Oregon State Capitol
900 Court Street NE, S-211
Salem, Oregon 97301
503-986-1709

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Roger Beyer

January 24, 2003 (503) 986-1709

Beyer Elected to Senate Leadership Post

SALEM— Senator Roger Beyer (R-Molalla) has been elected to the position of Deputy Republican Leader by his Oregon Senate colleagues. In this role, Beyer will assist with the duties of the Republican Leader to ensure passage of the Republican legislative agenda.

With a 50/50 split between Republicans and Democrats in the Senate, Beyer’s leadership position is particularly important, said Republican Leader Sen. Bev Clarno (R-Redmond).

“Sen. Beyer is an excellent parliamentarian – he knows the rules backwards and forwards,” Clarno said. “In addition, he’s analytical, responsive to the concerns of others and a true consensus-builder.”

Beyer has also been assigned to the Rules and Business and Labor Committees and is vice-chair of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.

“With the session now underway, legislators are walking a tightrope,” Beyer said. “We must both balance the budget and stimulate Oregon’s economy. And, as my constituents know only too well - with the downturn of the timber and agricultural industries - Oregon’s unemployment rate is one of the highest in the nation.”

Click here to listen to Senator Beyer's related AUDIO CLIP

Although the Oregon Senate is equally divided, Beyer said he was confident he and his colleagues can work together in a bi-partisan fashion.

“In order to stage an economic rebound, it is vital that we cooperate to pass legislation that will retain current business and attract new businesses, investors and jobs. Oregon businesses are the backbone of our economy and we must be committed to bringing in more dollars to Oregon rather than sending them out,” Beyer said.

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