DOCSLIB.ORG

Jim Harris NOVEMBER 3 PRIMARY ELECTIONS…

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Jim Harris NOVEMBER 3 PRIMARY ELECTIONS… Wednesday, November 4, 2020 FROM: Jim Harris NOVEMBER 3 PRIMARY ELECTIONS…While the seat of the U.S. presidency remains contested, Louisiana also saw an eventful election night. Elections for state and legislative officials occur in “off years,” but there were contests for congressmen, one U.S. senator, judges and several other positions last night. Overall voter turnout in the state neared 70 percent. U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, handily won reelection with 59 percent of the vote. Of his 14 opponents, the next highest was Democratic Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins, who took 19 percent. Each had the backing of their respective national parties. All sitting congressmen were easily reelected: 1st District U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise, R-Metairie (72 percent); 2nd District U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-New Orleans (64 percent); 3rd District U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins, R-Lafayette (68 percent); 4th District U.S. Rep. Mike 521 LAUREL STREET BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA 70801 1.800.545.3404 225.344.0381 FAX 225.336.0211 Johnson, R-Shreveport (60 percent); and 6th District U.S. Rep. Garret Graves, R-Baton Rouge (71 percent). All had multiple opponents. In the 5th Congressional District vacated by U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham, R-Alto, who did not seek reelection after a failed attempt at the governor’s seat, there will be a runoff on December 5, as predicted. The candidates remain Luke Letlow, R-Start, who served as Abraham’s chief of staff and campaign advisor, and state Rep. Lance Harris, R-Alexandria, former head of the House Republican Delegation. They got 33 and 17 percent of the vote, respectively. A close third-place finisher was Democratic political newbie Candi Christophe, who trailed Harris by fewer than 500 votes. However, her name appeared first on the ballot, and she was the first Democrat listed. There were two Louisiana Supreme Court seats up for grabs. As anticipated, 2nd Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Jay McCallum, R- Farmerville, bested 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal Shannon Gremillion, R-Alexandria with 57 percent of the vote. McCallum was supported by the business community as well as many local officials in his district. In the 7th District, Chief Justice Bernette Johnson, D-New Orleans, was unable to seek reelection due to age restrictions. There will be a runoff between Judge Piper Griffin (44 percent) and Judge Terri Love (32 percent). Both serve on the 4th Circuit Court of Appeal and are Democrats from New Orleans. Five of the seven proposed constitutional amendments passed. All enacting legislation can be found at the included links: • CA No. 1 (HB 425 by Rep. Katrina Jackson, D-Monroe) prohibits the right to abortion and the funding of abortion (62 percent approval). • CA No. 2 (HB 360 by. Rep. Mike Huval, R-Breaux Bridge) allows the presence or production of an oil or gas well to be Page 2 of 23 included in the methodology for determining fair market value of an oil or gas well. Currently, wells are subject to ad valorem property tax based on the well’s fair market value. Severance taxes are also assessed on certain natural resources. The presence of oil, gas or sulfur is not allowed in the assessment of land value. This amendment allows the presence or production of oil or gas to be included in determining fair market value (58 percent approval). • CA No. 3 (HB 267 by Rep. Gary Carter, D-New Orleans) allows deposit into the Rainy Day Fund the same amount of federal money given for reimbursement of costs associated with a disaster and allows the Legislature to appropriate a third of the fund during a disaster by written ballot (55 percent approval). • Proposed CA No. 4 (HB 464 by Rep. Beau Beaullieu, R-New Iberia) would have allowed the state’s expenditure limit to grow by no more than 5 percent annually in an effort to stabilize the funding formula (FAILED with 44 percent). • Proposed CA No. 5 (SB 272 by Sen. Mark Abraham, R-Lake Charles) would have allowed for cooperative endeavor agreements between local governments and manufacturing facilities for new facilities or additions to allow for payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for ad valorem taxes (FAILED with 37 percent). • CA No. 6 (HB 525 by Rep. Stephanie Hilferty, R-Metairie) increases from $50,000 to $100,000 the income qualification for special assessment for the homestead exemption (62 percent approval). • CA No. 7 (SB 12 by Sen. Mike Fesi, R-Houma) creates the Louisiana Unclaimed Property Payment Trust Fund. This is an attempt to address concerns from Treasurer John Schroder that the state uses unclaimed property funds in the state general fund to shore up the state budget (64 percent approval). Page 3 of 23 There was a proposition in all 64 parishes to allow sports betting in any parish where voters approve it. This was not a constitutional amendment. Sports wagering is currently prohibited in the state, except for online fantasy sports in 47 parishes that approved it in 2018. Parishes that approved sports wagering will likely see activity in 2022, after the state Gaming Control Board develops rules and regulations for the industry and licensing process. The proposition passed in 55 parishes — all but Caldwell, Catahoula, Franklin, Jackson, Lasalle, Union, Sabine, West Carroll and Winn parishes. The Louisiana Public Service Commission, which has staggered terms, had two seats up for reelection. In District 1, incumbent Commissioner Eric Skrmetta, R-Metairie, had six opponents and will face Allen Borne, D-New Orleans, in a runoff. Borne was the first Democrat on the ballot; he previously mounted an unsuccessful campaign for state Senate. Skrmetta ran first with 33 percent and Borne took 25 percent of the vote. Former state Rep. Kevin Pearson, R-Slidell, came in third. In District 5, incumbent Commissioner Foster Campbell, D-Bossier City, who has served on the PSC since 2003, previously served in the state Senate for 26 years and won reelection with 53 percent of the vote. Though the Legislature did not have elections this year, there will be an upcoming contest — yet to be scheduled — to fill a seat. Rep. Stephen Dwight, R-Lake Charles, won the race for district attorney in Calcasieu Parish with 68 percent of the vote, setting up a vacancy in the critical chairmanship of the House Committee on Governmental Affairs, which will oversee reapportionment next year. Rep. Joe Marino, I-Gretna, will continue to serve in the House, after failing to make the runoff in a Jefferson Parish judge race, trailing behind the Democratic and Republican candidates in a large turnout election. The other legislator running for another office, Rep. Lance Harris, as mentioned above, is in the runoff for Congress, but will be able to retain his legislative seat if he loses. Page 4 of 23 As anticipated, Republican President Donald Trump won Louisiana, garnering 58 percent of the vote in the state. The race remains uncalled, as state results, including early and absentee, remain to be tallied. THE COST IS HORRIFIC…Insurance industry analysts estimate storm damage from Hurricane Zeta in Louisiana could cost between $1.7 billion and $2.8 billion in repairs. Analytics business CoreLogic estimated that when storm damage in Mississippi and Alabama are factored in, Hurricane Zeta caused $3.5 billion in destruction. That includes both residential and commercial losses for wind and storm surge but does not include any losses reported to the National Flood Insurance Program for homeowners. Hurricane Zeta was the fifth named storm to make landfall and broke the record for the number of named storms during one season dating back to 2002. Hurricane Zeta made landfall near Cocodrie in Terrebonne Parish before barreling through New Orleans last week as a Category 2 hurricane with wind gusts up to 110 miles per hour, which is just shy of a Category 3 hurricane. Zeta was the third hurricane to make landfall in Louisiana after Laura and Delta hit near Lake Charles several weeks ago. Hurricane Laura brought between $8 billion and $12 billion in damages, while Hurricane Delta was estimated to cause between $700 million and $1.2 billion in damages. SHELL DOWNSIZING…As part of its plans to reduce its refinery portfolio over the next five years, Shell will retain its facility in Norco, but the fate of its refinery in Convent remains unknown. The facility is up for sale but there are strong rumors that it will close if no buyers are found. Shell announced plans last week to shrink to six sites from 14 by 2025, Independent Commodity Intelligence Services, or ICIS, reports. See enclosure. Page 5 of 23 On another subject, Rhoman Hardy, Shell V.P. for the Gulf Coast and General Manager at Shell’s Geismar facility in Ascension Parish, was profiled in the 10/12 Industry Report. He offers some great advice about improving plant operations. See enclosure. ITEP…It seems just about every new filing for the state’s Industrial Property Tax Exemption Program is now getting noticed in the news media. The latest is in the Greater Baton Rouge Business Report. It is about three smaller projects in Iberville and West Baton Rouge Parishes planned by Shintech. See enclosure. WEYERHAEUSER MODERNIZES…Forest products manufacturer Weyerhaeuser expects to invest $16.1 million at its Natchitoches sawmill for equipment upgrades to modernize the facility. The Seattle-based timberland business already has 200 employees in Louisiana at the 250,000-square-foot sawmill and expects to hire 20 more people in the coming years. The modernization work is expected to begin in 2021 and continue for three more years.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Apr 04, Day 15
    Emerson Leger Wright OFFICIAL JOURNAL Falconer Leopold Zeringue Total - 102 OF THE The Speaker announced that there were 102 members present HOUSE OF and a quorum. REPRESENTATIVES Prayer OF THE Prayer was offered by Pastor Lenford Whitaker, II, of Pentecostals of Crowley. STATE OF LOUISIANA Pledge of Allegiance Rep. Shadoin led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. FIFTEENTH DAY'S PROCEEDINGS Reading of the Journal Forty-fourth Regular Session of the Legislature On motion of Rep. White, the reading of the Journal was Under the Adoption of the dispensed with. Constitution of 1974 On motion of Rep. White, the Journal of April 3, 2018, was adopted. House of Representatives Petitions, Memorials, and State Capitol Communications Baton Rouge, Louisiana The following petitions, memorials, and communications were received and read: Wednesday, April 4, 2018 The House of Representatives was called to order at 2:48 P.M., Message from the Senate by the Honorable Taylor Barras, Speaker of the House of Representatives. ASKING CONCURRENCE IN SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTIONS Morning Hour April 4, 2018 ROLL CALL To the Honorable Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives: The roll being called, the following members answered to their names: I am directed to inform your honorable body that the Senate has adopted and asks your concurrence in the following Senate PRESENT Concurrent Resolutions: Mr. Speaker Foil Lyons Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 6 Abraham Franklin Mack Abramson Garofalo Magee Respectfully submitted, Amedee Gisclair Marcelle Anders Glover Marino GLENN A. KOEPP Armes Guinn McFarland Secretary of the Senate Bacala Hall Miguez Bagley Harris, J.
    [Show full text]
  • SLS 15RS-590 ORIGINAL 2015 Regular Session SENATE
    SLS 15RS-590 ORIGINAL 2015 Regular Session SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 175 BY SENATOR ALARIO COMMENDATIONS. Commends Senator Robert Adley for his years of distinguished public service. 1 A RESOLUTION 2 To commend the Honorable Robert Roy Adley for his years as a statesman of the highest 3 caliber, for his excellent participation in the affairs of state and local government, 4 and his military service to his country. 5 WHEREAS, it is indeed appropriate to congratulate Senator Robert Adley for his 6 contributions made on behalf of constituents in the northwest parishes and for the betterment 7 of the state of Louisiana as a whole, particularly his commitment as a distinguished member 8 of the Louisiana State Senate representing District No. 36 and the Louisiana House of 9 Representatives representing District No. 8 for a total of twenty-nine years of exemplary 10 legislative service; and 11 WHEREAS, Robert Adley, a businessman in natural gas management, was first 12 engaged in political life with elections to the Bossier Parish Recreation Board, the Bossier 13 City Civil Service Board, and the Bossier City Council; and 14 WHEREAS, in 1979, when Robert Adley won election to House of Representatives 15 District No. 8, to represent Bossier Parish, his father shared a bit of sage advice, "When you 16 get to Baton Rouge, the only thing you take is my good name. Be sure to bring it home"; and 17 WHEREAS, Senator Adley has honored his father's wishes and sustained a legacy 18 of conservatism and fiscal reform that reflects those independent characteristics he inherited; Page 1 of 4 SLS 15RS-590 ORIGINAL SR NO.
    [Show full text]
  • Candidate's Report
    CANDIDATE’S REPORT (to be filed by a candidate or his principal campaign committee) 1.Qualifying Name and Address of Candidate 2. Office Sought (Include title of office as OFFICE USE ONLY well JOHN BEL EDWARDS Report Number: 96534 Governor 125 East Pine Street LA Date Filed: 2/17/2021 Ponchatoula, LA 70454 0 Report Includes Schedules: Schedule A-1 Schedule A-3 Schedule E-1 Schedule E-2 3. Date of Primary 10/12/2019 This report covers from 12/17/2019 through 12/31/2020 4. Type of Report: 180th day prior to primary 40th day after general 90th day prior to primary Annual (future election) X 30th day prior to primary Supplemental (past election) 10th day prior to primary 10th day prior to general Amendment to prior report 5. FINAL REPORT if: Withdrawn Filed after the election AND all loans and debts paid Unopposed 6. Name and Address of Financial Institution 7. Full Name and Address of Treasurer (You are required by law to use one or more ANDREW M EDWARDS II banks, savings and loan associations, or money 125 E Pine Street market mutual fund as the depository of all Ponchatoula, LA 70454 FIRST GUARANTY BANK PO Box 2009 Hammond, LA 70404 9. Name of Person Preparing Report VERNON E. DAWSON, JR. Daytime Telephone (225) 239-7040 10. WE HEREBY CERTIFY that the information contained in this report and the attached 8. FOR PRINCIPAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEES ONLY schedules is true and correct to the best of our knowledge, information and belief, and that no a. Name and address of principal campaign committee, expenditures have been made nor contributions received that have not been reported herein, committee’s chairperson, and subsidiary committees, if and that no information required to be reported by the Louisiana Campaign Finance Disclosure any (use additional sheets if necessary).
    [Show full text]
  • Pickleball a GREAT SPORT with a CRAZY NAME Live Here And
    April 2019 “Celebrating Age and Maturity” Pickleball A GREAT SPORT WITH A CRAZY NAME Live Here and It! The Choice is Yours! Senior adults today lead a more active lifestyle than generations before. This unretirement living means they want more choices and more time to do what they want. The Oaks of Louisiana is a maintenance-free community filled with options from which to choose – floor plans, dining, state-of-the-art wellness center and heated indoor pool, lifelong learning classes, spiritual life programs, clubs … we could go on and on. With apartments starting at an affordable $1,563 a month, the choice is not where to move but when! Enjoy the advantages of an independent lifestyle in a safe, secure environment Enjoy the freedom from household chores and expenses Make a move while you can enjoy all that an Oaks lifestyle has to offer Take charge of the decision and make a move on your terms Live here and love it! 600 East Flournoy Lucas Road • (318) 212-OAKS (6257) • oaksofla.com • Leasing Office open 9 to 5 weekdays. After-hours/weekend tours by appointment. 2 April 2019 www.TheBestOfTimesNEWS.com Inside this Issue Briefs 6 Stat! Medical News & Info 22 Our Favorite 5 28 Shreveport Then & Now 25 36 Odds & Ends Features Advice 25 Pickleball: A Great Sport with a Crazy Name by Kathleen Ward 8 Laws of the Land The Devil Stole My Job 32 7 Reasons You Don’t Sleep Like a Baby by Lee Aronson by Suzy Cohen 34 Recapture Treasured Memories 10 Eat Well Live Well Substituting Ingredients from the Silver Screen for Good Health by Victor Block by
    [Show full text]
  • ACTION ALERT Contact the House Ways and Means Committee to Avoid Elimination of Waivers and Other Programs
    ACTION ALERT Contact the House Ways and Means Committee to Avoid Elimination of Waivers and Other Programs The legislature is expected to meet in Special Session beginning on February 14, 2016 to address the budget shortfall for this fiscal year and next. On January 27th the Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) announced that $131 million in cuts would be implemented if the Legislature failed to find additional revenues to address this year's anticipated shortfall. Two options to address the budget shortfall were included in the press release, one of which eliminates: All waiver services for people with developmental disabilities impacting 11,678 current recipients (NOW, Children's Choice, Supports Waiver, ROW) All waiver services for seniors and people with adult-onset disabilities impacting 6,481 current recipients (Community Choices and Adult Day Health Care) Medicaid Long Term Personal Care Services impacting 17,300 current recipients Intermediate Care Facilities for People with Developmental Disabilities impacting 4,914 current residents Other optional Medicaid programs such as Hospice, Hemodialysis, Pediatric Day Health Care, and the "medically necessary override" provision to the adult pharmacy prescription limit. Both options include a reduction in the payments to Bayou Health insurers. All state revenue matters are heard in the House Ways and Means Committee. If these DHH services are important to you, now is the time to let committee members know. And if you have not already done so, contact your state representative and senator as well. Take Action Today! Contact the Chairmen and Committee Members from Your Region. Not sure of your region? Click here for a map.
    [Show full text]
  • The Church Point NEWS
    The Church Point 87th Year No. 34 Wednesday, AugustNEWS 19, 2020 $1 Acadia St. Landry Hospital Booster Club Auction postponed, Service District millage passes Prize a Palooza suspended Staff Report has given us many obstacles By: Claudette Olivier It's a new day at Acadia St. so far. Beginning in March, Editor Landry Hospital." The annual Church Point when stay at home orders Walters and several of the High Athletic Booster Club were given to now, when fac- On Saturday, voters in the hospital's board members, auction, hosted each year ulty and students go back Acadia St. Landry Hospital a few physicians, area po- on Labor Day weekend, has into uncertainty, academic Service District approved the lice jurors and Church Point been postponed until Janu- and athletic life has had its millage that will be used to city council members were ary 16-17, 2020. share of trials. fund a planned new hospital together when the voting re- The Prize a Palooza event, One of the highlights of facility in Church Point. sults were announced. also hosted each fall, has Fall and going back to school Alvin John ASLH CEO Cindy Walters "Everyone's minds are now been suspended. is football, and all the events said, "We are very excited. on design, and everyone's got The Board of the Church that take place with it. Our Johnson Booster Club Auction has Now the real work begins. comments on what the new Point High Athletic Booster been a part of Labor Day This (the election) was just Club issued the following hospital will look like," Wal- Weekend for many, many one hurdle (in the process), statement about the events: ters added, laughing.
    [Show full text]
  • Louisiana Legislative Women's Caucus Foundation
    Louisiana Legislative Women’s Caucus 2016 Election of Officers January 12, 2016 CHAIR VACANT During this past legislative session, the Women's Caucus voted to postpone SENATE VICE CHAIR their elections until after the 2016 Organizational Legislative Session. All Sen. Yvonne Dorsey-Colomb seats are open for nominations. Baton Rouge, District 14 HOUSE VICE CHAIR VACANT This will be a shortened term of office, which will last from February 8, 2016 to June 30, 2016, unless the membership votes to extend the term to June 30, IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Sen. Karen Carter Peterson 2017. (Note: As required under Article 14, Section 1 of the Women’s New Orleans, District 5 Caucus’ Bylaws, elections shall be held at a general membership meeting SECRETARY within the last month of the regular legislative session. After this election, the Rep. Katrina Jackson Monroe, District 16 next scheduled election will be the Women's Caucus general election in the TREASURER last month of the 2016 Regular Session for the 2016-2017 term, which will run VACANT from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017. PARLIAMENTARIAN Rep. Nancy Landry Lafayette, District 31 The interim chair until elections are held on February 5, 2016 is the Senate Vice-Chair of the Women's Caucus, Sen. Yvonne Dorsey-Colomb. According MEMBER AT LARGE Rep. Barbara Norton to the bylaws Article 5, Section 1, “In the absence of the Chairperson who is a Shreveport, District 3 member of the House, the Senate Vice-Chairperson, shall exercise the power SENATORS and carry out the responsibilities of the chairperson.” Regina Ashford Barrow Baton Rouge, District 15 Sharon Hewitt Nominations for the Women’s Caucus’ election of officers are to be received Slidell, District 1 no later than Wednesday, January 20, 2016 by 12:00 p.m.
    [Show full text]
  • House of Representatives Follows: State Capitol Baton Rouge, Louisiana Suspension of the Rules
    The Speaker announced that there were 95 members present and OFFICIAL JOURNAL a quorum. OF THE Prayer HOUSE OF Prayer was offered by Rep. Wright. REPRESENTATIVES Pledge of Allegiance OF THE Rep. Robert Owen led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. STATE OF LOUISIANA Reading of the Journal On motion of Rep. Zeringue, the reading of the Journal was TWENTY-THIRD DAY'S PROCEEDINGS dispensed with. On motion of Rep. Zeringue, the Journal of May 29, 2020, was adopted. Forty-sixth Regular Session of the Legislature Under the Adoption of the House and House Concurrent Resolutions on Constitution of 1974 Third Reading for Final Consideration The following House and House Concurrent Resolutions on third reading for final consideration were taken up and acted upon as House of Representatives follows: State Capitol Baton Rouge, Louisiana Suspension of the Rules Sunday, May 31, 2020 Rep. Jones moved to suspend the rules to take House Concurrent Resolution No. 97 out of is regular order at this time, which motion The House of Representatives was called to order at 4:08 P.M., was agreed to. by the Honorable Clay Schexnayder, Speaker of the House of Representatives. HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 97— BY REPRESENTATIVE JONES A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION Morning Hour To urge and request Louisiana Economic Development to provide certain information relative to loans and grants distributed ROLL CALL utilizing federal funding related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, commonly known as the CARES The roll being called, the following members answered to their Act, P.L.
    [Show full text]
  • Senate Journal 06211999
    OFFICIAL JOURNAL Bagneris Rule OF THE Senator Bean moved to suspend the rules to pass over controversial Senate and House Conference Committee Reports temporarily with the SENATE intention of taking them up later, in their regular order. OF THE STATE OF LOUISIANA Without objection, so ordered. _______ Introduction of FIFTY-FIRST DAY'S PROCEEDINGS _______ Senate Concurrent Resolutions Twenty-Fifth Regular Session of the Legislature Under the Adoption of the Senator Bean asked for and obtained a suspension of the rules for Constitution of 1974 the purpose of introducing and reading the following Senate Concurrent _______ Resolutions a first and second time and acting upon them as follows: Senate Chamber SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 171— State Capitol BY SENATOR EWING Baton Rouge, Louisiana A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION Monday, June 21, 1999 To urge and request the Senate Committee on Judiciary C and the House Committee on the Administration of Criminal Justice to The Senate was called to order at 8:00 o'clock A.M., by Hon. function as a joint committee to study the dissemination of Randy Ewing, President of the Senate. materials harmful to minors by electronic mail, Internet, or commercial on-line services. ROLL CALL The resolution was read by title. Senator Ewing moved to adopt the Senate Concurrent Resolution. The roll being called, the following members answered to their names: ROLL CALL PRESENT The roll was called with the following result: Mr. President Dyess Lambert Bajoie Ellington Landry YEAS Barham Fields C Lentini Bean Fields W
    [Show full text]
  • Jim Harris NOVEMBER 3 PRIMARY ELECTIONS…
    Wednesday, November 4, 2020 FROM: Jim Harris NOVEMBER 3 PRIMARY ELECTIONS…While the seat of the U.S. presidency remains contested, Louisiana also saw an eventful election night. Elections for state and legislative officials occur in “off years,” but there were contests for congressmen, one U.S. senator, judges and several other positions last night. Overall voter turnout in the state neared 70 percent. U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, handily won reelection with 59 percent of the vote. Of his 14 opponents, the next highest was Democratic Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins, who took 19 percent. Each had the backing of their respective national parties. All sitting congressmen were easily reelected: 1st District U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise, R-Metairie (72 percent); 2nd District U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-New Orleans (64 percent); 3rd District U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins, R-Lafayette (68 percent); 4th District U.S. Rep. Mike 521 LAUREL STREET BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA 70801 1.800.545.3404 225.344.0381 FAX 225.336.0211 Johnson, R-Shreveport (60 percent); and 6th District U.S. Rep. Garret Graves, R-Baton Rouge (71 percent). All had multiple opponents. In the 5th Congressional District vacated by U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham, R-Alto, who did not seek reelection after a failed attempt at the governor’s seat, there will be a runoff on December 5, as predicted. The candidates remain Luke Letlow, R-Start, who served as Abraham’s chief of staff and campaign advisor, and state Rep. Lance Harris, R-Alexandria, former head of the House Republican Delegation.
    [Show full text]
  • House Committee on Commerce Minutes of Meeting 2018 Regular
    House Committee on Commerce Minutes of Meeting 2018 Regular Session April 16, 2018 I. CALL TO ORDER Representative Thomas G. Carmody, Jr., chairman of the House Committee on Commerce, called the meeting to order at 10:02 a.m. in Room 1, in the state capitol in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. II. ROLL CALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Representative Thomas G. Carmody, Jr., chairman Representative John F. "Andy" Anders Representative Chad Brown Representative Patrick Connick Representative Jean-Paul P. Coussan Representative Cedric B. Glover Representative Stephanie Hilferty Representative Paul Hollis, vice chairman Representative Patrick O. Jefferson Representative Edmond Jordan Representative Rodney Lyons Representative J. Kevin Pearson Representative Stephen E. Pugh Representative H. Eugene Reynolds Representative Robert E. Shadoin Representative Polly Thomas MEMBERS ABSENT: Representative Kenny R. Cox Representative Christopher J. Leopold STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Rashida Keith, attorney Halie Guidry, legislative analyst Sandy Painting, secretary Page 1 Commerce April 16, 2018 ADDITIONAL ATTENDEES PRESENT: Beverly Vincent, sergeant at arms Myrtis Jarrell, sergeant at arms III. DISCUSSION OF LEGISLATION House Bill No. 843 by Representative Bagneris Representative Carmody offered a motion to voluntarily defer action on House Bill No. 843 , which increases limitations on fees relative to the Louisiana State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors. Without objection, action on House Bill No. 843 was voluntarily deferred by a vote of 10 yeas and 0 nays. Representatives Carmody, Chad Brown, Connick, Coussan, Hilferty, Hollis, Jefferson, Jordan, Pugh, and Thomas voted yea. Senate Bill No. 412 by Senator White Representative Carmody offered a motion to voluntarily defer action on Senate Bill No. 412 , which adds "employee" to those individuals authorized to keep a register of motor vehicle sales in salvage pools.
    [Show full text]
  • Oppose Constitutional Convention Q4: Repeal GPO/WEP Q5
    LEGISLATORS RESPONSES TO THE LRTA SURVEY The Louisiana Retired Teachers Association surveyed political candidates during the 2019 election cycles. The Association asked the candidates the following questions: 1. LRTA opposes any legislation that would alter the defined benefit structure of the Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL). During previous legislative sessions, several bills were created to switch the current defined benefit plan provided by TRSL to a hybrid plan. LRTA continues to oppose these bills, such as SB 14 (2018) and HB 28 (2019). If similar bills appeared in future legislative sessions, would you oppose or veto these bills? 2. LRTA supports Permanent Benefit Increases (PBIs) when the criteria to grant one is met. TRSL benefit recipients have not received a PBI since 2016. Would you support legislation to grant a PBI should TRSL meet the criteria to grant one? 3. LRTA opposes constitutional conventions that would remove budgetary protections for education and retirement. If constitutional convention is proposed in a future legislative session, would you oppose or veto these bills? 4. LRTA supports the repeal of the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). The GPO and the WEP are Social Security federal provisions that reduce retired public employee’s individual Social Security and survivor benefits. Retired teachers in Louisiana are subject to the GPO and WEP. Given the opportunity, would you support the repeal of the GPO and WEP? 5. LRTA supports teacher and support staff pay raises and adequately funding education through the Minimum Foundation Program (MFP). Do you support teacher pay raises and adequately funding education through the MFP? GOVERNOR Q1: Oppose Q2: Support Q3: Oppose Constitutional Q4: Repeal Q5: Support Name Hybrid Plans PBIs Convention GPO/WEP Education Gov.
    [Show full text]