Senator Linthicum: Public right to know on union contracts

Oregon State Senator Dennis Linthicum,

Yesterday, the Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony in support of Senate Bill 666, transparency legislation that would allow public notice of government union contract negotiations.

Senator Dennis Linthicum (R-Klamath Falls), the chief sponsor of SB 666, released the following statement:

“The public deserves to know how their tax dollars are being negotiated. This is a simple issue of transparency. The more information the public has about how their tax dollars are being spent, the better.

“The Oregon Institute of Technology and faculty and administration have failed to come to a new labor agreement for over a year. Taxpayers have no idea why the two parties cannot agree because current law doesn’t require these negotiations to be made public.

“Sunshine is the best disinfectant. Taxpayers should know if their tax dollars are being held hostage. OIT is an important part of our economy in Klamath Falls. We need to make sure their important work continues and simple transparency can aid in ensuring that happens.”