Oregon House Republicans boycott meeting on Capitol culture
SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Oregon House Republicans snubbed a meeting Wednesday meant to promote an inclusive and respectful workplace environment within the state Capitol.
The committee meeting was to address a perceived hostile work environment and lay out rules against discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct.
The boycott was in response to the treatment of a lobbyist by a Democratic representative during a hearing on a bill regarding pharmaceutical pricing. Rep. Mitch Greenlick of Portland chastised a lobbyist who spoke against the bill and called him “stupid.”
House Republicans say that shows Democrats aren’t serious about addressing hostile behavior.
House Majority Leader Jennifer Williamson said she takes seriously the work of the Joint Committee on Capitol Culture and wants all voices and concerns heard, regardless of political party.
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News release from the Oregon House Republican Office:
Changing Oregon’s Capitol culture requires more than promises
House leadership has done little to change disrespectful, hostile atmosphere
SALEM, Ore. – Despite promises things would change at the Capitol, transforming it into a safe and inclusive workplace, little has changed.
Words from the presiding officers ring hollow. Instead, an inflammatory and disrespectful atmosphere persists the Capitol. Legislators, staff, and lobbyists are neither safe in committees nor treated respectfully.
To underscore the lack of candor and action on the part of the majority party’s leadership, Republicans on the Joint Committee for Capitol Culture will not attend Wednesday’s meeting. Despite the amount of training provided all members and staff aimed at improving behavior, Republican members have not been treated with respect. There is a sense of hopelessness in meeting on the subject until the majority party shows it is serious in changing the culture.
