Oregon Senate Republicans Choose Status Quo Over Streamlining Legislative Process

“Senate Republicans proved today that they’re the defenders of the status quo” - Assistant Majority Leader Diane Rosenbaum (D-Portland)

(SALEM, Ore.) - Following the failure of a procedural vote on the Senate floor this afternoon, Senate Majority Leader Richard Devlin expressed his disappointment with the Senate Minority. Senate Republicans voted against an amendment to the Senate’s rules that would have modernized and streamlined operations for the body, saving tax payer dollars, and improving efficiency in the Oregon Legislature.

“I think it is unfortunate the Senate Republicans locked up on a motion that would have brought greater accountability and transparency to the Oregon people,” said Devlin (D-Tualatin). “In a time when all Oregonians have to do more with less, our modest proposal to set deadlines and hold ourselves accountable to those deadlines was shot down by partisan politics.”

Senate Rules are the guidelines by which the Senate governs its own activities. The rule change proposed today would have set a deadline of pre-session filing for most measures introduced for the 2011 session. Legislative leaders proposed such changes in order to shorten the next regular session while saving taxpayer dollars.

“Senate Republicans proved today that they’re the defenders of the status quo,” said Assistant Majority Leader Diane Rosenbaum (D-Portland). “Senate Democrats, on the other hand, will continue to fight for streamlining our government and bringing greater accountability to the people of Oregon.”

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Dan Harvey May 28, 2010 3:14 pm (Pacific time)

Hey Dan, we're not interested in your opinions on great Americans like Dan Rather and Walter Cronkite, they didn't play the warmonger game, fine. They didn't want the war in VN to continue, good. They were right.

Henry Clay Ruark May 27, 2010 7:27 pm (Pacific time)

JonBoy: You sure you can read ? Story clearly labeled, content also completely understandable. Cronkite would applaud the press release and seek one from the other side. One of his guiding points was to know source, which press release surely states, and then to seek answers to any questions from "the other guys"...a staple of solid reporting. He was also horrified at growth of "anons", and it is from him I learned his view of their behavior in a nation guided by First Amendment, with responsibilities as well as opportunities.

JonBoy May 27, 2010 2:38 pm (Pacific time)

When the far-left author refuses to lay out the specific reasons why his pet bill was voted down, according to the opposition, un-doctored and free of yellow journalism, his own article will be seen as hopelessly biased, based on emotion over fact, and to be taken with two or three grains of salt. I would like to read "the rest of the story" but this guy isn't capable of laying it on the line. Oh, for more Walter Cronkites-the guy was a lib but wasn't afraid to give both sides of every story a fair shake. This is junk journalism. The author views his "position" as a bully pulpit, no more, no less.

Editor: This is a press release from the state of Oregon, unedited...

Henry Clay Ruark May 27, 2010 10:02 am (Pacific time)

To all: "Anon" is cowardly mask for those who cannot show-face since it gives away their presumption of rational and reasonable behavior. Editor's comments here are riht on target for pragmatic realities currently,with each day in D.C. illumination more of malign massive mess-up from continuing obstructionism in lieu of Constitutional full responsibilities to act in concert for commonweal-good.

Amanda May 27, 2010 1:42 am (Pacific time)

We need a third party...a strong voice of the people, for the people and by the people - the rest of the 99%

Chris May 26, 2010 8:40 pm (Pacific time)

I didn't see who wants to take credit for this article, but no where did I see what the republicans reason for being againt it? What is happening to our Country, State?

Editor: Chris, this is a news release from the state legislature. It should have been noted but now it is.

Anonymous May 26, 2010 6:27 pm (Pacific time)

you are beating a dead horse. a republican/democrat dead horse.. both parties are one party, and this is really getting old. This is getting really old..learn and move on, you are living in the 16th century

What are you talking about? You better dial up C-SPAN and start watching how people vote. This country is full of massive polarity between the poor and real people and the rich and their minions. There is the biggest difference, and the resulting polarity is ripping this country into pieces. The environment is in ruins, the water is contaminated in almost every state. States in the USA allow water companies to be privately owned. Do you think they like raising standards? I respectfully disagree and just because there is overlap and common problems among politicians, does not mean that the two parties are alike, or like each other, or have common goals. (abortion for starters)

Anonymous May 26, 2010 6:15 pm (Pacific time)

Why on earth would any reasonable legislator want to constrain the democratic process by restricting their ability to introduce "measures/bills" as they become relevant to do in real time. If Devlin was so concerned about saving taxpayer money, then maybe he and Rosenbaum should review the bills they have introduced since they first came to Salem. Beginning next year there will be a new power in place, so why should they restrict themselves to rules that the current rule makers never go by any way?

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