Earlier this month, Oregon Senate Republicans walked out on their constituents and their oaths of office for the fourth time in three years. We cannot let these tactics derail yet another session—especially now, with so much at stake.
I hear from my constituents and people from across Oregon that they have had enough.
Sign my petition to tell the Republicans:
No more walkouts!
Last week, we proposed a simple rule for the Senate: if you don't show up for work, you don't get paid.
Every day a Senator chooses not to show up to the legislative session, they'll be fined the value equal to their per-diem payment.
And today, as the Chair of the Senate Rules Committee, I held a public hearing on four bills to put a stop to these walkouts.
Senate Bill 262 would impose a fine of $500 per day for unexcused absences, in addition to withholding salary, per-diem, or expense reimbursements for absent legislators.
Senate Bill 261 would prohibit legislators from using campaign money to pay fines or legal expenses, replace salary, or defray expenses as result of an unexcused absence.
Senate Joint Resolution 3 would, with voter approval, amend the Oregon Constitution to disqualify any legislator who has ten or more unexcused absences from running for re-election.
Senate Joint Resolution 4 would, with voter approval, amend the Oregon Constitution to ensure that a majority of legislators constitutes a quorum, ending future walkouts by the minority party.
It's simple - I should be expected to show up to work if I'm getting paid. I'm ready to fight to hold every Oregon legislator accountable to their oath of office.
Sign my petition to tell the Republicans: No more walkouts.
Rob
Sign the Petition |
