FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 10, 2000
CONTACT: BRENDA HODGE
PUBLIC INFORMATION PHONE: 225-342-9737

READY TO TAKE ON NEW RESPONSIBILITIES
IN LEADERSHIP POST

District 18 State Senator Louis Lambert (D-Prairieville) officially took the oath of office as Louisiana Senate President Pro Tempore, the number two leadership post in the State Senate. As family and friends looked on, newly elected Senate President John Hainkel (R-New Orleans) administered the oath to Senator Lambert who returned to public service in the State Senate in 1994 having previously served in the Senate in the 1970's. Lambert's fellow Senators overwhelmingly chose him to help lead the 2000-2004 State Senate as Louisiana moves into the next millennium.

"This is indeed a great honor. I'm very excited to be a member of the Senate at this time. It is an historical moment for those of us who have the opportunity to serve," Senator Lambert said. "A lot will be expected of us in the coming months, but I believe we in the Senate have the wherewithal and the commitment to accomplish the job."

Traditionally, the Senate President Pro-Tempore works with the Senate President and other legislative leaders to try build a consensus among legislators to reach agreement on how to tackle problems facing the state. That role will be particularly important this term as the state faces a less than rosy state budget picture and Governor Foster is trying to find the money to give classroom teachers and college faculty pay raises. It is a challenge however Senate President Pro Tempore Louis Lambert is ready to accept.

"Hopefully I can build some bridges and can do some things in support of the Senate President and in support of the administration to help us accomplish our agenda. It is going to require a lot of work. It's going to require a lot of effort. It's going to be quite a challenge, but I think we can do it," Senator Lambert said.

Besides the traditional duties of the Senate President Pro Tempore, Senator Lambert expects Senate President Hainkel to assign him additional responsibilities relating to the operations of the Senate. Over the past four years, the Senate has had an on-going effort to make sure the Senate is operating professionally and efficiently and is actively encouraging citizens to get involved in their state government.

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Senator Lambert brings a wide range of personal and professional experiences to his leadership post. Besides serving in the State Senate in two different decades, the 59 year old practicing attorney also served the needs of citizens on the Public Service Commission for over 10 years.

In every post, Senator Lambert has earned the respect of his colleagues and his constituents for his tireless efforts in fighting for the Senate District 18 area which includes all of Ascension and St. James Parishes as well as parts of Assumption, Livingston and St. John the Baptist Parishes. He has successfully pushed for the creation of the River Parishes Community College which is now educating students and training citizens for jobs; worked for the development of a cancer screening center which should open in the coming months; supported education reforms and pushed for infrastructure improvements in the area.

Senator Lambert and wife Mary have three children and one grandson.