Oregon state police catch escaped Republican senators: what happened
Eleven Oregon Republican senators are hiding from local authorities.
They left the local capitol building on Thursday and state police ordered them to catch, writes Air force.
This strange series of events unfolded against the backdrop of a deep split between rival parties in the state.
The Oregon Democrats, who have a majority in the state senate, want to pass important bills to combat climate change.
On the subject: How to get a state job in the US, and why it is profitable
The local Republicans decided to run away from the meeting in order to prevent, because without their participation at the meeting there would not be enough elects for the quorum.
On the eve of the weekend, the local parliament had to close altogether due to threats from local irregular armed formations of citizens.
Why did politicians run away?
Oregon Democrats are trying to become the second state in the United States to adopt an ambitious plan to combat climate change.
The bill will establish general carbon emission limits for the state, while allowing industry emissions to sell at special auctions.
The plan aims to encourage businesses to move to green technologies, with the goal of reducing emissions by 2050% by 80 year compared to 1990 level of the year.
It is expected that after approval of the document, the price of gasoline and diesel will rise.
On the subject: Why is it cheaper to fill the car on Mondays: a guide to the states and days of the week
Republicans say the changes will disproportionately impact Oregon's rural farming and logging communities. They argue that the bill should be put to a referendum so that “every Oregonian has a voice.”
Democrats occupy 18 of 30 seats in the state senate, but 20 senators must be present for voting.
On Thursday, 11 Republicans did not come to the meeting after negotiations with the Democrats failed.
Democratic Governor Kate Brown then authorized state police to catch the senators and deliver them to the meeting room.
“It is completely unacceptable that Senate Republicans are turning their backs on the constituents they are charged with representing here in this building,” she said in a statement.
“They have to come back and do the job they were elected to do.”
Republicans published a statement explaining their reasons for fleeing.
“Oregonians deserve better. It's time for the majority party to consider the interests of all Oregonians, not just those who live in Portland,” said state Republican Leader Herman Baerschiger Jr.
Where are the senators now?
According to rumors, politicians fled to the neighboring state of Idaho, where Oregon police have no right to search for them.
One Republican senator, Brian Boquist, told a local newspaper that police should "come heavily armed" if they plan to arrest him.
“I’m not going to be a political prisoner in Oregon,” he said.
His comments were condemned by local democrats who said that “such threats are unacceptable.”
Senators were ordered to pay 500 dollars for each day they missed.
At the same time, an online fundraiser was launched to cover this fine. Activists have already collected almost 38 000 dollars.
Read also on ForumDaily:
What if a policeman stopped you
First person: travel notes about Miami
Why in the United States do not prohibit Nazi symbols
Subscribe to ForumDaily on Google NewsDo you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.