News

Key legislative seats still unfilled

by Jeremy Alford, LaPolitics

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As the year winds down, three important positions in the House are vacant, including a chairmanship and seats on the budget-writing and education committees.

Rep. Herbert Dixon, D-Alexandria, resigned from House District 26 earlier this month, leaving the gavel for the House Labor and Industrial Relations Committee up for grabs. Currently, Rep. Chris Broadwater, R-Hammond is the vice chairman.

The recent resignation of Rep. Simone Champagne, R-Erath, also left vacancies open on the House Appropriations Committee and the House Education Committee.

House Speaker Chuck Kleckley, R-Lake Charles, said he’s close to selecting someone for the Appropriations Committee, which is the first panel to get its hands on the budget.

“Appropriations isn’t as coveted as it used to be with all of the problems with the budget, but several lawmakers are very interested and have contacted me,” said the speaker, adding he’ll consult with Appropriations Chair Jim Fannin, R-Jonesboro, on the appointment.

With full budget hearings beginning as early as March, Kleckley said he’ll make his appointment sometime in early January. The new chairmanship of the House Labor and Industrial Relations Committee should be decided sooner than later as well.

As for the seat on the House Education Committee, Kleckley said he’ll likely wait until the Feb. 21 special legislative elections are decided in House Districts 8, 26, 49 and 66. You can learn more about those races here: http://lapolitics.com/2015-legislative-races/.