Thibodaux lawmaker trying to call special session

Gov. Bobby Jindal says he sees no need for a special legislative session to discuss recent budget cuts made by his administration.

Thibodaux Rep. Jerome "Dee" Richard, an independent, sent a letter Wednesday to House members asking them to call themselves into a special session to revisit the budget reductions.

Richard says lawmakers have been improperly left out of Jindal administration financial decisions that are shuttering health care facilities and a state prison.

Jindal says a special session would simply cost taxpayer dollars that are better spent on health care and higher education.

Richard's task is a difficult one.

The Legislature has called itself into session only once since the modern state constitution was enacted, for the required task of redistricting and with the support of the governor.