In light of the Senate’s calendar and committee agendas this week, I would like to address the manner in which bills are introduced to the Senate and my responsibility as Minority Leader to co-sponsor such legislation.
The separation of powers in Article V of our state constitution establishes that none of the three co-equal branches of government “shall exercise the powers properly belonging to either of the others.” The power of the Legislature is that of passing bills to make laws.
Since only a member of the Legislature may introduce a bill to the Legislature, the custom in our state is for the leaders of each party (the Senate President or Speaker of the House and the Minority Leader from each respective chamber) to co-sponsor bills that are then introduced “By Request of the Executive.” This professional courtesy is offered to the Governor as a token of goodwill and is a long-standing tradition.
I do not regret performing this professional duty of introducing legislation by request. I believe in statesmanship and collegiality, a sentiment which seems to be in short supply in politics these days.
However, like many Presidents, Speakers, and Minority Leaders who have come before me, I do not always personally agree with the Governor’s legislation. The current Governor has thirteen Senate bills that President Smith and I have introduced as co-sponsors, “By Request of the Executive.” I do not agree with all of these pieces of legislation, and my votes against their passage prove that.
I want to speak directly to those who are hurt and affected by the legislation that is being passed with my name but not my vote. I hope you understand that these bills do not reflect my stance on the harmful policies they represent.
I believe the most effective way to change policy is through advocacy, organizing, and electing more members to the Legislature who are devoted to solving the serious issues facing our state, not to wasting time on hurtful bills that only drive us further apart.