Rep Joe Marino poses in the capitol on his last day as a lawmaker June 8, 2023.
Gretna Representative Joe Marino officially resigned Monday from his legislative post to begin his appointment as an ad hoc Judge for the 24 Judicial District. The Independent, who was elected to the legislature in 2016 admits he was under the misconception that it was a part-time gig but quickly found out it’s a full-time job.
“Once you hit January you’re working on bills and meetings. By the time you get into the session, it’s a lot to keep up with,” said Marino.
He said there were approximately 900 bills filed in the last session, which was a fiscal session and typically smaller than other sessions.
Marino said his first term in office was the same year Governor John Bel Edwards submitted his criminal justice reform legislation.
“And that’s what I’ve done most of my career was criminal defense. I kind of felt like I was coming in at the right time and got heavily involved in that. And really carried that all the way through my term,” said Marino.
Marino also ended his legislative career as Chair of the House Criminal Justice Committee.
Looking back on his public service as a lawmaker, Marino said he’s most proud of his work with Criminal Justice Reform to add more rehabilitative services to the program and also his work with Dr. Laura Cassidy on how dyslexia is diagnosed, and accommodations are made for students.
“That legislation I think is going to be what in the long run will have made the biggest impact and that was a total team effort,” said Marino.
Marino also authored legislation to raise the pay for lawmakers that hasn’t been changed in more than four decades. That bill failed to receive passage.
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