Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat expects the legislative session that begins Monday to be dominated by debate over how to allocate billions in federal pandemic aid.
There are a number of controversial culture war topics on the docket including trans issues, marijuana legalization, prison labor, and teaching about systemic racism, but ultimately Pinsonat does not expect they will make it into law.
“Those things tend to fade away and you may end up with some type of bill that is somewhat controversial then the Legislature waters it down, generally in the Senate, and nothing happens,” said Pinsonat.
Pinsonat said unlike in other states he does not expect there to be much appetite in Louisiana for controversial elections and voting bills.
The Legislature will be tasked with writing the regulatory framework for sports betting after a legalization ballot initiative passed overwhelmingly last year. Pinsonat expects it to get done.
“It is something that will likely pass because we have gaming that funds government and now we are going to have sports betting that is going to fund government, all of these things are pushed by more money for government,” said Pinsonat.
The biggest argument will be about the scope of legalization. Will it be contained to riverboat casinos and Harrah’s in New Orleans, or will it be allowed at video poker or through online betting websites?
Pinsonat said it will take a month to take center stage but the biggest fight will be over the 3.2 billion in incoming federal aid, and whether to use it to pay down debt or fund new services or construction.
“It’s about money, it’s about federal dollars, it’s about an embarrassment of riches,” said Pinsonat.
Final federal guidance on just how states can spend their American Rescue Act aid has not been delivered yet. It’s expected sometime within the next 30 days.
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