Never underestimate the power of Louisiana governors. Republican Gov. Jeff Landry proved once again this week that if he wants something bad enough he usually gets it.

Landry’s major victory so far has been approval of education savings accounts that would give parents taxpayer funds to choose their children’s schools. The House voted 72-32 on April 8 for House Bill 745 that would allow families to apply for state grants to spend on private school tuition, uniforms, online classes, and more.

Senators made strong revisions to an identical bill that will delay its implementation. The Advocate reported what Landry did to get the amended Senate measure approved.

“With his signature education initiative on the line, Gov. Jeff Landry and  his allies are working furiously to convince state senators to pass a bill this session that would give Louisiana parents public money for private school,” the newspaper said.

Landry’s last-minute push included town hall meetings, private conversations on the Senate floor, support from influential groups and  GOP donors, and television ads.

In one ad, Landry said, “Some in the state Senate are refusing to give parents control, and that’s wrong,” he said. “Call your state senator and tell them no more studies — it’s time for results.”

The Senate voted 24-15 for amended Senate Bill 313 on May 16. The Advocate said it passed largely along party lines but with four Republicans joining Democrats in opposing the legislation. The full House is scheduled to debate the bill Tuesday.

Another Landry setback in the Senate came on Senate Bill 462 by Sen. Valarie Hodges, R-Denham Springs, that would have given the governor authority to appoint chairs of numerous state boards.

The newspaper said the Senate stripped Hodges’ bill that would have given Landry the broader powers. Opponents were afraid the legislation would endanger the accreditation of the state’s universities. However, Hodges got a House committee to reverse what the Senate did to her bill.

While testifying before the House and Governmental Affairs Committee, Hodges was flanked by two senior aides of the governor, whom The Advocate reported joined her in speaking in favor of the legislation.

The committee approved the bill with a party-line vote of 9-3. Hodges’ bill now moves to the full House for  debate on Tuesday where the newspaper said “passage seems assured.”

The governor’s office can’t say how many chairs he could appoint under Hodges’ amended bill but said it was only on boards where he appoints a majority of the members. The LSU Board of Supervisors is one of those boards, and it’s perhaps one of the most-sought-after positions.

Why does Landry want power to appoint board chairs? The governor lobbied the Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee on April 24 when  it heard Hodges’ bill.

The Advocate said the bill would give Landry’s office far more authority over the board appointment process than previous governors by allowing him to appoint the chairs and officers of all state boards.

Some board members serve staggered terms and Landry argued that that system doesn’t allow newly elected governors to enact their political and policy priorities swiftly enough.

The newspaper said since Landry took office he has moved faster to consolidate power, buck scrutiny, and enact his policy priorities across government than any governor in decades.

Senate President Cameron Henry, R-Metairie, said he expects the Senate to reject the House change in Hodges’ bill. If so, the House and Senate would need to sort out their differences on her bill in a conference committee.

Members of the Republican-controlled Legislature have been quick to aid Landry’s pursuit of more power in other ways. They have sponsored bills that would allow him to control a majority of the members of the state Board of Ethics and the state Civil Service board that protects state workers.

The governor also wants a limited constitutional convention. That bill has passed the House and is sitting in a Senate committee.

Landry may not get everything he wants in all of these bills but, as the saying goes, “It ain’t over until the fat lady sings.” That doesn’t happen until the session has to adjourn on June 3.

Power plays aren’t unusual in Louisiana where the governor can make life miserable for those who oppose the state’s chief executive.

Jim Beam, the retired editor of the American Press, has covered people and politics for more than six decades. Contact him at 337-515-8871 or jim.beam.press@gmail.com.

 

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