Proposed sweeping changes to K-12 education and pension systems were championed by Gov. Bobby Jindal in his opening address to the Legislature today, and minutes later they were attacked by Democrats in their response. The governor briefly touched on the need for revamping teacher tenure and for giving parents more choice through taxpayer-funded private school scholarships, or vouchers. He also cited the urgency in changing what he called unsustainable retirement rules. Minutes later, Democratic legislators gathered in a committee room to criticize strongly the governor’s plans to use contingencies to balance the budget and to saddle state workers with a “payroll tax” through a higher contribution to their retirement; they also called the governor’s voucher proposal unfeasible. Meanwhile, the House clerk and Senate secretary droned through the introduction of over 1,500 bills. The governor’s education package will get off to an early start, with bills expected to be heard in committee on Wednesday. Teacher union representatives have asked teachers to show up in force at the Capitol for the hearing.
—After two weeks of up to a half dozen events per day, legislative fundraisers commence a blackout period through the end of the session. Legislators cannot accept checks until June 4, the governor until July 4. But as one day closes, another opens. The legislative party season begins this afternoon with the Baton Rouge Area Chamber’s “Second Home Reception” at the State Museum, followed by the Louisiana Sheriffs Association party in the Pentagon Courtyard. As a session opening gift, the Louisiana Forestry Association presented each legislator with a bald cypress tree to be planted in their districts.
(John Maginnis will publish a daily update throughout the legislative session on Daily Report PM. The report is also available to LaPolitics Weekly subscribers on the Subscribers Only page at LaPolitics.com. Registration is available on the homepage.)
Louisiana Public Broadcasting is providing a daily video update featuring highlights of the session, which you can see here.
