March 8, 2021 3:15 a.m.

Legislative leaders are reacting to Governor Kate Brown’s executive order reopening public schools in the state.

Senate Republican Leader Fred Girod said “For weeks, Senate Republicans have been standing up for students and families who have been left behind by school closures. Thousands have spoken out, marched, and demonstrated for education. We elevated their pain and stories that have been ignored for too long”. He called the executive order, “…a step in the right direction to give our students the education they deserve”.

Senate President Peter Courtney said, “Its been a long time since our kids have stepped foot in a classroom….it is heartbreaking. Our students have struggled. Parents and teachers have gone above and beyond to help them…but it has been hard on them too”. He said he is happy to know that kids will be returning to classrooms.

House GOP Leader Christine Drazen said, “The thousands of families across Oregon who have been advocating for the education and well-being of their children are finally being heard”. Drazen said she looks forward to working with Governor Brown’s administration and local school districts to continue to support a full return to in-person instruction as soon as possible.