LEGISLATIVE NEWS

....LEGISLATIVE NEWS....

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GET OUT AND VOTE!!!

The following is the list of candidates for this year’s Nov. 7th Congressional elections. Get out there and cast your vote, it’s a right and privilege that every American should exercise. Remember if you don’t vote DON’T GRIPE!!! Ride Safe, Ride Free – Poet - Executive State President.

Although Abate Of La., Inc. makes every attempt at identifying candidate’s positions regarding motorcycling related issues we, nor Thunder Roads Magazine, do NOT specifically endorse, or campaign for or against, any candidates. We are merely disbursing information we feel is of value to the motorcycling community. Abate Of La., Inc. is solely responsible for the information contained herein and assumes no liability for any errors contained herein. Information contained herein is the result of voting records, current and past actions, and responses to queries from our Organization.

KEY: RED – Not Motorcycle Friendly

BLUE - Motorcycle Friendly

WHITE – Position Unknown

SECRETARY OF STATE:

** SPECIAL ELECTION - SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 / RUN-OFF NOVEMBER 7, 2006

[ Al Ater (D) - Not Running in 2006.]

Jay Dardenne (R) - State Sen., Ex-Baton Rouge City Councilman & Attorney

Note: Run-Off Opponent Withdrew from Race.

U.S. CONGRESS:

District 1:

Bobby Jindal (R) - Has met with Motorcycle Organizations to address their concerns

David Gereighty (D) - Engineer & Software Manager

Stacey Tallitsch (D) - Computer Desktop Technician

Peter Beary (Libertarian)

District 2:

Bill Jefferson (D)

Scott Barron (D)

Regina Bartholomew (D) - Orleans Parish School Board General Counsel

Karen Carter (D) - State Rep.

Troy Carter (D) - Ex-State Rep. & Ex-New Orleans City Councilor

Deven "D.C." Collins (D)

John Edwards (D) - Salesman & Graduate Student

M.V. "Vinny" Mendoza (D) - Ex-Assistant USAF Inspector General & '04 Candidate

Derrick Shepherd (D) - State Sen., Ex-State Rep., Attorney & Gulf War Veteran

Eric Bradley (R)

Joe Lavigne (R) - Attorney & Community Activist

L.W. "Lance" von Uhde III (R)

Gregory Kahn (Libertarian) - Retired Federal Civil Servant, State Party Treasurer & Vietnam War Veteran

District 3:

Charlie Melancon (D) -

Olangee "O.J." Breech (D) - Businesswoman

Craig Romero (R) - State Sen., Ex-Iberia Parish President, Cattleman & '04 Candidate

James Lee Blake Jr. (Libertarian)

District 4:

Jim McCrery (R)

Chester Kelley (R) - Restaurant Owner & Vietnam Veteran

Artis Cash (D) - Minister & Community Activist

Patti Cox (D) - Environmental Consultant

District 5:

Rodney Alexander (R) – Co-Sponsor of HR 2048 (Right To Repair)

Gloria Williams Hearn (D) - Educator & Community Activist

Brent Sanders (Libertarian) - State Party Vice Chair, Sociologist & '03 State Rep. Nominee

John Watts (Independent)

District 6:

Richard Baker (R) – Co Sponsor of HR 3 (Safetea-Lu)

Richard Fontanesi (Libertarian) - Computer Programmer, '04 US Senate Nominee & '02 Nominee

District 7:

Charles Boustany Jr. (R) – Co Sponsor of HR 3 (Safetea-Lu)

Mike Stagg (D) - Technology Consultant, Public Policy Advocate & '03 Governor Candidate

MRF ACTION ALERTS

WRITE NOW – HOUSE INTRODUCES HEALTH INSURANCE BILL FOR MOTORCYCLISTS! Tell your Representative you want their support on this issue!

U.S. Representative Michael Burgess (R-TX-26) recently introduced H.R. 2793, "The HIPAA Recreational Injury Technical Correction Act." A similar measure obtained 177 bipartisan cosponsors last Congress.

H.R. 2793 aims at ending health care discrimination for individuals participating in legal transportation and recreational activities-activities like motorcycling, snowmobiling, horseback riding, and all-terrain vehicle riding.

This legislation addresses a loophole caused by a Department of Health and Human Services' rule making it possible for health care benefits to be denied to those who are injured while participating in these activities.

"The development of this bill could not have been possible without bipartisan congressional support and the hard work of the American Motorcyclist Association," stated Congressman Burgess. "I look forward to working alongside the AMA to get this legislation passed into law."

Burgess was joined by Congressman Ted Strickland (D-OH-6) in introducing the House legislation.

Congressman Strickland said, "It's shameful to allow health insurers to discriminate against individuals who take part in perfectly legal modes of transportation, hobbies or activities. According to this rule, a person injured while drinking and driving would be covered by their health insurance, but an individual who falls from a motorcycle may not. It just makes no sense."

On August 21, 1996 an important opportunity arose when President Clinton signed the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), prohibiting employers from denying health care coverage based on a worker's pre-existing medical conditions or participation in legal activities, such as motorcycling.

In 2001, the Department of Health and Human Services released the final rules that would govern the HIPAA law. The rules recognize that employers cannot refuse health care coverage to an employee on the basis of their participation in a recognized legal activity. However, the benefits can be denied for injuries sustained in connection with those activities. Therefore, you were guaranteed the right to health care coverage but not guaranteed any benefits in return for your monthly payments.

The AMA is urging all motorcyclists to notify their Representatives and tell them to co-sponsor and support H.R. 2793, "The HIPAA Recreational Injury Technical Correction Act."

WRITE NOW – SENATE INTRODUCES HEALTH INSURANCE BILL FOR MOTORCYCLISTS! Tell your Senators you want their support on this issue!

U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) recently introduced S. 577, "The HIPAA Recreational Injury Technical Correction Act.” Last Congress, the full Senate unanimously passed similar legislation. S. 577 aims at ending health care discrimination for individuals participating in legal transportation and recreational activities-activities like motorcycling, snowmobiling, horseback riding, skiing and all-terrain vehicle riding. This legislation addresses a loophole caused by a Department of Health and Human Services' rule making it possible for health care benefits to be denied to those who are injured while participating in these activities. “What many people don't know until it's too late, is that currently health insurance providers are legally permitted to deny benefits for injuries sustained while participating in certain recreational or transportation activities such as motorcycling, snowmobiling, skiing, and horseback riding,” said Collins. “This policy is unfair, and I am working with my colleagues to change it.” Collins was joined by Senator Feingold (D-WI) in introducing the Senate legislation. "From riding Harley Davidson motorcycles to visiting the Snowmobile Hall of Fame in St. Germain, these activities are part of Wisconsin's heritage and economy," Feingold said. "It simply doesn't make sense to exclude those participating in these activities from health care benefits." On August 21, 1996 an important opportunity arose when President Clinton signed the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), prohibiting employers from denying health care coverage based on a worker’s pre-existing medical conditions or participation in legal activities. In 2001, the Health Care Finance Administration released the final rules that would govern the law. The rules recognize that employers cannot refuse health care coverage to an employee on the basis of their participation in a recognized recreational activity. However, the benefits can be denied for injuries sustained in connection with those activities. Essentially, the regulation grants equal status to motorcyclists without any substantive benefits. "Because of this loophole, someone who participates in motorcycling or snowmobiling could be denied health care coverage, while someone who is injured while drinking and driving a car would be protected," Senator Feingold said. "It is time that Congress corrected this so that those who are abiding by the law are not discriminated against." The AMA is urging all motorcyclists to notify their Senators and tell them to co-sponsor and support S.577, "The HIPAA Recreational Injury Technical Correction Act."

While trying to comprehend the logic behind passing a weak and inefficient helmet law as Act 742 is currently written, one has to wonder how a representative of the people can determine this law, as written, is worthy of passing in order to save a biker’s life, but on the flip-side, determine that a life preserver is not worthy of saving a boater’s life. The following 23 representatives voted for the new helmet law (HB109) but voted against making life preservers mandatory for all occupants of motorboats 26’ and under (HB607). It would be interesting to hear the logic that was in these representatives’ minds while passing one and voting against the other.

This posting is not about bikers crying because they didn’t get their way, so let’s take it out on somebody else. It’s about a contradiction of moral position in representing the “safety” of the people. HB607 was a safety bill that would prevent deaths on the water from drowning due to boat accidents which lost by a margin of 5 votes with 7 representatives absent. Take the two issues side by side and the way these representatives voted, then you have to question what they were thinking while passing one “safety issue” and killing another “safety issue”. As the people these representatives affected regarding the new helmet bill passage, we have a right to know how these same representatives voted regarding the life preserver bill and why this law which in logic, “can save lives” the same way a helmet can, wasn’t worthy of their vote to pass.

To the boaters out there who will disagree with this argument, my word to you is this: You should have the right to choose. No argument from the motorcycle community on that one as there are many bikers who are boaters too. But, you cannot deny the fact that both safety devices are touted as life savers. And if a law is to be implemented, there should be a consistency in legislation. Readers, let us know how you feel!

Representative Glenn Ansardi

Democrat - District 92

1940 I-10 Service Road, Ste. 125

Kenner, LA 70065

(504)466-1331

(504)466-6677 (Fax)

Representative Jeffery "Jeff" J. Arnold

Democrat - District 102

4480 General DeGaulle

Suite 205

New Orleans, LA 70131

(504)393-5801

(504)393-5809 (Fax)

Representative Austin J. Badon, Jr.

Democrat - District 100

Bullard Corporate Center

5555 Bullard Ave., Suite 101

New Orleans, LA 70128

(504)243-7783

(504)243-7785 (Fax)

Representative Damon J. Baldone

Democrat - District 53

162 New Orleans Boulevard

Houma, LA 70364

(985)876-8872

(985)872-2319 (Fax)

Representative Clara Guilbeau Baudoin

Democrat - District 39

1209 Mardi Gras Carencro, LA 70520

(337)896-1340

(337)896-5967 (Fax)

Representative Carl N. Crane

Republican - District 70

836 Bancroft Way

Baton Rouge, LA 70808

(225)766-7274

(225)765-2388 (Fax)

Representative A. G. Crowe

Republican - District 76

195 Strawberry Street

Slidell, LA 70460

(985)643-3600

(985)645-3566 (Fax)

Representative Hollis Downs

Republican - District 12

207 W. Mississippi

Suite 300

Ruston, LA 71270

(318)251-5039

(318)255-1616 (Fax)

Representative Dale M. Erdey

Republican - District 71

P. O. Box 908

Livingston, LA 70754

(225)686-2881

(225)686-7353 (Fax)

Representative Daniel T. "Dan" Flavin

Republican - District 36

P. O. Box 6027

Lake Charles, LA 70606

(337)477-1334

(337)477-1336 (Fax)

Representative Mickey Frith

Democrat - District 47

Vermilion Parish Courthouse Bldg.

100 N. State Street, Ste. 130

Abbeville, LA 70510

(337)893-5035

(337)898-1160 (Fax)

Representative Mike Futrell

Republican - District 66

136 McGehee Drive

Baton Rouge, LA 70815

(225)274-9712

(225)273-5442 (Fax)

Representative Herman Ray Hill

Democrat - District 32

529 Tramel Road

Dry Creek, LA 70637

(800)259-2118

(337)639-4045 (Fax)

Representative Kay Kellogg Katz

Republican - District 16

207 C Louisville Avenue Monroe, LA 71201-5823

(318)340-0800

(318)340-0911 (Fax)

Representative Loulan J. Pitre, Jr.

Republican - District 54

104 West 65th Street Cut Off, LA 70345

(985)632-2001

(985)632-6926 (Fax)

Representative Henry W. "Tank" Powell

Republican - District 73

P.O. Box 1109

Ponchatoula, LA 70454

(985)386-2910

(985)386-0653 (Fax)

Representative Cedric L. Richmond

Democrat - District 101

5437 Crowder Blvd., Ste. 2000

New Orleans, LA 70127

(504)242-4198

(504)242-6116 (Fax)

Representative Michael G. Strain

Republican - District 74

19607 Highway 36 Covington, LA 70433-8734

(985)893-6246

(985)893-6247 (Fax)

Representative Warren J. Triche, Jr.

Democrat - District 55

907 Jackson Street

Thibodaux, LA 70301

(985)447-0999 (Thibodaux)

(985)448-2153 (Fax)

Representative Jim Tucker

Republican - District 86

732 Behrman Highway, Suite C-2

Terrytown, LA 70056

(504)393-5646

Representative Wayne Waddell

Republican - District 5

P. O. Box 6772

Shreveport, LA 71136-6772

(318)219-9000

(318)862-9721 (Fax)

Representative Mack A. "Bodi" White, Jr.

Republican - District 64

35055 La. Hwy. 16

Suite A

Denham Springs, LA 70726

(225)791-2199

(225)791-9203 (Fax)

Representative Diane G. Winston

Republican - District 77

321 North Florida Street

Covington, LA 70433

(985)893-6262

(985)893-6261 (Fax)

House Bill 109’s Helmet Repeal Voting Report

The following list of Senators & Representatives, identify who voted FOR helmet repeal, (putting helmets back on Louisiana’s motorcyclists) and who voted AGAINST it (allowing bikers the freedom to choose). Please note their phone numbers and district representations. You are encouraged to keep this list handy for future reference when re-election time comes. Take a moment to thank those who “represented the voice of their constituents”. If it moves you, take a moment to remind those who refused to “represent our voice” that their vote against our freedoms will not be forgotten come election time. And, if you haven’t yet registered to vote, get off your ASS and register, then vote on election day. Keep fighting the good fight!

Senators Who Voted FOR Helmet Repeal (name, district, phone #):

Diana E. Bajoie 5 504-568-7760

Lambert, Boissiere, Jr. 3 504-284-6886

Joel T. Chaisson, II 19 985-764-9911

Sherrie Smith Cheek 38 318-687-4820

Donald R. “Don” Cravins 24 337-234-9695

Jay Dardenne 16 225-342-9788

Ann Duplessis 2 504-243-7795

Reggie P. Dupre, Jr. 20 985-876-9902

Cleo C. Fields 14 225-342-9793

Nick Gautreaux 21 337-740-6425

D.A. Butch Gautreaux 26 800-562-3204

John J. Hainkel, Jr. 6 504-861-3730

Francis C. Heitmeir 7 504-361-6014

Donald E. Hines, MD 28 318-346-4619

Melvin “Kip” Holden 15 225-774-8017

Ken Hollis 9 504-828-9300

Paulette R. Irons 4 504-568-6800

Lydia P. Jackson 39 318-676-7029

Charles D. “C.D.” Jones 34 318-362-5469

Max T. Malone 37 318-676-5733

Robert “Rob” Marionneaux, Jr. 17 225-637-3623

Michael J. “Mike” Michot 23 337-262-1332

Willie L. Mount 27 337-491-2016

John T. “Tom” Schelder 11 985-645-0144

Gerald J. Theunissen 25 337-824-0376

J. Chris Ullo 8 504-361-6690

Arthur J. “Art” Lentini (ABSENT) 10 504-780-8700

Senators Who Voted AGAINST Helmet Repeal (name, district, phone #):

Robert Adley 36 318-371-2420

“Jodie” Amadee 18 225-644-1526

Robert J. Barham 33 318-244-5582

Walter J. Boasso 1 504-270-9258

James David Cain 30 337-328-7266

Noble E. Ellington 32 318-435-7313

Heulette “Clo” Fontenot 13 225-686-0108

Robert W. “Bob” Kostelka 35 800-508-5572

Joe McPherson 29 318-484-2211

Ben Nevers 12 985-732-6863

Craig F. Romero 22 337-364-8006

Kenneth M. “Mike” Smith 31 318-628-3075

Representatives Who Voted FOR Helmet Repeal (name, district, phone #):

Ernie Alexander 43 337-262-1214

Glenn Ansardi 92 504-466-1331

Jeffery “Jeff” J. Arnold 102 504-393-5801

Austin Badon 100 504-243-7783

Damon J. Baldone 53 985-876-8872

Clara G. Baudoin 39 337-896-1340

Ernest Baylor, Jr. 3 318-635-1850

Gary Beard 69 225-756-3499

Sharon Weston Broome 29 225-359-9352

Beverly G. Bruce 7 318-872-1666

Timothy G. Burns 89 985-624-4492

Roy Burrell 2 318-676-7137

Karen R. Carter 93 504-568-8346

Robert J. “Robby” Carter 72 985-878-6377

Donald J. Cazayoux, Jr. 18 225-638-8725

Carl Crane 70 225-766-7274

A. G. Crowe 76 985-643-3600

Israel B. Curtis 26 318-487-5417

Jean M. Doerge 10 318-371-3092

Yvonne Dorsey 67 225-342-9700

Hollis Downs 12 318-251-5039

Dale Erdey 71 225-686-2881

James R. Fannin 13 318-259-6620

Daniel T. “Dan” Flavin 36 337-477-1334

Mickey Frith 47 337-893-5035

Mike Futrell 66 225-274-9712

Richard “Rick” Gallot, Jr. 11 318-251-5019

Cheryl A. Gray 98 504-599-8280

Elcie J. Guillory 34 337-491-2320

Mickey J. Guillory 41 337-457-0194

Herman Ray Hill 32 800-259-2118

Avon Honey 63 225-771-5674

Willie Hunter, Jr. 17 318-362-5492

Nita Rusich Hutter 104 504-361-6684

Michael Jackson 61 225-342-0774

Jalila Jefferson-Bullock 91 504-896-1478

Kay Katz 16 318-340-0800

Donald Ray Kennard 65 225-261-7382

Charmaine Marchand 99 504-942-7835

Daniel R. Martiny 79 504-834-7676

Charles McDonald 14 318-281-8121

Edwin R. Murray 96 504-945-0042

Kenneth L. Odinet, Sr. 103 504-361-6685

Wilfred Pierre 44 337-261-0044

Loulan J. Pitre, Jr. 54 985-632-2001

Henry “Tank” Powell 73 985-386-2910

Cedric Richmond 101 504-242-4198

Karen Gaudet St. Germain 60 225-687-2410

Michael G.Strain 74 985-893-6246

Francis C. Thompson 19 318-878-9408

Donald M. Trahan 31 337-984-0175

Warren J. Triche, Jr. 55 985-447-0999

Jim Tucker 86 504-393-5646

Wayne Waddell 5 318-219-9000

Mack “Bodi” White 64 225-791-2199

Diane G. Winston 77 985-893-6262

The following Representatives were Absent/Unknown:

Robert R. Faucheux, Jr. 57 985-651-3886

Cedric B. Glover 4 318-226-5665

Bryant O. Hammet, Jr. 21 318-757-3665

Alex Heaton 95 504-483-4235

Eric LaFleur 38 337-363-5019

Gil Pinac 42 337-783-7963

Roy Quezaire, Jr. 58 225-474-2025

Errol “Romo” Romero 48 337-373-0020

Joe R. Salter 24 800-259-4135

Matthew “Pete” Schneider 90 985-863-3642

Charlie DeWitt (ABSENT) 25 318-442-1513

Representatives Who Voted AGAINST Helmet Repeal (name, district, phone #):

John A. Alario, Jr. 83 504-340-2221

Shirley Bowler 78 504-738-1922

Emile “Peppi” Bruneau 94 504-568-7604

N. J. Damico 84 504-349-8840

William B. Daniel, IV 68 225-219-4357

Carla Blanchard Dartez 51 985-385-7019

Gordon Dove 52 985-876-8823

Sydnie Mae Durand 46 337-845-4240

Rick Farrar 27 318-484-2210

Brett F. Geymann 35 337-491-2315

Roy Hopkins 1 318-227-2003

Ronnie Johns 33 337-626-2010

Lelon Kenney 20 318-649-9100

John LaBruzzo 81 504-833-7788

Eddie J. Lambert 59 225-644-4428

Charles D. Lancaster, Jr. 80 504-837-4477

Thomas H. “Tom” McVea 62 225-634-7470

Billy Wayne Montgomery 9 318-949-2463

Arthur A. Morrell 97 504-943-6520

Dan W. “Blade” Morrish 37 337-824-3979

Mike Powell 6 318-869-0008

Harold L. Ritchie 75 985-730-2147

Joel C. Robideaux 45 337-984-1091

Steve Scalise 82 504-888-9899

Derrick Shepherd 87 504-371-0263

M. J. “Mert” Smiley, Jr. 88 225-698-9694

Jack D. Smith 50 337-838-7778

Jane H. Smith 8 318-741-2825

John R. Smith 30 800-259-2709

Gary L. Smith, Jr. 56 985-764-9122

Joseph F. Toomy 85 504-361-6013

T. Taylor Townsend 23 318-357-7048

Monica Walker 28 318-253-8891

Michael A. Walsworth 15 318-340-6453

Ernest D. Wooton 105 504-393-5649

T. D. “Tommy” Wright 22 318-992-8882

VOTE !!!

of LOUISIANA

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