Electronic systems replaced at Capitol
by MARK BALLARD - Advocate (excerpt)

The Louisiana Legislature is updating electronics in both chambers at the State Capitol for an estimated cost of more than $1 million. The work, which required both chambers being emptied, is expected to be completed by the end of the year, said House Speaker Jim Tucker, a prediction echoed by several of the technicians actually doing the work. “We want to maintain a clear ability to communicate with the public,” Tucker said. “It’s part of an ongoing maintenance of a building nearing 80 years in age.”

For the most part, the desk equipment has been replaced with new digital technology, including flat-screen monitors. Technicians are wiring the computer-controlled systems up through the floor into the desks.

Completion will be followed by significant testing of the new system, but Tucker said both House and Senate chambers should be ready for use by the end of January. The Legislature likely will convene in late March for a specially called session to redraw the district lines of elected officials to conform with population changes charted in the 2010 census, he said.