Republican lawmaker Patrick Sheehan, of Clackamas, sported a tuxedo on the House floor today.
He was joined by a few other lawmakers who replaced their usual suits with the fancier attire. The freshman lawmaker said the outfit was meant to remind lawmakers of the importance of being civil to one another.
It came on the same day the governor signed a proclamation marking June 21 “A Day of Reason” in Oregon.
And they both came on a day that was expected to be contentious, especially on the House floor.
Lawmakers were tasked with passing a package of 14 education related reform bills. The passage of the package was the result of behind-closed door negotiations and the bills included priorities for both parties as well as the governor.
One bill sends $25 million more to the K-12 budget, another helps school districts access funding for all-day kindergarten. One would make the superintendent of public instruction a position appointed by the governor instead of through elections.
The bills did pass, but not without fierce debate and more than one raised voice.
But at least Sheehan can go back to wearing a suit tomorrow.
Or, he said, maybe it will be a wetsuit Wednesday.
