Jerome "Dee" Richard, an independent Louisiana state representative from Thibodaux, has initiated the process to call a special session that would consider recent budget cuts ordered by Gov. Bobby Jindal.
Richard said he met with a number of lawmakers last week to determine if there is sufficient support for a special session to review Jindal's decision to cut spending on health care, higher education, and corrections, including a $320 million budget cut to the public hospitals operated by Louisiana State University.
If the Legislature calls a special session, legislative leaders and could determine the agenda for the session, Richard said.
"I believe it is time for us, as legislators, to aggressively reinsert ourselves into the budget process by using the constitutional right given to us," he said. "I would like to see the call include the discussion of health care and higher education, and how we can determine just how reductions are made."
Forcing a special session requires petitions signed by 48 lawmakers - 13 senators and 35 representatives.
If that level of support is reached, proponents would have 20 days to obtain approval from a majority of legislators.
The Legislature has not called itself into session in more than 40 years.
A special session, which Jindal said is not needed, could cost up to $80,000 a day.
