OREGON HOUSE REPUBLICANS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 23, 2010

Contact: Nick Smith 503-986-1351

HOUSE REPUBLICANS PROPOSE RESPONSIBLE ANNUAL SESSION PLAN

Plan Requires Legislature to Focus Only on Urgent Issues During Even-Year Sessions

SALEM—House Republicans have proposed an alternative annual session plan that would require the Legislature to focus only on emergency fiscal and policy issues during even-year sessions.

The proposal is an alternative “minority report” to the House Democratic plan (SJR 41) that has few guidelines and allows longer sessions every biennium. Both proposals will be on the House Floor for votes this week.

“During election years, our alternative plan will require the Legislature to address only the most urgent issues facing our state,” said Rep. Kevin Cameron (R-Salem). “It would require both parties to work together, while limiting the partisanship and backroom deal-making we’ve seen this month.”

The Republican alternative retains most of the provisions of the majority plan, but includes a shorter legislative calendar and adds additional restrictions on activity during even-year sessions. The minority report was offered after House Democrats amended the Senate’s bipartisan resolution, increasing the time the Legislature would be in session.

Under the Republican plan, the Legislature would only address memorials or resolutions, budget-balancing measures and tax and revenue measures. In addition, any policy measure that reaches the House or Senate Floors during even-year sessions would require a bipartisan, two-thirds vote in both bodies.

 “While there are legitimate reasons for the Legislature to meet every year, this February session has clearly demonstrated the need for additional sideboards and restrictions,” said House Republican Leader Bruce Hanna (R-Roseburg). “In order for Oregonians to approve annual sessions, the Legislature must demonstrate a commitment to transparency and bipartisanship. We’ve seen neither of these principles this month.”

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