Double whammy for lawmakers: Redistricting, Budget deadline looms

Double whammy for lawmakers: Redistricting, Budget deadline looms

Gladys Bunzy has worked 14 years as a custodian at the Old Capitol Museum. The state, she said, doesn’t pay her overtime, “So, I don’t think legislators should get overtime either.”

Legislators had two big jobs before them this session: redraw district lines to reflect population shifts and pass a budget.

Unless there is a quick attitude adjustment inside the Capitol, legislators could chalk up failures on both, requiring an overtime session to pass a spending plan and a court battle to settle redistricting.

It still is possible one or both will be resolved. “Don’t give up on us yet,” said House Appropriations Committee Chairman Johnny Stringer, D-Montrose.

Clarion Ledger
3/25/11