On Wednesday, May 9, 2012, HB 609 did NOT pass the house. Constitutional amendments require a two-thirds vote of the elected members. The vote was yeas 53, nays 44. However, there was a motion to reconsider the bill. WE MUST REMAIN VIGILANT. On Thursday, May 10, 2012, HB 609 was reconsidered and returned to the calendar. Rep. Seabaugh may try to push it through in the rush of bills towards the end of the session.
On Wednesday, May 16, 2012, HB 609 appeared on the House Order of the Day for third reading and final passage. The House did not get to it. It is on the House Order of the Day for Thursday, May 17, 2012. Some say it will stay on the calendar and simply not be addressed. Again, WE MUST REMAIN VIGILANT. Rep. Seabaugh may try to push it through in the rush of bills towards the end of the session.
What is HB 609?
HB 609 by Alan Seabaugh is a proposed constitutional amendment that would change the way school districts are created, allow MFP funds to be used in new school districts, and allow the new school districts to collect taxes.
According to the abstract of the bill: “Replaces requirement that the legislature create parish school boards with a requirement that the legislature create local public school boards and specify their geographic jurisdiction and requires voter approval of new school boards; provides that any local public school district, regardless of geographic jurisdiction, is to be included in the MFP and has constitutionally granted authority to levy ad valorem taxes.”
For more information on the Recall Petition for Governor Jindal: recallbobbyjindal.com
Stay up-to-date and involved. The web portal to the Louisiana State Legislature is http://www.legis.la.gov. Do not hesitate to contact your legislator and voice your opinion.
“The Public Update Legislative Services Line or PULS Line, is available to you by dialing 342-2456 in the Baton Rouge area or toll free (Louisiana only) 800-256-3793 outside Baton Rouge. TTY contact telephone numbers are (225) 219-4688 in Baton Rouge and (888) 850-6489 statewide.
Legislative staff will answer your questions about bills on various topics, direct you to the proper place for committee information, and explain aspects of the legislative process. PULS Line is operated jointly by the House and the Senate with additional staffing and phone lines.
Hours during session: 8:30 AM - adjournment if House or Senate is meeting; if not meeting, Monday thru Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS
Red River United President Jackie Lansdale attends all school board meetings in BOSSIER and CADDO parishes. Here's the video of her remarks before the Caddo Parish School Board on Tuesday, April 17, 2012. Her remarks begin around 01:24:44. NOTE: THE VIDEO FROM THE TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2012 MEETING CURRENTLY DOES NOT INCLUDE THE VISITOR'S REMARKS.
Notable news:
LOUISIANA STATE LEGISLATURE 2012 REGULAR SESSION convenes at noon on Monday, March 12, 2012, and Final Adjournment is no later than 6:00 pm on Monday, June 4, 2012.
