No wonder the red flags kept popping up these last couple of weeks.

First, in the meeting to hear HB1001 the Republican majority denied those in the audience the right to testify. The chair and Republicans there said we had testimony on SB269 and we discussed RTW this summer in committee and that was enough. I was in shock. They voted out HB1001 without every taking testimony. Testimony should have been taken.

Next, the public was denied reasonable access to the Statehouse. We were told there was a maximum number that could come into the Statehouse for fire regulations and state police were dispatched to enforce that number. Belatedly but thankfully, the Governor backed down and opened the doors. Of course, demonstrators were roped off from close contact.

Next, we are sitting in Chambers today and we learn the sound system is turned off in the hallway. That means that remonstrators couldn't hear what was going on. Great way to continue to stifle complaint. Better than that, we were praying and they couldn't hear out there what was going on. I bet there were some inside the Chambers that criticized the remonstrators only confirming their already prejudiced opinion of them. There was problem with the taping,too. Coincidence? I don't think so.

Then, put that together with this fiasco over the referendum. I learned Saturday morning at Meet Your Legislators that the Republicans think the referendum bill they proposed is unconstitutional. Red flag!

They must have intended for the bill to come for a vote and the Republicans, who are queasy about voting against RTW, have a way out. "We're not voting against RTW, we're voting against a bill that is unconstitutional."

There is no question, their original sponsorship of the bill by the Republicans had to have been a rouse to procedurally kill any action on a vote for a referendum. They had no intention of putting referendum to a vote. For those Republicans who wanted the referendum, they should feel tricked.

I feel tricked.  We, Dems, put in an amendment for a referendum- in good faith. So, the unconstitutional remark shadows both their bill and our amendment. We Dems feel the constitutionality issue must be solved. After all,  Leader Bauer had negotiated in good faith with Speaker Bosma to get us to a vote on RTW today. No one suspected it was a trick. He and Speaker Bosma had made a deal.

And, now to top it off, the Republicans are denying us space to caucus. What's next!

We, Dems, want to have Session. We have said on the floor that we will proceed as normal on the schedule with just holding HB1001 until we have resolution. All other business will be dealt with. The behavior on the part of Republicans is undemocratic, unAmerican.

Sincerely,

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