided through their employer. The choice of who was going to quit their job and stay home was not their decision. The decision was made for them by the actions of the Governor. Oregon is among one of the last 11 states to re-open in person education and has been delayed arbitrarily by teachers union demands across many districts.

He continued in his press release to place blame on Oregonians if the financial recovery slows. “It remains abundantly clear that our economic recovery is tied to our ability to slow the spread of COVID-19. That means getting Oregonians vaccinated and renewing our commitment to follow public health guidelines. When individuals hold large gatherings, refuse to wear a mask or ignore distancing and hygiene recommendations they put lives at risk, as well as our economic recovery”.

According to an article published by the Oregonian, “Oregon ranks third to last for the percentage of seniors it has inoculated against COVID-19 among 31 states with comparable data, an analysis by The Oregonian/OregonLive has found.” These seniors are the very demographic that are at the greatest risk of contracting COVID and in turn increasing case numbers. However, they have been placed in line for the vaccine behind teachers and incarcerated individuals, again by the actions of the Governor.

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A D V E R T I S E M E N T

In addition, the same Oregonian article points out that as of the end of January, Oregon was among the last two states to have businesses closed. Has Senator Wagner considered that the economic recovery is just as at risk IF the state continues to keep businesses closed? Businesses that are not open do not generate revenue that are taxed. Businesses that are not open do not have employees and therefore are not paying payroll taxes. Both are economic recovery sources for state revenue.

Finally, Senator Wagner stated “I am hopeful the Biden Administration and Congress will pass legislation that provides additional funds to states, local governments, businesses and individuals. We need critical support from our partners in the federal government to deliver essential services and maintain our economy.”

Why does the state continue to insist that the Federal Government bail Oregon out? Why should the other 48 states that have opened their economy pay for the choices that the Governor made for Oregon businesses and citizens.

A press release from the Oregon Senate Republicans counter the Majority Party statement well, “The Governor is lucky to have gotten such a windfall from the federal government. Too many working people aren’t so lucky. They have been asked to sacrifice by tightening their budgets. It's time for their government to do the same for them.”


--Terese Humboldt

Post Date: 2021-02-25 00:04:19