2 in Texas House opt out of Opening Day

Two Dallas-area Texas House members are calling the Legislature’s planned Opening Day ceremony on Tuesday a “superspreader” event and say they do not plan to participate.

Reps. Ana-Maria Ramos and Michelle Beckley, both Democrats, said Monday they will be sworn in by Ramos’ husband, Johnny, who is a public notary, at an alternative location.

The Texas House is requiring that attendees wear masks at the abbreviated ceremony and is encouraging them to get tested. Guests and media are required to be tested.

The Texas Division of Emergency Management will be offering free COVID-19 tests outside the Capitol. Access to the House floor will be limited to lawmakers, essential staff, ceremony participants, temporary officers and approved guests.

Ramos and Beckley, however, said they don’t think those

precautionary measures will be enough.

“I believe it is irresponsible to have all the members and guests in the House chamber for an extended period of time, especially as no new allowances have been made to address the fact that the more contagious variant of COVID-19 has been found in Texas,” Beckley said. “We members are supposed to only be seated three feet apart, and we are currently aware that some colleagues and staff have received recent positive COVID-19 tests.”

“Not only can this event potentially expose my colleagues and me, along with friends and family, to the virus, but it could potentially put a further burden on the hospital region of not only Austin but all of our constituencies,” she continued. “Rep. Ramos and I will not participate in an unnecessary event that could lead to our staff and us being infected and our health heroes being put under further strain.”

Note: This story has been updated to reflect that the representatives no longer plan to swear each other in and instead will have Ramos’ husband Johnny, who is a public notary, administer their oaths.