Two Texas state representatives say Covid will keep them from being sworn in Tuesday inside the state capitol as the new session of the legislature convenes.
Michelle Beckley of Carrollton says going indoors is too dangerous. "They are having 150 members that are each allowed two guests, and the miscellaneous other people there, it's a minimum of 450 people three feet apart. We're talking about people in front, behind and side to side."
She says rapid covid tests will be administered but there's alway a chance of a false negative.
She says, "there are current members that are already positive, there's already staffers positive, covid is already in the building."
Representative Ana Marie Ramos' husband, a notary public, will administer the oath to both North Texas Democrats outside the building. Beckley fears tomorrow's ceremonies will turn into a "covid super spreader event."
She says both women want to stay healthy so they can do their job.
Beckley adds during the session she plans to spend as little time on the floor as possible.
She will watch proceedings and will go to the floor to vote.
"I really hope our governor reconsiders closing the capitol because we are in the height of the pandemic."