NEW ORLEANS — The transition of power is complete at the State Capitol.
Monday, state lawmakers officially took their seats in Louisiana’s Republican-dominated legislature.
Governor Jeff Landry took his oath of office on Sunday.
The one-day organizational session set the stage for the next four-year term in Baton Rouge.
“I’m hopeful we can stick to the issues that I hear about from my constituents, whether that’s crime or insurance, or quality of life issues,” Rep. Stephanie Hilferty, R-New Orleans said.
“I think if we focus on those issues that are affecting our families, we’ll be able to get things done,” House Democratic Chair, Rep. Matthew Willard, D-New Orleans said.
The House got off to a productive start with a bipartisan coalition electing a new speaker, Eunice Republican, Phillip DeVillier without opposition.
In the state’s upper chamber, Metairie Republican Cameron Henry got the nod as president.
Henry said he plans to name Democrat committee chairs and draw on his legislative experience as the Senate’s new top officer.
“Common sense, just basic common sense of what the state needs to do,” Henry said. “It’s not a mystery. It’s just getting there. I think we’re in a good spot to do it.”
The GOP-controlled legislature is expected to push for state policy changes on prison sentences, K-12 education, gun rights and taxes.
The democrat minority has its sights set on lowering insurance rates, equal pay for equal work, and raising the state’s minimum wage of $7.25 an hour.
“I think at a minimum, it needs to be around $11 , but I’m eager to have those conversations,” Willard said.
The legislature is expected to hit the ground running this year with a special session beginning as early as next Monday dealing with elections and redrawing district boundaries for congress and the supreme court.
The new court-ordered maps would reflect additional African American representation.
“We’ve got to look at the maps, make sure they’re fair and vote on it,” Sen. Pat Connick, R-Marrero said. “That’s the process we’re going to go through. I feel confident we can make that happen.”
“We were always on the right side of history in making sure and advocating that we have two majority African American districts and I’m hopeful my colleagues see the importance of just getting it done,” Sen. Royce Duplessis, D-New Orleans said.
Lawmakers are also expected to hold a second special session on crime beginning Feb. 19.
The 2024 regular legislative session convenes on Mon., March 11.