BATON ROUGE, La. -- Gov. Bobby Jindal says he is strongly considering a proposal that would scrap the lieutenant governor's job in Louisiana.
Jindal Chief of Staff Timmy Teepell told The Advocate newspaper that the proposal under consideration would make the secretary of state second in command. The lieutenant governor's responsibilities over culture, recreation and tourism would be split among various agencies.
The change would require a constitutional amendment, which needs a two-thirds vote of the Legislature and approval from voters for passage. Republican Rep. Cameron Henry of Jefferson says he will propose the legislation in the upcoming session.
Jindal said Wednesday that tourism industry officials suggeste the Department of Economic Development should be promoting tourism and that the job abolition would be a "streamlining" move during tough budget times.
The idea is being floated as Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu leads the polls as a candidate for New Orleans mayor.
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Information from: The Advocate, http://www.2theadvocate.com
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
