Louisiana House Bill HCSR2

Louisiana 2020 2nd Special Session

Caption

Requests the Committee on House and Governmental Affairs and the Committee on Senate and Governmental Affairs to study the compensation allocated to each member for legislative assistants and make recommendations relative thereto

Impact

If implemented, the findings of this study could lead to greater flexibility in adjusting salary schedules for legislative assistants. The bill symbolizes an effort to not only enhance the quality of support for legislators but also ensure that the legislature attracts qualified individuals who can contribute effectively to governance. The anticipated recommendations would then be presented to the Legislative Budgetary Control Council and the broader legislature, potentially impacting state laws governing compensation.

Summary

HCSR2 is a legislative request aimed at addressing compensation issues related to legislative assistants for members of the Louisiana legislature. The bill calls for the House and Senate committees on governmental affairs to convene as a joint committee to study the current compensation allotted for legislative assistants and recommend changes. The intent behind HCSR2 is to assess the adequacy of existing salary structures which have been noted as inadequate in attracting qualified candidates for these positions, thereby affecting legislative functions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCSR2 is likely to be supportive among those who recognize the need for well-compensated legislative staff. There is a general acknowledgment of the difficulties faced by legislators in finding qualified assistants under the current salary limitations. However, there may still be skepticism regarding the outcomes of the study and whether it would sufficiently address the underlying issues of compensation in a meaningful way.

Contention

A notable point of contention could arise around budget constraints and the prioritization of increased salaries for legislative staff. Critics might question whether increasing compensation for assistants is the best use of state funds, given the many competing needs within the state budget. Additionally, the bill raises questions about the adequacy of legislative support systems and the ongoing challenge of maintaining a capable workforce in governmental roles.