February 26, 2021 3:20 a.m.

Oregon Senate Republicans staged a one-day protest on Thursday by not showing up for a scheduled floor session.

A release from the group said they are demanding that Democrat leaders bring an increased sense of urgency and focus to the biggest issues facing Oregonians.

Senate Republican Leader Fred Girod said, “Throughout the pandemic, the legislature has abdicated too much responsibility to the Governor. We cannot sit by and watch the Governor fail to deliver on the biggest issues facing Oregonians today”. He said the group is demanding legislation aimed at school re-openings, vaccine distribution, economic recovery and government accountability be moved to the top of the priority list.

Girod said students are suffering from school closures and seniors and rural Oregonians “…are being failed by an abysmal vaccine rollout”. He said working families are struggling to make ends meet.

Communications Director Stu Draper of the Senate Republican Office told News Radio 1240 KQEN while no floor session is scheduled on Friday, their group will be in committee meetings, just as they were on Thursday.