2 Democrats reject attending House event over virus fears
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 instead 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 to be safe.
“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,” the House member 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.”