Suspending the Rules
For the second time in consecutive Assembly meetings, Republican Assembly Representatives have attempted to suspend procedural rules by eliminating the third reading of a proposed resolution. See here and here.
The rule (Assembly Rule 40 - 1) states that:
This rule is in place to ensure thorough discussion and evaluation of proposals, both by the legislature and by the public. If there is a certain urgency that exists that warrants by-passing this rule, neither of these two cases meet it.
Let us all just follow the rules.
The rule (Assembly Rule 40 - 1) states that:
Every assembly bill, and every senate bill received by the assembly for consideration, shall receive a reading on each of 3 separate and nonconsecutive legislative days under the appropriate order of business designated in rule 31 (general procedures).
This rule is in place to ensure thorough discussion and evaluation of proposals, both by the legislature and by the public. If there is a certain urgency that exists that warrants by-passing this rule, neither of these two cases meet it.
Let us all just follow the rules.
Labels: Partisan Politics
posted by Vincent at 5:08 PM
3 Comments:
What you are talking about is routine. Most legislation is taken up and passed on the same day. What you should be wondering is why a bill that eliminates sick leave or a resolution that requires photo ID (under it's second consideration before the legislature) needs to be brought up on the next session day.
The tactic actually reflects poorly on the Dems for simply stalling and wasting time.
With fair consideration, just because something is routine does not necessarily mean it is right.
While I am by no means an expert on either sick leave or photo ID requirements, I do understand that each bill results in significant changes - especially the requirement of a photo ID at the voting poll.
I respectfully disagree with your reasoning is backwards on this. You are essentially saying, "you need to give a reason to follow the rules."
It should instead be asked "Why is there a significant need to put the rules on the side, and rush through legislation."
After all, there is a reason why the rule was created - that being to avoid pushing through legislation without providing adequate time for comment, evaluation, and discussion.
Quite to the contrary of many partisan folks, discussion is actually a good thing, and we should follow any rules which serve to facilitate this.
With sick leave, it was a bill that impacted judges and district attorneys. When the bill was introduced on the floor, judges and DAs had barely been given notice. Having consideration delayed allowed them to weigh in. Other states fully fund their legislators, judges, & DA's retirement health benefit with tax dollars. Wisconsin saves taxpayers millions by using existing sick leave payments. It will be interesting to see if the state decides to fund the retirement benefit in the more expensive manner in the future like other state do.
With Voter ID, you are talking about amending the state constitution. Anytime you are talking about amending the state consitution, you should have more than one day of debate and consideration.
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