A Letter from the Progress Party

NOTE FROM EDITORIAL STAFF: This is a letter/press release that was sent to Weazel and published at the request of the Progress Party. It is published under Editor Staff because Becks Lawson, whose name appears at the end as the author of the letter, does not have an account.

It has become abundantly clear that the conflict between the legislature and the Department of Commerce and Labor has spun out of control, and neither side is willing to take the first step towards cooperation and common ground.

I am no longer an elected state official, but I still consider myself a civil servant and a patriot. As the leader of the Progress Party and a citizen of San Andreas, I cannot allow a situation that is so detrimental to the trust a citizen has in government to continue. I have spoken with Representative Jordan Malone, who has agreed to table HR 145. The bill is officially removed from voting, which the Department of Commerce and Labor has made clear is their requirement for moving forward in negotiations.

However, this entire ordeal has made it abundantly clear that the Department of Commerce and Labor does not have the legislation and infrastructure needed for many of their daily duties. Both the Department of Commerce and Labor and the Chamber of Commerce are ill-equipped by our legal archive and, at times, their duties are not properly defined. In a statement to the media, the Department said that they had been taking investigative measures against government officials, an activity that is not in their remit and belongs, in fact, to law enforcement.

It’s time to ensure that no further misunderstandings or miscommunications can happen that will lead to government overreach and infringement of our state Constitution. Today, Representative Audrey Storm will propose a special commission to create clear, concise, and complete legal boundaries for civil servants that will still allow them to be an active part of their communities. Members of DoCL will be clear to run their own businesses and work for other businesses; they are not impeded by the commission in any way. This resolution will be live for the full seven day period required by law for public feedback, so please reach out to your state representatives should you have any questions or concerns. This is not a trial, nor is it an accusation; this task force is a way for all parties to be able to provide information to the legislature in a clear, transparent manner.

The findings of this commission will allow us to build a working foundation for the Chamber of Commerce and a clearer structure for the Department of Commerce and Labor in the state, with no room for these kinds of miscommunications. It’s time for an end to obstructionism and stonewalling, and start an open, transparent, and fair conversation. It’s time to build a path forward, and we will do that by gathering information, assessing the needs of the state, and preparing an action plan.

–Becks Lawson
Leader of the Progress Party