AnnieTV: Floor Statement on Reopening the Legislature

Mr. Speaker,

Late last Friday, it was announced that the public would finally be allowed back into our building to fully participate in the legislative process in person.

However, the rules and requirements established are so complex and convoluted that this building will remain effectively closed to most of the public.

No similar draconian rules are being imposed to go into a grocery store, a casino, a restaurant, a bar, a drug store, a convenience store, a mall or any other public building.

This session is now more than half over.  Critical votes on important bills are now being cast.

Yet we’re forcing our constituents to jump through bureaucratic hoops simply to exercise their right to petition their government.

This isn’t right.

The People’s House should be fully reopened to the public using the same safety precautions established for every other public building in the state.

We are the people’s servants, not the other way around.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.