We became privy to the following this morning – it’s an e-mail thread among a number of Louisiana legislators which essentially amounts to a reaction to a Hayride post from last week outlining the intention of House Appropriations Committee chairman Cameron Henry to go through as full an appropriations process as possible during the 10-day special session which begins this afternoon in search of budget cuts which can lessen the necessity (to the extent it exists) of a tax increase to balance the state’s books.

As our readers might imagine, Democrats in the House don’t like Henry’s intention very much.

We’ve edited the e-mail thread as it came to us solely for the purpose of placing the messages in an appropriate timeline context…

…

On Jun 15, 2018, at 11:20 AM, Smith, Rep. Patricia (Chamber Laptop) <psmith@legis.la.gov> wrote:

Members I just read that the appropriations chair is going to call public hearing for this  special session. As I stated at the last session there is indeed no need for the hearings when we know the shortfalls in the budget. This was confirmed by various groups that come to the Capitol when we are debating HB1, that they did not feel it was necessary to transport people to the Capitol for us to hear the same comments they have given us time and again.

This is indeed a delay tactic and one that will place this state and its citizens in jeopardy.  I ask that you please join me in asking the chairman not to play games with our citizens lives!

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On Jun 15, 2018, at 11:31 AM, James, Rep. (Chamber Laptop) <tjames@legis.la.gov> wrote:

Pat,

One simple question: ARE YOU SURPRISED?

I guess we are in for another round of games. See you Monday!!!!

Rep. Edward “Ted” James

LA House of Representatives

District 101

 

#Onward&Upward

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On Jun 16, 2018, at 11:33 AM, Miller, Rep. Dustin (Chamber Laptop) <dmiller@legis.la.gov> wrote:

The “live archives” from the previous SESSIONS will tell everyone what the public wants. I encourage everyone to watch this weekend instead of slowing the process down. -Miller

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On Jun 16, 2018, at 7:40 PM, Stokes, Rep. (Chamber Laptop) <jstokes@legis.la.gov> wrote:

I think we should discharge the bills from both money committees and have the House Floor votes a couple of days earlier than we would be able to otherwise.

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On Jun 16, 2018, at 8:59 PM, James, Rep. (Chamber Laptop) <tjames@legis.la.gov> wrote:

Amen.

Rep. Edward “Ted” James

LA House of Representatives

District 101

 

#Onward&Upward

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On Jun 17, 2018, at 5:20 PM, Bacala, Rep. (Chamber Laptop) <tbacala@legis.la.gov> wrote:

I don’t want to delay the process, but I also would like to hear from the agencies who are are about to suffer cuts if we do nothing.  I think they deserve the right to speak and share their concerns.

Tony Bacala

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From: “James, Rep. (Chamber Laptop)” <tjames@legis.la.gov>
Date: June 17, 2018 at 7:13:10 PM CDT
To: “Bacala, Rep. (Chamber Laptop)” <tbacala@legis.la.gov>
Cc: “Stokes, Rep. (Chamber Laptop)” <jstokes@legis.la.gov>, “Miller, Rep. Dustin (Chamber Laptop)” <dmiller@legis.la.gov>, “Smith, Rep. Patricia (Chamber Laptop)” <psmith@legis.la.gov>, “House Members (Chamber Laptop)” <HouseMembers@legis.la.gov>, “Senate Members (Chamber Laptop)” <SenateChamber@legis.la.gov>
Subject: Re: Special session

Tony,

I have an idea. I admit, it may sound strange and complicated.

….how about we stop doing “NOTHING” and do SOMETHING. That way, they won’t suffer from the cuts and we won’t have to waste $60,000 a day to hear what we already know.  And do it in 4 days are less.

I admit, it’s a crazy idea. But it just may work.

Think about it….

Rep. Edward “Ted” James
LA House of Representatives
District 101

#Onward&Upward

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From: “Barrow, Sen. (Chamber Laptop)” <rbarrow@legis.la.gov>
Date: June 18, 2018 at 8:22:24 AM CDT
To: “James, Rep. (Chamber Laptop)” <tjames@legis.la.gov>
Cc: “Bacala, Rep. (Chamber Laptop)” <tbacala@legis.la.gov>, “Stokes, Rep. (Chamber Laptop)” <jstokes@legis.la.gov>, “Miller, Rep. Dustin (Chamber Laptop)” <dmiller@legis.la.gov>, “Smith, Rep. Patricia (Chamber Laptop)” <psmith@legis.la.gov>, “House Members (Chamber Laptop)” <HouseMembers@legis.la.gov>, “Senate Members (Chamber Laptop)” <SenateChamber@legis.la.gov>
Subject: Re: Special session

I agree Rep. James.  Each dept have shared multiple times how grave these cuts would be and services that would be eliminated.

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From: “Smith, Rep. Patricia (Chamber Laptop)” <psmith@legis.la.gov>
Date: June 17, 2018 at 8:44:26 PM CDT
To: “James, Rep. (Chamber Laptop)” <tjames@legis.la.gov>
Cc: “Bacala, Rep. (Chamber Laptop)” <tbacala@legis.la.gov>, “Stokes, Rep. (Chamber Laptop)” <jstokes@legis.la.gov>, “Miller, Rep. Dustin (Chamber Laptop)” <dmiller@legis.la.gov>, “House Members (Chamber Laptop)” <HouseMembers@legis.la.gov>, “Senate Members (Chamber Laptop)” <SenateChamber@legis.la.gov>
Subject: Re: Special session

I agree Ted. We know that agencies can’t live with 24% cut and we know what it takes to fund them at a level they can function at. The worst thing we can do is spend unnecessary time rehashing what we know. Besides appropriations can have  a hearing with LDH after this is over. But if we don’t do something this time everybody loses but especially the citizens.

…

From: “Carter, Rep. Robby (Chamber Laptop)” <rcarter@legis.la.gov>
Date: June 18, 2018 at 10:02:37 AM CDT
To: “Barrow, Sen. (Chamber Laptop)” <rbarrow@legis.la.gov>, “James, Rep. (Chamber Laptop)” <tjames@legis.la.gov>
Cc: “Bacala, Rep. (Chamber Laptop)” <tbacala@legis.la.gov>, “Stokes, Rep. (Chamber Laptop)” <jstokes@legis.la.gov>, “Miller, Rep. Dustin (Chamber Laptop)” <dmiller@legis.la.gov>, “Smith, Rep. Patricia (Chamber Laptop)” <psmith@legis.la.gov>, “House Members (Chamber Laptop)” <HouseMembers@legis.la.gov>, “Senate Members (Chamber Laptop)” <SenateChamber@legis.la.gov>
Subject: Re: Special session

THERE IS AN OLD SAYING   “THE ROADS ARE PAVED WITH FLATTENED SQUIRRELS WHO COULDN’T MAKE A DECISION. ”  WE need to make a decision.