State Senate Committee Assignments Announced

The incoming president of the Louisiana Senate announced committee assignments Thursday, including the reappointment of Senator Butch Gautreaux as Senate Retirement Committee Chair.

The announcements late Thursday are important because committee chairmen play key roles in whether bills live or die.

Chaisson and other Democrats will enjoy a 23-16 edge in the Senate when members take their oaths of office on Jan. 14.

However, Chaisson said his appointment of Republican Michot and others also represent a bid for bipartisanship in working with Gov.–elect Bobby Jindal, a Republican.

Jindal said in an interview that he was thrilled that Chaisson reached across party and geographic lines.