For Immediate Release

March 21, 2007

Contact: Rebekah Orr, 503-986-1904

House Republicans Kill Safety Bill for Firefighters & Police

First Responders Remain Unable to Negotiate on Issues Affecting Their Own Safety

SALEM- House Republicans killed a historic public safety bill today that would have restored the rights of firefighters, police officers and corrections officers to negotiate with employers on issues related to safety. Democrats say the change is important because public safety officers are prohibited by Oregon law from striking. Previous to a change in the law in 1995, employees were allowed to negotiate on issues.

“As a former police officer, I know that no one has a stronger right to negotiate on safety issues than those who protect the public safety,” said Rep. Jeff Barker (D-Aloha). “The first-hand knowledge of those who are on the front lines for our communities is critical to creating a work environment that reduces preventable, on-the-job injury or loss of life.”

“Today, House Republicans once again put their thumbs in the eyes of those first responders who work so hard to keep our families and communities safe,” said House Majority Leader Dave Hunt (D-Clackamas County).

For years, House Republican leadership promised public safety advocates that they would make the bill a priority, only to let the bill die each session without a debate or vote. House Republicans killed the proposal again today after first attempting to block an up-or-down vote on the bill with endless debate and parliamentary ploys.

“The question you must ask yourself is whether or not you believe that the men and women who risk their lives protecting others should have the right to discuss their own personal safety with their employer during bargaining,” said Rep. Mike Schaufler (D-Happy Valley). “For all of us who benefit from safer neighborhoods because of their service, I believe the answer is unequivocally, ‘yes.’ Now, I'm one of the most non-partisan legislators in the state of Oregon, but the truth is that today House Republicans and their leadership said 'no' to police officers, firefighters and first responders. ”

“Each of us is fortunate enough to live in communities where we are protected by men and women who serve their communities and allow us to breathe a little easier knowing that if something were to go wrong they would be there for us,” said Rep. Larry Galizio (D-Tigard). “This service, I believe, is part of a social contract that we must uphold—that we will do all we can to protect those who protect us.”

“Today, that social contract was broken by petty Republican partisanship,” Hunt added.

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