Subscribers: Representative Stark has given us permission to publish this insightful, informative essay. -sam
The future of Oregon hangs in the balance!
-by Duane Stark, Oregon House District 4
The rural / urban divide continues to grow as the Oregon Legislature is dominated by Portland Metro Legislators who are advancing an agenda that is contrary to our way of life. The Democrat Party has secured a supermajority in both the House (38-22) and the Senate (18-12). This means they can now pass any policy or tax without a single Republican vote. We experienced the negative effects of the supermajority this past session when Democrats passed a $2 billion hidden sales tax on Oregon’s working families without a single Republican vote. Without a balance of power, there is little motivation for the Democrats to collaborate with Republicans to develop legislation that is beneficial to ALL Oregonians. Instead, they pass legislation catering to Portland voters and special interests groups.
This past session, Republicans fought fiercely while maintaining respect and thoughtfulness in our debates. We were able to halt some of their agenda but in the end, due to the lopsided numbers, they were able to advance much of their Portland-driven legislation. What is their next step? They would like to take out two Republicans in the next election so that they don’t even need Republicans to show up in order to conduct business.
That’s why I’m asking for your help!
We must protect the Republicans we have in office and then pick up seats to restore much needed balance in our legislative process.
Simply put: (in the House)
- Republicans Lose 2 seats = Democrats don’t even need a Republican in the building to do their business
- Republicans Win 3 seats = Democrats would need at least one Republican vote to pass a tax (like the $2 billion tax they just passed.)
- Republicans Win 8 seats = Democrats would need at least one Republican vote to pass any policy
- Republicans Win 9 seats = Republican would be in the majority