Vis Lupi Est Grex

Meeting over the summer is only good if the Senate plans on accomplishing something. Otherwise they are just preventing the Interim committee from being able to legally meet and get some work done. (We previously noted that the Interim Committee does not exist, but the Senate could reestablish the committee at any time.) However, we all know how Interim committees can turn out after the debacle of Jeremiah Todd in the 75th Session and his inability to post agendas, and the two senators turned deserters, Herman and Purney, that nearly crippled the Interim Committee of the 76th Session. The track record for interim committees is not that impressive. I will not even go into case filed by George Higgins against then president Jeff Champagne for allocating funds improperly during the summer months in the interim period (under the previous constitution through the Executive Board).

Not having an interim committee of core senators may prove to be a disastrous move for this Senate. Everyone begins with good intentions and high expectations for themselves, but based on experience, the summer weather and activities usually win out to sitting indoors debating legislation. Remember, the quorum of the Senate is 2/3 of the members, and for committees a majority. It could wind up being harder to meet and get stuff done than they realize.

I hope that the Senate will make good on its promise to meet and complete important work this summer. Both the Judicial and Executive branches are working this summer. Why not make it a crowd with all three branches attending?