Controversial legislator loses committee job

• By MARSHA SHULER
• Advocate Capitol News Bureau
• Published: Oct 7, 2008 - Page: 1A - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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A Metairie lawmaker who suggested paid sterilization of poor women as a way to shrink the welfare roles was ousted Monday from a House leadership position.

House Speaker Jim Tucker, R-Terrytown, removed state Rep. John LaBruzzo as vice chairman of the House Health and Welfare Committee.

The panel is key to Gov. Bobby Jindal’s efforts to restructure Louisiana’s health-care system.

LaBruzzo’s recent comments could impede his “effectiveness” in helping achieve that goal, Tucker said in a late afternoon news release.

Tucker did not return four calls seeking comment.

LaBruzzo, a Metairie Republican, will remain on the committee, he said. LaBruzzo did not return three messages.

Jindal’s chief of staff, Timmy Teepell, said Monday night the administration supports Tucker’s decision.

“We have a lot of important work to do and it (LaBruzzo’s idea) was a distraction,” said Teepell, who said he had talked to Tucker about the situation last week.

Asked whether he sought LaBruzzo’s ouster, Teepell said, “I’m not going to go into details of a private conversation.”

Teepell earlier said LaBruzzo’s sterilization idea  was “a non-starter” and “absurd.”

Tucker announced the decision in a statement in which he alluded to LaBruzzo’s misstep and the consequences.

The Legislature “will undertake the enormous and difficult task of reforming health care in Louisiana in the next several months,” Tucker wrote.

“Some of the comments made by Rep. LaBruzzo recently have impeded his abilities to help lead critical health-care reform and be an effective member of our leadership team.”