BELIEVE IT: SB 1000 CAN PASS THE HOUSE
A letter from Jeff Merkley, Oreogn House Democratic Minority Leader
Dear Basic Rights Oregon Supporter,
As this year's legislative session draws to a close I want to commend you on your tremendous efforts to press the legislature to pass civil union and anti-discrimination legislation. Never before has the Oregon legislature seen lobbying of this magnitude from all over the state on issues of fairness for GLBT Oregonians. As the House Democratic Caucus Leader, trust me when I say that it has not gone unnoticed.
You have succeeded in passing SB 1000 in the Oregon Senate. Now, we are hearing some people say that what you've set out to do can't be done -- that this legislation cannot pass the Oregon House of Representatives. Don't believe them. Let me be clear: no matter what you see in the press, no matter what rumors you hear from the capitol, please understand that this fight is not yet over.
You can expect Speaker Minnis to continue her efforts to block SB 1000. You can expect her and others to continue to say it will never get a hearing or a vote. But you can also expect the House Democrats to do everything we can do to bring these issues to a vote. We believe it is possible, but we can't do it without your help.
I have faith in the power of committed citizens to make a difference in this state. Your continued commitment to see this thing through to the end can decide whether we succeed now or must wait two more years for a more fair, more equal Oregon. You can count on me to do everything in my power to make it happen. I'm counting on you too. Together, we have a real opportunity to pass this historic legislation and to do it this session. No matter what keep the faith!
All my best,
Jeff Merkley
House Democratic Minority Leader
Dear Basic Rights Oregon Supporter,
As this year's legislative session draws to a close I want to commend you on your tremendous efforts to press the legislature to pass civil union and anti-discrimination legislation. Never before has the Oregon legislature seen lobbying of this magnitude from all over the state on issues of fairness for GLBT Oregonians. As the House Democratic Caucus Leader, trust me when I say that it has not gone unnoticed.
You have succeeded in passing SB 1000 in the Oregon Senate. Now, we are hearing some people say that what you've set out to do can't be done -- that this legislation cannot pass the Oregon House of Representatives. Don't believe them. Let me be clear: no matter what you see in the press, no matter what rumors you hear from the capitol, please understand that this fight is not yet over.
You can expect Speaker Minnis to continue her efforts to block SB 1000. You can expect her and others to continue to say it will never get a hearing or a vote. But you can also expect the House Democrats to do everything we can do to bring these issues to a vote. We believe it is possible, but we can't do it without your help.
I have faith in the power of committed citizens to make a difference in this state. Your continued commitment to see this thing through to the end can decide whether we succeed now or must wait two more years for a more fair, more equal Oregon. You can count on me to do everything in my power to make it happen. I'm counting on you too. Together, we have a real opportunity to pass this historic legislation and to do it this session. No matter what keep the faith!
All my best,
Jeff Merkley
House Democratic Minority Leader
This entry was posted
on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 at 5:48 PM.
