[5]
Oregon State Senate Republican Press Release,
Senate President Peter Courtney (D-Salem) used partisan politics on the Joint Ways and Means Committee, the most powerful budget committee in the legislature, to move SB 1530out of committee. He rigged the vote by joining the committee in an unprecetented move and cast his “yes” vote to get cap and trade out of committee. Senate Republican Leader Herman Baertschiger, Jr. (R-Grants Pass) released the following statement:“Senator Courtney’s actions leave no other option for Senate Republicans but to boycott and deny quorum because cap and trade is on the way to the Senate floor. Democrats refused to work with Republicans and denied every amendment that was presented. Pay attention Oregon –this is a true example of partisan politics. Instead of referring this legislation to let the people decide, the Democrats are willfully ignoring 26 counties and one district, representing nearly 2 million Oregonians that have signed proclamations against cap and trade, to push their agenda.”