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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE STATE SENATE BEGINS WORK OF 2003 REGULAR SESSION OFFICIALLY SEATS ADLEY AS NEW DISTRICT 36 SENATOR Members of the Louisiana State Senate began the work of the 2003 Regular Session of the State Legislature at noon Monday, March 31, 2003. At this general session where any matter except certain tax measures can be considered, lawmakers face important decisions about the best use of taxpayers' dollars and the next step for important on-going reforms in education, economic development, coastal restoration, health care and criminal justice. "The state of Louisiana is suffering from some budgetary problems as are all of our sister states and most other states across the nation. It is clear efforts to develop an acceptable budget will occupy much of our time and will require cooperative efforts to address," Senate President John Hainkel said. "We will have to make some cuts, trying to equitably divide the monies we have. Social services and education will be hard pressed." Senate President Hainkel notes there will also be considerable discussion about the various school voucher measures as well as proposed changes in the way we deal with "failing" schools to give students attending those schools a better chance to get a decent education. Reforms in the state's juvenile justice system developed by the work of the Juvenile Justice Commission and its advisory committee over the last year are expected to prompt considerable debate. And, efforts relating to the restoration of Louisiana's coastline and wetlands are scheduled to be one of the first matters considered in Senate committee as the regular session gets underway. As part of the first day of business, newly elected State Senator Robert Adley (D-Benton) officially took his seat as the senator representing Senate District 36 which includes Bienville and Webster Parishes as well as parts of Bossier and Claiborne Parishes. With wife Claudia by his side and a group of family and friends watching, Senator Adley took the oath of office from Senate President Hainkel, who previously served with Senator Adley in the Louisiana House of Representatives. "By the grace of God, it's great to be here," Senator Adley said. "The issues this session are jobs, affordable health care and education and I look forward to working with my fellow legislators on these key issues. It is time to bring something home for North Louisiana." State Senator Adley comes to the State Senate after winning a special election earlier this year to fill the seat vacated by Foster Campbell who left the legislature to take a seat on the Public Service Commission. The 55 year old Adley previously served in the Louisiana House of Representatives where he chaired the House Appropriations Committee. He also once served as a Bossier City councilman. Before the opening of the regular session, state senators pre-filed 987 bills. Each member can file an additional five bills once the session begins. Once again, citizens can read and print the bills and other legislative measures as well check on committee schedules and agendas via the Internet at http://senate.la.gov. A new feature on the Senate web site is the Senate Mobile Web, specially designed to work with personal data assistants (PDA's) and cell phones with Internet capabilities. The public can also watch Senate proceedings live on the Internet, including for the first time certain Senate committee meetings, on the Senate web site or the joint legislative site, legis.la.gov . Live broadcasts of legislative proceedings can be seen weekday afternoons on certain local cable stations participating in LaTV, a cooperative effort of the House, the Senate, Louisiana Public Broadcasting and the cable television association. Information about committee meeting schedules, agendas and legislation is also available over the phone by calling the Public Update Legislative Services Line or PULS Line (342-2456 in the Baton Rouge area or toll free 800-256-3793. The service is available 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM when the legislature is not meeting and from 8:30 AM until adjournment during session.
CITIZEN INFORMATION SERVICES Louisiana Senate Information on the Internet Louisiana Senate Proceedings Live on the Internet PULS Line 225-342-2456 or 800-256-3793 LaTV Broadcasts of Legislative Proceedings Main Senate Number 225-342-2040 -30- |
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