Looking back on the special session, House Republican Caucus Chairman Blake Miguez feels there are plenty of accomplishments to be proud of. Miguez says most notably would be the use of CARES Act funding to help the business community and taking the proper first steps in lowering auto insurance rates.
“We wanted to lower auto insurance rates. We passed a great tort reform bill that the Governor has agreed to sign. We also wanted to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and help our small business owners and we did that,” said Miguez.
Miguez says he is disappointed that the timing of breaking away from the regular session along with coming back for the special session put a hurdle in the way of improving the litigation environment for the oil and gas industry with coastal and legacy lawsuits.
“We want to send a message to those who want to invest in the oil and gas industry that Louisiana is back open for business and with the coastal and legacy lawsuits hanging over our head, it’s a big sign saying don’t invest in Louisiana,” said Miguez.
House Democratic Caucus Chairman Sam Jenkins believes one of the highlights of the special session was getting passage of legislation to get one-time $250 checks in the hands of critical workers.
“We believe that this is a group of people who are deserving of hazard pay so we are happy that we are now in a position to move forward and make sure that that is something that happens,” said Jenkins.
Jenkins says the session did have its drawbacks.
“Its somewhat disappointing that pay raises for state employees has been put on hold, but I know we’ll get a chance to revisit that on down the line,” said Jenkins.
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