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In the latest episode of the “LaPolitics Report Podcast” (Spotify/Apple), Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Will Green said that “things are moving fast” at the Capitol. That’s a clear signal legislative leaders want to get an early start on high-profile bills so there can be a greater focus on tax and budget issues as the regular session approaches summer.
“This is about my 15th year now,” Green said during the podcast. “Used to be the first week you got your committee assignments, bills were read in and we used to kind of joke it was sort of like syllabus week back in school. But that is no more.” Green continued, “The Legislature, they hit the ground running, and there is already some really incredibly important bills that have already made their way out of the House committees.” Specifically, there are bills related to LABI’s two top session priorities, insurance reform and realigning the Department of Transportation and Development, that have already moved out of their respective committees. Green said those instruments “could be heard on the House floor [next week].” Listen to the full interview now on Spotify and Apple.
—THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT: In a recent interview with Louisiana Municipal Review, Senate Secretary Yolanda Dixon reminded local officials that there is an updated app to help them follow the ongoing regular session. It’s also a good reminder for everyone else. “For the public, and in addition to the legislative website, the Legislature recently launched the LaLEGE mobile app, and it has been a technology win for access and transparency,” Dixon said. “The app allows anyone to watch legislative hearings live, no matter where they are in the world. It also allows individuals to find contact information for their legislator and search for bills. The app is available for download in the Apple Store or Google Play.”
—HIRED: Ochsner’s Government Relations Team recently welcomed Hannah Fontenot as director of government relations for Louisiana. Fontenot most recently served as the Senate legislative liaison for Gov. Jeff Landry. Before joining the Governor’s Office, Fontenot was the political coordinator at the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry.
—THEY SAID IT: “It’s not often I get to come up here to testify against a bill that the governor likes, it’s part of the governor’s package, the commissioner of insurance’s package, and the chairman is carrying. I like my chances.” –Lobbyist Kevin Cunningham before testifying against House Bill 438 in the House Insurance Committee
