Monday, July 20, 2009

Lawmaker surprised by Jindal’s veto

State Rep. Dee Richard said it's unusual Gov. Bobby Jindal didn't want to implement an early-retirement program for state workers, especially given the $1.3 billion shortfall facing the state.

Richard's House Bill 513, which applies to members of the Louisiana State Employees' Retirement System, known as LASERS, was vetoed last week by Jindal.

The program had been on the books for about six years. It was routinely passed into law after being pushed by former Rep. Warren Triche, D-Chackbay, before Richard, a Thibodaux lawmaker with no party affiliation, agreed to take up the cause.

According to an analysis conducted by the Legislative Fiscal Office, the potential fiscal impact would have been negligible.

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