Changes to voting requirements, education policy and youth legislation discussed in forum held by Louisiana lawmakers

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)—A group of Louisiana lawmakers want people to be informed about the decisions being made in Baton Rouge. On Thursday, they held a public meeting at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum to inform their constituents and outline the changes people can expect.

“There will be some changes in voting laws. A lot of people are using mail-in voting and postal voting, so we will be discussing that,” said Sen. Sam Jenkins, (D) District 39.

Senator Jenkins hosted the forum along with Representatives Tammy Phelps, Joy Walters and Steven Jackson. They said educating children is at the top of their list, and they are not alone, as efforts to privatize schools have faced bipartisan opposition.

“When we talked about using state money to go to private institutions, it was a concern for both parties,” said Rep. Phelps, (D) District 3.

“I hope we realize that our children are an investment,” said Rep. Walters, (D) District 4.

Walters said she is introducing bills to close the gender pay gap.

“So for women voters, we still have a long way to go in terms of equalizing opportunities for women,” Walters said.

Phelps said she supported a bill that would allow abortion exceptions for minors who have been victims of a violent crime.

“It hasn’t even come out of committee. We’re thinking about how we can continue to protect our most vulnerable without any exceptions, even medically,” Phelps said.

Her message is that women should vote, regardless of their party affiliation.

“We need you to speak out,” Phelps said.

The lawmakers also said parents should be aware that Louisiana laws passed during the special session of the Legislature’s Crime Committee17-year-olds can be tried as adults and juvenile criminal records can be made public even after a minor is over 17.