Former State Rep. Jane Smith has already found a place in Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration after her term expired Monday.
Smith, a Bossier City Republican who represented District 8 in the House of Representatives, is the new deputy secretary of the Louisiana Revenue Department.
“I'm excited about it. I'll be starting pretty soon,” said Smith.
Revenue Secretary Cynthia Bridges wanted Smith to bring a component of understanding policy making and working with legislators.
The pair built a working relationship after developing the state's tax amnesty bill in 2009.
“I told her my background is not an accountant, that I've been a teacher and legislator. And she said that is what she wanted,” said Smith. “Sometimes you need that approach to getting an agenda passed and working with the legislator.”
Before the session starts, Smith will go around the state telling delegations and citizens about what the department does and can do.
“We know in our area with the earned tax credit for movies and natural gas, but some areas of the state are less aware,” she said.
This appointment means Smith will be in Baton Rouge full-time during the legislative session and will return home as much as possible the rest of the year.
“It's a full time job. (Smith's husband) Scott and I talked about it and he feels like it's a mission I'll be excited to take on. I want to help the Louisiana and our part of the state.”
Smith, a former superintendent of Bossier public schools, served three terms in the House of Representatives, beginning in 2000. She was defeated in an Oct. 22 election for the state Senate District 37 seat.
