State lawmakers return to Baton Rouge Monday for the resumption of the 2020 legislative session. Legislators have been away from the State Capitol since mid-March because of the coronavirus pandemic and safety concerns still exist. But House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says it is time to get back to work
“The big thing that we have to realize is that we have a duty to come back and to take care of the business that we were elected to take care of,” said Schexnayder.
The biggest issues on the table are the budget, COVID-19 related bills and legislation to help the economy. Before the coronavirus pandemic, lowering auto insurance rates was the big topic. But Senate President Page Cortez still expects the tort reform bills to be heard.
“At this time with people out of work that could put money in their pockets, I think it’s going to be heard whether it passes or not is a whole other question,” said Cortez.
Cortez says they do not plan on discussing a proposed budget until after May 11th. The Revenue Estimating Conference will meet that day to give legislators a projection on how much money is available for next fiscal year. Cortez says they anticipate it will be less than this fiscal year, but they don’t how much
“The sales tax we know are going to be dramatically down. What we don’t know is the recovery time. When will we get businesses back open and what will be the sales tax increase in the out months,” said Cortez.
The session must end at 6 PM on June 1st. If a budget is not approved, a special session will be called.
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