Jindal Critics Ousted From House Budget Committee

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Two Republican lawmakers have been kicked off the House budget committee after repeated clashes with Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration over its budget decisions.

Jefferson Parish Rep. Cameron Henry, the vice-chairman of the panel, and Assumption Parish Rep. Joe Harrison say they were told Friday of their ouster from the Appropriations Committee.

Both men say they believe House Speaker Chuck Kleckley removed them because they disagreed with Jindal over spending plans and recent budget cuts. Henry and Harrison supported a failed effort to call a special session to reconsider Jindal's cuts.

Their dismissal came a day after they sided with House opponents to Jindal's proposal to outsource a state government worker health care plan.

Kleckley, who got his leadership role with Jindal's support, didn't immediately return a call.