SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, issued the following statement calling on Republican lawmakers in the Senate to return to work after walking off the job to avoid quorum and prevent action on various legislative matters — including HB 2005, an omnibus bill that seeks to expand common-sense gun safety measures in Oregon. Last night, the senators announced their intention to return on June 25 for one day only to attend budget proceedings and an extremely limited scope of legislative work, the latest delay in weeks of failing to attend the business of Oregon families.
“It’s shameful that Oregonian Senators are more invested in political theater than our safety,” said Gisela Rivera, a volunteer with Students Demand Action in Oregon. “Gun violence continues to devastate our state and we demand the people elected to represent us return to work and pass laws that will make us safer like the gun violence prevention omnibus bill currently on their desks. If senators think we’ll back away from this fight, they’re wrong. Get back to work and do your jobs.”
In an average year, 587 people die by guns in Oregon. With a rate of 13.0 deaths per 100,000 people, the state has the 34th-highest rate of gun deaths in the US. Each year, gun violence costs Oregon $8.1 billion, of which $89.1 million is paid by taxpayers. More information about gun violence in Oregon is available here. To speak to a local volunteer with Moms Demand Action, a volunteer with Students Demand Action, or a policy expert, please reach out to [email protected].
