Selection As Speaker
In 2004, Salter was tapped by Democratic Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco as her choice to be the 62nd Speaker of the Louisiana House to succeed Charles W. DeWitt, Jr., of Rapides Parish as presiding officer. He was the first person from his House district ever to be Speaker. Unlike most states, Louisiana's governor recommends a choice for speaker, and that person is almost always chosen by the full chamber.
Considering his experience in education, Salter served on the House Education Committee and on the key committees which address the budget and financing of state government – Appropriations Committee, the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget, and the Joint Capital Outlay Committee.
Salter's honors include the following: Louisiana Federation of Teachers Legislative Golden Apple Award (1986, 1987, 1990) and Representative of the Year Award (1991 and 2001); Louisiana Association of Educators Friend of Education (1994), Outstanding Serve Award and Legislative Honor Roll (1997), and Outstanding Legislator (2001); Louisiana Library Association Distinguished Legislator of the Year (1989); Louisiana Council on Aging Directors’ Association, Champion of Senior Citizen Issues in Louisiana Special Award (2001); Fleur de Lis Health Care Leadership Award (2002); Guardian of Small Business Award( 1991) Louisiana Rural Health Association, Legislator of the Year (1995); Louisiana Public Broadcasting President’s Award (2000); Police Jury Association of Louisiana Friend of the Parishes (1997). He is a member of the Coushatta-Red River and Sabine Parish chambers of commerce, Toledo Bend Reservoir Citizens Advisory Committee, and Toledo Bend Lake Association.
Salter has been vice chairman of the board of Ddrectors of the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts in Natchitoches. He has served too on the advisory board Northwestern State University - Leesville/Fort Polk campus. On a regional and national level, he served on the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and their education committee, the Southern Regional Education Board Legislative Advisory Council, and the Education Commission of the States.
Read more about this topic: Joe R. Salter
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