MEDICARE COMMISSION: Jindal May Be Staff Director
Louisiana Health and Human Services Director Bobby Jindal is being touted as a "top contender for staff director" of the bipartisan commission on Medicare reform, the Baton Rouge Advocate reports. Sen. John Breaux (D-LA), chair of the commission, and Rep. Bill Thomas (R-CA), share the responsibility for choosing a staff director. Breaux has said he would like to make the appointment soon, perhaps as early as this week. Although Rep. Billy Tauzin (R-LA) said the appointment is "not a done deal," Jindal is reportedly "high on Breaux's list." Tauzin said that "Republicans in the Louisiana delegation have spoken to Thomas on Jindal's behalf." Breaux and Jindal have worked together on "health policy issues and on Louisiana's access to federal funding for health care programs." Jindal may also be acceptable to Thomas because he "enjoys widespread Republican support in Louisiana." The staff director of the commission will be responsible for managing a $1.3 million budget and providing support for the 17 members of the commission (1/28).
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