After suspending indefinitely on March 31, the Louisiana legislature reconvened on May 4 to complete the work begun before the COVID-19 pandemic halted life in the state. As members faced the challenges that come with legislating during a public health crisis, how did they prioritize work? In partnership with the LSU President’s Office, the Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs will host a discussion recapping legislators and the state administration’s approach to the compressed regular and special session, including budget decisions, CARES Act funding and education-related bills. The panel will feature representatives from both the Louisiana House and Senate, as well as public officials from Louisiana’s state administration and economic experts to discuss the realities of legislating in a pandemic.

Panelists will include:

Sarah Procopio - Rising Senior, LSU Manship School of Mass Communication, Moderator
Representative Larry Bagley - Louisiana House of Representatives
Commissioner Jay Dardenne - Louisiana Division of Administration
Dr. Manfred Dix - Division of Administration, Chief Economist for the State of Louisiana
Senator Cleo Fields - Louisiana Senate
Deputy Commissioner Barbara Goodson - Louisiana Division of Administration
Speaker Pro-Temp Tanner Magee - Louisiana House of Representatives
Secretary Kimberly Robinson - Louisiana Department of Revenue, Secretary of Revenue
Senator Mack “Bodi” White - Louisiana Senate
Representative Jerome "Zee" Zeringue - Louisiana House of Representatives