No Show on Day One of Session
Rep. Woody Burton and his 59 House Republican colleagues came to the Statehouse to start the legislative process, however the minority caucus did not share the same mentality. House Democrats failed to attend the start of the 2012 legislative session, disallowing the state’s business to proceed.
“It’s amazing that 40 elected officials can simply walk out on their responsibility, on Day one nonetheless,” said Burton. “We were elected by the people, to represent them at the Statehouse. Turning your back on the constituents that voted you into office doesn’t help anyone or the process.”
As a result of the five-week Democrat walkout that occurred last session, members of the General Assembly passed anti-bolting legislation that enables the Speaker of the House to institute a $1,000 fine per day per member after the third missed session day. The Speaker and members of the House also maintain the authority to pass a motion to institute fines for a single session day missed.
“It is my hope that members will come to their senses and come back to work. If you disagree, you should stay and debate your side of the issue.”
The only item of business on today’s calendar was passing down the House bill list, which requires a quorum or 67 members present. In order to start the legislative process and get legislation assigned to House committees, a bill list has to be passed down on the House floor.
