Only 5 days remain in the 2010 Legislative Session and we’re nowhere near addressing the issues the Speaker of the House promised on our 1st day, January 6.
So what are we doing?
Last Thursday, a massive 66 page unconstitutional bill, Senate Bill 844, was rammed through two committees and onto the House floor for debate in just two hours.
Besides clear violation of House rules, it can only be referred to as “Sham Ethics” legislation.
Of course ”debate” was an oxymoron.
We Democrats were at every one of our microphones but only Minority Leader Paul Levota was recognized to speak – against the rules they were sus-pending. No debate from Democrats was allowed in more than an hour and a half beyond a few who were inquired of.
A photographer snuck into the upper gallery in violation of House rules so he could video Rep. Bryan Pratt (R-Blue Springs) calling the proposal “the most comprehensive and sweeping ethics reform bill in the universe.”
Listen here as Republican Whip, Rep. Brian Nieves (R-Washington) mocked Democrats after inquiring of Minority House Leader Paul LeVota.