Democrats are pushing back against Republican efforts in the special session to restrict or change the Governor’s public health authority or require him to consult with the Legislature.
Baton Rouge Representative Ted James doesn’t expect any of the GOP efforts to make it into law because most Democrats refuse to support the bills, which he said are hypocritical.
“They champion and they tout everything that President Trump says but they ignore the fact that (Governor) John Bel is operating on guidance from the White House,” said James.
It’s likely any legislative changes to the Governor’s public health authority would be vetoed, and it’s unknown whether there is even majority support for any of the current proposals.
James said nearly all Democrats back the Governor’s pandemic decisions, and won’t support Republican efforts to interfere. He says there’s a difference between campaigning and governing.
“Governing requires a level of calm, it requires a level of sacrifice and some of them just don’t understand that piece of what they signed up for,” said James.
Over the summer a legislative petition circulated that would end the public health emergency, but it did not get the majority votes it needed. Many GOP lawmakers appeared to agree with the sentiment but feared the potential loss of federal dollars if the action was taken.
James said that instead of attacking the Governor’s authority Democrats will focus on pandemic financial relief. He said he’s likely to file legislation giving CARES Act money to bar owners and musicians.
“I know that our bar owners are calling and I’m getting a lot of calls so I understand that we need to do a better job at providing some relief for them,” said James.
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