Harrell appeals to Democrats to pass DOT reform

House speaker Bobby Harrell, in an unusual move, addressed the Democratic Caucus this morning in an attempt to pave the way for a budget agreement on the Legislatures final day.

House Republican and Democratic caucuses met this morning, trying to work out differences that have held up final approval of budget and Transportation Department reform.

Democrats remained resolved to vote on the budget, with most members still opposing the bill restructuring the Transportation Department.

Then Harrell, R-Charleston, spoke to the group.

"I think it's a mistake to go home without a DOT bill," Harrell said.
"Let's get everything done and let's please go home by lunch."

Harrell also apologized for his tone in addressing House Democrats yesterday about their desire to allocate $50 million for rural roads, water, sewer and other infrastructure.

Democrats were also upset with House leadership, blaming Harrell and Rep. Annette Young, R-Dorchester, for tying the Transportation Department reform to a budget vote.

"If we tried to force the issue right now," Harrell said, "I think it's an incredibly difficult row to hoe."

Democrats were ready to approve the budget, and voted against the Transportation Department bill because House Republicans would not allow a budget vote first.

"The reason we did it," Rep. Doug Jennings, D-Marlboro, said to Harrell, "is because you insist that we do it your way."

Republicans, gathering in a publicly-owned State House auditorium, closed their meeting and removed reporters from the room while discussing their strategy for approving state policy.