Patrick McMath

#lalege STATEMENT FROM SENATOR JAY MORRIS REGARDING COMMENTS IN SENATE AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE HEARING TODAY   I want to assure the public that I did not use any profanity or any derogatory or pejorative term in referring to anyone in the audience at today’s Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee at the State Capitol.  Audio obtained by a news organization in the room confirms this.   I was frustrated when, as I was trying to answer questions from committee members, people in the audience directly behind me were continuing to comment and talk loudly enough so that it was hard for me to concentrate and answer questions.  As a result, when my testimony was completed and I stood up, I said “you all need to shut up”, as those seated behind me had ignored admonitions by the Committee Chair.  I never used any profanity or derogatory term, as the news-recorded audio proves.  I did not know who the people sitting behind me were, but I have learned that some have involvement in political parties and should have known better than to falsely accuse me of things to make a political point.  I do appreciate that no matter how much we as senators disagree, or how much I disagree with any testimony or opinions expressed in public hearings, it is important to remember that transparency and public hearings are a critical part of our democracy.  However, the participants should respect decorum and not resort to falsehoods to further a political agenda.