There’s only a week left in the special session and lawmakers are deadlocked on questions of whether the Governor’s public health authority should be restricted.
LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford said there’s a stalemate at the Capitol over the question and it’s not just between the Governor and Republicans.
“Really it looks kind of like the House vs. the Senate at this point. You have two different chambers with two very different viewpoints,” said Alford.
The House has passed a series of bills that would immediately end all or some COVID public health restrictions, while the Senate backs a bill allowing for more legislative oversight in future public emergencies.
Alford said if a legislative agreement can’t be made before the session ends October 27th we could see the House take unprecedented action.
“If the issue does stall the Senate President has predicted that the House will get enough signatures to place on a petition overriding the Governor’s orders,” said Alford.
That petition has been in circulation since the summer but failed to get majority support in either chamber after concerns were raised it would result in the loss of a substantial amount of federal funding.
Democrats are calling for the session to end early, noting the 40,000 dollar a day cost. Alford said it’s unlikely they get their wish.
“It has a high likelihood of going the distance if only because the Governor has received a supplemental budget bill with individual projects in it and it is possible there could be some vetoes,” said Alford.
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