As expected, Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed the tort reform bill aimed at lowering car insurance rates by making changes to the state’s civil litigation system. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the timing, with just over two weeks left in the special session, indicates Edwards does not believe the veto will be overturned.
“He gave them ample time. I think he’s betting that the legislature doesn’t have the necessary votes to override his veto, so that’s why he did it,” said Pinsonat.
Edwards cited the measure does not contain a mandate to lower auto insurance rates as assured by its supporters. Pinsonat says the debate over this bill will continue into the special session.
“We’ll have a lot of discussion in the next couple of weeks from his people on why this won’t work and the Republicans are going to have a lot of discussion about why the Governor vetoed this and there is no end in sight to high insurance rates,” said Pinsonat.
Pinsonat foresees the Governor suffering some backlash in his relationship with lawmakers over this veto.
“There is a change coming and the question is, will this be the change that permanently breaks the working relationship or is this just a bump in the road?” said Pinsonat.
Edwards says he’s willing to work with anyone operating in good faith to reach a compromise. He says he’s confident they can reach an agreement on a bill that will have broad support.
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