Oregon House Defeats SB 400

House Republicans say the defeat protects local government, police and fire departments from higher costs.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM) - House Republicans Wednesday were successful in defeating SB 400, the bill that they say would expose local governments and public safety agencies to higher staffing and operational costs.

“This was a failed attempt by House Democratic leadership to expand union power,” said House Republican Leader Wayne Scott (R-Canby).

Scott accused Democrats last week of raising costs on local school districts and community colleges. "This week, they tried to raise costs on our cities, counties, police departments, fire departments and other ‘first responder’ agencies.”

A close examination reveals that the Bush Administration was the first federal administration to begin taxing 'first responder' volunteer firefighters and reducing financial federal support of local fire operations. The President is also regarded by many as a foe of union activity.

Scott says it is fortunate that enough House Democrats agreed with Republicans in defeating SB 400.

Oregon law already requires mandatory bargaining for safety issues that have a direct and substantial effect on employees’ on-the-job safety.

SB 400 would have required local governments and public safety agencies to bargain staffing levels, operating procedures, equipment purchases and other important management decisions.

“SB 400 would have fundamentally shifted the discussion from the public arena of policymaking to the closed door room of the bargaining table,” said Rep. Vicki Berger (R-Salem).