Carter to Chair Louisiana House Ins. Committee

Louisiana State Rep. Karen Carter, D-New Orleans, has been appointed chair of the House Insurance Committee. Carter’s appointment comes a little over a week after the former chairman, Rep. Troy Hebert, D-Jeanerette, was ousted.

According to the New Orleans Times Picayune, she is the only Orleans Parish member to chair a standing House committee.

Carter said she wants to find ways to provide more affordable insurance coverage, especially health insurance coverage, in the state.

Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-New Orleans, and Rep. Michael Jackson, D-Baton Rouge, members of the insurance panel, were also considered for the post.

Hebert was allegedly fired as chairman of the committee for voting against a measure favored by Gov. Kathleen that would sustain a state sales tax on business utilities for five years.

Hebert has reportedly authored 47 bills during the session related to insurance matters, and has indicated he wants to stay on the committee.