"The Democratic agenda is the Oregon agenda," say Senate Democrats.
(LINCOLN CITY) - Demonstrating their commitment to make real progress on real issues, Senate Democrats this weekend announced their leaders for the 2007 legislative session and reaffirmed their agenda of strengthening schools, making health care more affordable, increasing economic security and keeping neighborhoods safe.
At a meeting this weekend, Senate Democrats elected the following leaders:Senate President Designate: Sen. Peter Courtney (D-Salem)Senate Majority Leader: Sen. Kate Brown (D-Portland)Senate Deputy Majority Leader: Sen. Richard Devlin (D-Tualatin)Senate Majority Whip: Sen. Alan Bates (D-Ashland)Senate Majority Whip: Sen. Laurie Monnes Anderson (D-Gresham)Senate Assistant Majority Leader: Sen. Brad Avakian (D-Washington County)Senate Assistant Majority Leader: Sen. Vicki Walker (D-Eugene)Senate President Pro Tempore Designate: Sen. Margaret Carter (D-Portland)
“This is an exciting and challenging time for Democrats. We must demonstrate our ability to govern efficiently, effectively and responsibly, and we will do so,” said Senate President Courtney.
At the same meeting, the caucus also reiterated its support for its Senate Democratic Agenda.
“With a Democratic Governor, a Democratic Senate and a Democratic House, we have a real opportunity to will make meaningful progress on issues that really matter to Oregonians,” said Senate Majority Leader Brown. “The Democratic agenda is the Oregon agenda—strong schools, affordable health care, economic security and safe neighborhoods.”
Brown noted that many of the specific policy initiatives in the Senate Democratic Agenda – including health coverage for all children, full funding of Head Start, reduced class sizes, and investments in renewable energy – are also in the 2007 legislative agendas of the House Democrats and the Governor.
“These priorities aren’t just Senate priorities,” said Senator Brown. “They’re priorities for the Governor and our colleagues in the House, and we will all be working together to make sure they become a reality for Oregon families.”
Many of the Senate Democratic leaders elected this weekend have held their positions for one or more sessions. Senator Courtney has been Senate President since 2003 and Senator Brown has been Senate Democratic Leader since 1998.
Under Senate Rules, Senators Courtney and Carter must receive 16 votes each from the full Senate to be elected President and President Pro Tempore, respectively.
The Senate will convene Jan. 8th, 2007.
Senate Democrats Elect Leaders, Reaffirm 07 AgendaSalem-News.com