It was a far different era when the Louisiana Legislature wrapped up business in June 1997. John Alario was still in the House, freshly replaced by Hunt Downer as speaker. The budget, as writer John Maginnis described it at the time, was “cash-rich,” and the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry considered it a positive session, what with funding approved for teacher pay raises, computers in classrooms, early reading programs and infrastructure. The Louisiana Workforce Commission also was born. One thing hasn’t changed in a little less than two decades, though: Legislators remain just as sassy with the quips. A selection from the cover story, “Legislative follies,” is featured below.
“I don’t see why the Legislature should be in the business of artificial intelligence, real intelligence or any intelligence at all.”
House Speaker Hunt Downer
“When someone begins by saying how fine a person you are, you know they’re against you.”
Rep. Raymond Jetson, D-Baton Rouge
The price of a newspaper (The Advocate) in 1972 was 10 cents, and it’s 50 cents today. That’s a 500 percent increase, which we readily pay and are glad to get, because sometimes they get something right.
Rep. John Alario, D-Westwego
“If we pass this bill, we will become not a democracy, but a hypocrisy.”
Sen. Ken Hollis, R-Metairie, on a bill to repeal gambling
“They’ve even got little young ladies running around in short skirts trying to lobby the bill.”
Gov. Mike Foster on trial lawyer lobbyists
“I have trouble passing a good bill. You know I’d have trouble with this thing.”
Rep. Charlie DeWitt, D-Lecompte, on raising the driving age
“I’d be happy to answer any questions.”
Rep. Jack Smith, D-Patterson
“How much does it cost?”
Rep. Sherman Copelin, D-New Orleans
“Except that one.”
Rep. Smith
—From the July 8, 1997, issue of Business Report
ILLUSTRATION: iSTOCK 3718359
+ ALSO FROM THAT ISSUE …
ROARING INTO TOWN: Counting on a new model selling well, Paretti Imports of Metairie is opening a Jaguar dealership in Baton Rouge. Paretti Jaguar of Baton Rouge will be the company’s second dealership in Louisiana to sell the sporty British icons. Paretti also has a Pontiac dealership in the New Orleans market.
BREC AND TAXES: What the East Baton Rouge Parish Recreation and Park Commission is asking for in a July 19 election is approval of two separate property taxes. One ballot question is whether to renew a 3.96-mill property tax for 10 years that would raise about $5.5 million per year. The second ballot question seeks passage of a new 2-mill property tax for 10 years to pay for operations. The revenue would pay to run the proposed recreation centers and other facilities that BREC is building under a 10-year capital improvements property tax.
