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Dear John,
In January 2007, I walked into the Oregon Capitol for the first time. Important words etched outside, grand revolving doors, a rotunda that evokes hope and pride, paintings honoring the history of our state… To work there, to work for an elected official, was the honor of my life. .jpg)
Today, I walked into those doors again as an advocate for OLCV and the Oregon Conservation Network. It’s Day 4 of the 35 day short session, and the Capitol was in a haze of diesel exhaust from trucks driving around and around the building, horns honking and Trump 2020 flags waving. Let’s just say it felt pretty different.
At OLCV, it’s about right that we are feeling different about the Capitol. Just 8 months ago, our dreams of climate action after 10 long years of hard work were derailed by 11 of the 90 legislators fleeing the state. Fleeing the state to not only avoid the vote on our Clean Energy Jobs bill, but to prevent that vote from happening at all. Their tactics worked, but not before unforgettable moments of righteous struggle were etched into our minds.
Youth lining the halls so state senators would have to remember that climate action is literally the only way that future generations will enjoy our state as we have enjoyed it. Youth turning their backs on the Senate President when he declared our bill dead. Youth with fists raised on the Capitol steps.
Our attitude may have shifted, our hearts broken - but we are back. We are strong. We are resilient. And if legislators once again walk out to deny action on climate change, we are getting ready to go to the ballot. Oregonians are with us. The majority of legislators are with us. We will hold elected officials who deny us accountable, with elections coming in May and November.
Can’t make it and still want to help? Stay tuned for action alerts throughout session, to make it easy for you to engage with your own legislators on climate change and other important issues. And of course, every dollar we raise can go toward our efforts this session and this election year ahead. Click here to donate.
We are back, we are ready, and we are lifted up by folks like you.
Warmly,
Christy Splitt … and the whole team at OLCV
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