June 25, 2020 4:30 a.m.

State Senator Dallas Heard says he is angered with the “tone” of the special session of the Oregon State Legislature.

The Roseburg area Republican released a statement through the Senate Republican Office on Wednesday.

Heard said “Millions have watched around the world as our country grapples with the raw emotions and collective acknowledgement that change must occur”. He said as a state senator in the Oregon Legislature he takes his role and obligations to his district, state and country seriously and that it is “an honor and privilege to serve”.

He said in the special session no member can bring forward a bill except that “only a select few in the Democratic super majority can do so”. Heard said if lawmakers are to combat the ills of racism, bigotry and ignorance, “we must do so together”. His statement said, “we are here to bring about some of the largest reforms in a generation and yet there is no honest debate, collaboration or partnership”.

He said Oregonians deserve a robust, honest and earnest conversation. Heard concluded his remarks saying, “the current rules instituted by the Democrats, however, have prevented that”.

Heard’s statement followed one from Senate Republican Leader Fred Girod which said Republicans voted against specific aspects of the rules for the special session, which included a provision that only the Senate President and Speaker of the House, would be able to create bills or amendments during the session.

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