It’s said one of the most dangerous times Louisiana faces is when the Legislature is in session. Not this time. The 2001 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature managed several accomplishments for the citizens of the state, from personal safety to entertainment, and passed a whopping $15.3 billion budget, amidst the accustomed controversy. Gov. Foster’s agenda sailed through, including a pay raise for teachers, beefed-up school accountability, millions for higher education, more alternatives to prison for non-violent offenders and first steps toward drafting a statewide water-use policy. Foster looks to an overhaul of the state’s tax system, using the term, “revenue-neutral” to mean tax changes which would not raise more revenue. The budget passage this session was a welcome change from the 2000 session, which adjourned without an approved budget, which forced Foster to call a special session to settle it. This time, lawmakers completed work three hours ahead of schedule. Even with finishing ahead of schedule, last-minute budget changes included an extra $800,000 as a federal match toward addressing a nursing shortage, $25,000 toward fundingd a New Orleans golf tournament, receiving $2.4 million in federal funds toward Youth Challenge and providing $160,000 for a study of the Chicot Aquifer. Foster didn’t achieve all he set out to do; his submitted budget included eliminating 2,700 state jobs, what came out was a net cut of 200-300 jobs by one estimate and 600-700 jobs by another. Other key decisions included legislation to allow the state to substitute generic drugs for brand-names in the Medicaid program, a reduction from .10 to .08 in the blood-alcohol level required for a DWI conviction, reorganization of the state Department of Economic Development, merging of the Elections Commissioner office with the Secretary of State’s office and a bill authorizing the sale of naming rights of the Louisiana Superdome. In the generic-drugs bill, River Parishes legislators across the board supported the measure, as well as the toughening of the DWI law (though Faucheux did not vote on the latter). One lobbying group failed to get what they wanted – school support workers, including cafeteria workers, bus drivers and other support workers. They pushed to be included in the teacher pay raise, but lawmakers instead awarded a one-time $300 bonus. A plan to allow slot machines at the New Orleans Fair Grounds failed, as did a bill making it illegal for vehicular passengers to have open containers of alcoholic drinks, and also proposals to ban job discrimination based on sexual orientation. Curiously, a bill was approved mandating children to wear helmets while bicycle riding. At the same time, many motorcycle riders may still ride without a helmet. However, much good was accomplished with a minimum of fuss and the upcoming October special session can concentrate on the federally-mandated reapportionment of legislative districts. Stay tuned.

L’Observateur