July 17, 2008
NCSL Names Press Room After Long-Time Louisiana Capitol Reporter
Bureau Chief John LaPlante covered state government for more than 30 years
4 p.m., Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Ceremony and Media Reception
Room 211-213
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
900 Convention Center Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70130
DENVER - To honor a long-time Louisiana state house reporter and bureau chief, the National Conference of State Legislatures is re-naming its press room at the 2008 Legislative Summit after John LaPlante.
LaPlante, who passed away in April 2007, covered Louisiana politics and government for more than three decades. As the capitol news bureau chief for The Advocate in Baton Rouge, LaPlante led a team of six state house reporters covering the Louisiana Legislature. Previously, he worked as a reporter, editorial writer and assistant city editor. He also taught courses at Louisiana State University, where he was an alumnus.
"NCSL pays tribute to John not only for being an outstanding reporter and editor, but also for his passion and dedication to journalism," said Gene Rose, director of communications for NCSL, who worked with LaPlante with the establishment of the first Capitolbeat conference in Denver. "John served his colleagues and his profession well. NCSL is honored to have had the opportunity to know John and work with him."
LaPlante's "Political Horizons" column on Sundays often induced heated debate among readers and state officials. Additionally, LaPlante was an original member of Capitolbeat, the national association of capitol beat reporters and editors.
"John LaPlante was an integral part of the starting of Capitolbeat, whose mission is to strengthen state government reporting in all 50 states," said Tiffany Shackelford, executive director of Capitolbeat. "He was a good friend to us all and an excellent news man."
During this event, the LaPlante family will be there as will fellow state house reporters who will provide remarks. The re-naming ceremony will be followed by a reception for reporters and members of the media who are attending the NCSL's Legislative Summit.
NCSL is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staff of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.
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