A mere $5.34 million annually is “chicken feed” compared to a 30-billion dollars budget.In effect, that is what the pay raise legislation would cost Louisiana voters should that legislation be passed by the House and the Senate and not vetoed by Governor Jindal..
However, the money is not really the issue as much as the principle.
Plus, the pay raise is not even the issue as much as the “anger” I feel from the voters based upon the feedback by email and by comments on our Buzzbacks.
For some reason, never have I encountered such animus on such an issue as this one which in many respects is so minor, yet is driving so much passion, so suddenly.
Voters who are responding feel cheated by their legislators—both Republicans and Democrats.They feel betrayed by a Governor who they feel does not have the guts to threaten a veto.
Governor Jindal has said that the legislature is a separate government body, but that has not kept him from vetoing other legislation already during his short Administrative career.
He told us he would “call people out” who stood in the way of a principled Louisiana but the only ones who are calling anyone out are the voters who are contacting their own legislators.The voters feel so visceral about this issue they could easily send their legislators packing after a short or relatively long career in the law-making body.
Governor Jindal cites that he doesn’t want to derail other important legislation which implies a threat communicated by someone in the legislative branch.Jindal has denied he has been threatened but won’t discuss private meetings.This is exactly the reason that Louisiana citizens deserve real transparency in their government another issue that has been shelved by the current administration.
The sad facts appear to be that Bobby Jindal “over promised” when he sold us ethics and “calling opposition out” and real change in real politics over issues that really matter to the voters who will remember this matter come Gubernatorial election-time
Most of us would love to write ourselves checks and give ourselves 300 to 400 percent increases but we lack the stroke that the legislature possesses.
Ironically, in my Louisiana Senate District, there are three individuals running for Senate to replace Steve Scalise who vacated a seat to become the new Congressman.It is not as if there is a dearth of candidates who want to serve.People are willing to run for office knowing the small amount of money they will receive but the big strokes they get along with name recognition by being an elected official.
This pay raise matter is the epitome of the “hot button” issue that voters understand and are angry as heck.
Although the new House has so many fresh faces, none are immune to strong competition during the next election.If voters remember “Stelly“ for years over tax issues, they will absolutely recall their feelings over this single vote that has aroused such frustration.
Governor Jindal is doing a lot of good things for Louisiana, but right now his own credibility is on the line, big time.He needs to show a strong backbone when it matters emotionally to the voters and not appear "chicken" on what appears to be "chicken feed issues" but which is obviously so important to the people.So far he is not doing this and compromising with the legislature for its own self-interests is not the way to prove he can effectively govern Louisiana.It is also not the way to prove to America that he has the political fortitude needed to really make the right changes this state and country are demanding.
According to the Advocate, a vote on this issue might be heard on Friday.
Here are links where you can voice your opinions, pro or con on this vote:
Give Jindal credit for one thing. Never has one man ,made fools out of so many people all at the same time. His voters believed in him and now he is sitting back
laughing at how stupid his own voters were.
Written by Diaperman
on 6/17/2008
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I would like to get this message to Gov. Bobby Gindal to veto the action that the legislator's have passed to give themselves a raise. We the voters did work and support the Gov. to put him in office so that he could help the people of Louisiana and make the right decisions for our State. This decision is not the right way in my opinion and he needs do stand up and do something about it now. Thank you. Written by Zeta Lea
on 6/17/2008
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Thank God we modern people are so enlightened! Yes-sir-ree. Them old folks - back in the 1780's or so, they was so backwards and mistrustful of they're own selves... they believed that people holding political office could not be trusted and we would need constitutional limits and checks and balances and such. Shucks, in order for the Federal gumment to do anything outside the Constitution we'd have to get most of the state legislatures to vote and agree on this new power. Hell's bells boys that's too damn slow. We now have government at all levels that are dynamic and perform all kinds of good deeds never intended by the shortsighted distrustful Founding Fathers. We are so very much the better off for it too yeah Cher. Written by oh happy day
on 6/16/2008
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Professor, that last post sounded just like a "It's a Wonderful Life" or and old Disney movie. As long as you believe that fairy tale, you'll get lots of letters and speeches and concerned replies from your legislator. -- But look at how this pay raise has been handled in every committee and on the floor of both houses. Did you see any debate? Did one legislator take the mike and make one reference to thousands of calls and emails that have been sent? -- Hell NO. -- YOU can keep on playing their game with them. Negotiate with the terrorists. Until I can finally move out of this lame excuse for a state, I'll be trying to stir up some real passion about cleaning up this disgrace. Written by ralphie
on 6/15/2008
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Oh, and Bobby, your question is a hard one to answer.... I suppose it depends on how good a job the state provided health care does to keep them alive in their waning years...... And then of course, how many years they live after they leave office.... Hmmmmmmm Let's see, retirment age is being bumped up for the common man, but for legislatures, it appears it is possible they can retire at around 45.... Scew working!!!!!! Run for office!!!!!!!! Written by Sad but true......................................
on 6/14/2008
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Stevo..................""""""""""A mere $5.34 million annually is “chicken feed” compared to a 30-billion dollars budget. In effect, that is what the pay raise legislation would cost Louisiana voters should that legislation be passed by the House and the Senate and not vetoed by Governor Jindal. However, the money is not really the issue as much as the principle."""""""""""""............ That is sort of a reverse bizzaro statement.............. "Money is nothing when you have it, and everything when you do not"... - What broke Katrina victims are realizing...
Written by So after principles, what are the priorities???
on 6/14/2008
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It is not the 5 million per year, it is how much is it going to cost in retirement since it depends on the top three years. Would someone answer that? Written by bobby
on 6/13/2008
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Well, it has been written before, and I will write it again, "Beware of the authorities you grant others to have over you"......... Written by Bohunka
on 6/13/2008
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Steve, I understand that state legislators need a pay raise. They are given part-time pay for what has become an increasingly full-time job. So I don't have a problem with the idea of a substantial pay raise in principle (though the size of this raise is highly objectionable). What I do have a problem with is that this is the same legislature which wants to raise its own salaries while cutting the budgets of higher education and health care in the same breath. These cuts are coming at the same time when we have a state surplus and higher oil prices than at any point in world history. Lawmakers cannot find money for hospitals and the state's colleges, but they can find money to raise their own salaries. If this is the "reform legislature," I would hate to see what the "status quo" legislature is like. Written by Dr. Albert Samuels
on 6/13/2008
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Ralphie - It's not that I'm bilnd or refuse to see what's really happening. I just look at what I can do, what I can't do, and make a choice based on those things. For instance, let's suppose that you are right. Our state politicians are crooks. They sit around in back rooms at night and decide how to run our state such that they can make a boatload of money. They do not care what the public thinks, but they come up with some lies anyway. Let's say all that is true. Well, if it is, then I can't do much about it. We imposed term limits, and we just had an election where we (as a collective public) voted in the best people who wanted the job. Short of shooting them, there's not much I can do about them being crooks. However, let's assume that I'm right. They listen to the public, weigh the opinions of those who contact them on certain issues, and decide to act in the best interests of their constituents. Well, if that is true, then I have a lot of work to do. So, with your scenario, I am consigned to staying at home, fuming about how crooked politicians are, and typing on blogs and forums on my computer. With my scenario, I am writing letters to legislators, visiting them and their staffs, and taking part in shaping the legislative process. I don't think that either one of us can ever be proven 100% right. So, I choose to believe my version. Written by Professor
on 6/13/2008
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Professor, you are unbelievable. We don't need your convoluted calculations to know that tripling your own pay is a crime? And have you ever been on a three-way phone call between a lobbyist and a legislator? Have you ever been in the room when party operatives are plotting their schemes to not only achieve their goals, but to provide cover for their cronies in the legislature and devise their lies and spin to feed to the ingorant voters like you. Well I have and I can tell you that many of the legislators I'm talking about are still running this state the same way. And many of the new ones are being taught that that's how the game is played.
And as far as your southern average versus national average question. Maybe we should amend this bill to be 100% of the congressional salaries. Then we can be #1 in the nation in something (overpaid crooked legislators), and you'll have something to really be proud of.
Written by ralphie
on 6/13/2008
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Oh, I have one more question, and I'm being 100% serious and (hopefully) non-confrontational. Why do we often say that we want to be "at or above the Southern average" when it comes to these things. The point was made below that we should look at surrounding states to determine their pay. We also said (earlier in the session) that we should raise teacher pay to the Southern average. Why just the Southern average? Why not compare ourselves to the best in the country? I understand that there may be some satisfaction in being able to say, "We're the best in the South" - but what does that mean when it still puts us as #40 in the country? I mean, winning an SEC title sure is nice. But is it better than shooting for the Championship? How many times has LSU said, "You know what - we won the SEC. We're not going to go to a bowl game or the BCS Series. We're happy with the SEC, so we're going to stop here. Thanks for a great season!" Written by Professor
on 6/13/2008
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OK, OK - let's all calm down a bit, myself included. I'll even get off my high horse. Now, if you are of the opinion that "these politicians" are all crooks, that back-room deals are where it's at, then there really is nothing that I can say to disuade you. I can say, "No they aren't", but I have no proof (it's kind of hard to have proof that something doesn't exist, as I believe). On to the pay issue. First off, please stop quoting the "$50k" figure that the media is saying. The bill says "30% of the annual salary of a member of the US Congress". A member of the US Congress makes $145,000 this year. $145,000 x .3 = $43,500. Yes, they get per diems and other allowances - but those things are NOT being changed or increased. So, we're not talking about a 300% raise. They spend at least 27 hours per week (average throughout the year) doing this job. That equates to just over $30 per hour. Finally, there's the point that they are doing this when Louisianians are strapped for cash. Well, I have no information on the personal income of Louisianians for 2008, but I think that is somewhat inconsequential (not totally, but largely). The state government has more cash today than at any point in history. In fact, our budget is larger than most other states. They are able to make these raises and not steal money from any other program. Besides, the state budget is no more "our money" than when we pay $20 to a grocery store of which we own a single share of stock. We have given them our money to do with as they best see fit. We have a voice in how that money is spent, but it is just 1 out of millions. You cannot expect to go to that grocery store administration and say, "I gave you $20, and now I'm going to tell you how to spend it." You can ask, you can write letters, you can post on forums, but at the end of the day, it's their decision. Written by Professor
on 6/13/2008
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No matter who can "afford" to serve as a legislator, the ignorant, easily manipulated voting population of this state assures that those elected will continue to be sleazy political operatives who have dreamed of the power and perks of office since their days in Boys State. The political parties will always outspend and outmaneuver any independent newcomer not beholding to the status quo. So the "higher pay will bring in better people" argument is a lie and a smokescreen and a typical political shenanigan broadcasted by these scum politians. --- And as has been said before, the job is becoming full-time only because these crooks insist on sticking their tentacles into every facet of life in this state, whether it is government or the private sector. They crave and endlessly seek more power and influence, then whine when their evil empires begin to consume too much of their time. Kill the raise, vote out every legislator who even failed to condemn it. Written by
on 6/13/2008
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A reasonable comparison of state legislators pay would be to compare ours to the surrounding states and even throw in Alabama since we are about the same size, etc. If you look at these salaries and compare them, Louisiana is right in line and even a little better. This is not a full time job yet. The public servants who run for office do so knowing the salary and the time constraints. Hopefully they are running to be public servants and to represent the people. A reasonable pay raise is probably warranted, but this is not reasonable. First of all the proposed salary listed is $50,400 which is 300% more than their present salary. It is tied to Congress who votes themselves pay raises annually. And the people do not want this to pass. Rep. Tucker and others say that by raising the pay we will be blessed with better people in the legislature. Basically he is saying that we will be able to attract more folks for the money. Well, in my opinion we need folks who have run a business or at least had some management experience. That experience could come from running a family farm to running a grocery store or a bar. But this pay raise is being forced down out throats by self serving politicians who do not give a damn what we think. And it moves us to full time legislators and that scares the hell out of me. Then we will have career politicians that have lost touch with reality and can't balance a checkbook, not unlike Congress. If this passes the House and Jindal does not veto it, we should start recall petitions for every selfish politician that voted for it and we should beg John McCain to take this whimp of a governor off our hands! Written by Sid
on 6/13/2008
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OK Professor, let me get your points straight. You believe that these guys are overworked and underpaid a need a raise. Or to put in more bluntly, you're happy to bend over and take a stiff one in the rump from a bunch of thugs who threaten to thwart the state's progress if someone interferes with their plan to triple their own pay. You're a prototype Louisiana voter, thanks for doing your part to make us #50!!! Written by ralphie
on 6/12/2008
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Proffesor you make some very good points. I think most people are angry about the economy right now and the timing is the main reason everyone is so "outraged". I agree that they should have a raise but 200% seems a bit much. Written by Nana
on 6/12/2008
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Professor - Are you stupid or do you just not want to get it? These guys would pay your $100 per hour for these jobs if they had to. How many hours of their legislative "work" is spent at luxurious hunting lodges, golf courses, restaurants, and private parties? If they weren't all crooks and liars, the committee process could honestly sort out and refine legislation to provide the full body with truthful, reliable, accurate information to help them decide their floor vote. But committees are the most corrupt part of the process. They use committee to make public displays for the audience and the camera, knowing all the while that the vote has been determined in the back room long before the lights went on in the committee room. That part of the system is not just broken, it's criminal. By your calculations, they must be making $10 per hour now, and the only way we could rid ourselves of them was to establish term limits, which tried to thwart in every way possible. Explain that mystery if you think they're overworked and underpaid. Written by ralphie
on 6/12/2008
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OK - I can see that you all have your underwear in a wad about this. But, put your emotions aside for a second. First off, the salary quoted has been exagerated quite a bit. Only the actual salary is being changed. Per diems, assistants, etc are all being left the same (check it out, it's SB 672). Also, it pegs the salary at 30% of a US Congressman. Congressmen make $145,100. That means that the actual salary will be $43,530. According to stateline.org, Louisiana's legislators actually spend more than 2/3 of their time in a year doing the duties of office. Louisiana currently ranks 15th out of the 23 other states whose legislators spend 2/3 of their time doing legislative work. Now, let's assume that they spend exactly 2/3 of all hours in a year doing legislative work. That equates to 1393.6 hours. So, take that $43,530, divide by 1393.6, and you get an hourly wage of $31.23. Are y'all seriously saying that you would not pay our legislators $31 per hour to make the laws you have to live by? I'm not sure that I'd take the job for that amount of pay. Sure, it's more than most people make in the state - but they're our legislators, their jobs are a little more important than most jobs in our state!! Written by Professor
on 6/12/2008
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Professor:
I used to work for a legislative consulting firm when I was an undergrad at LSU, I am not ignorant to the "work days" of these people. Also, in my job I have to deal with politicians and quite frankly they are all lazy SOBs. Yesterday when before they adjourned they specifically said they were going to start early on Friday so they can leave by lunchtime. When one person asked, "How early?" the answer was "8 or 9'. I guess for people with sloth-like lifestyles, yeah, that is pretty early. Oh and I know all about what legislators do when they "adjourn" for the day. One of my best friends works for a lobbying firm and believe me, they are not working unless having cocktails downtown is a job. For christ sakes Ann Duplessis owns a damn black Mercedes (go to Louisiana Action Council to see for yourself) and she is the one complaining that she needs more money! These assholes are going to be making more money than I do busting my ass 45+ hours a week 52 weeks out of the year if this law passes for their PART TIME JOB! Yes, they work at the most 6 months out of the year PART TIME. Ponti's e-mail is still in my inbox, I don't have to prove shit to you dude. I know what these assholes are doing at the Capital and I for one am tired of it. THEY DON'T DESEVE A RIDICULOUS RAISE! Written by CDH
on 6/12/2008
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Professor, I have had the displeasure of having to work with our state legislature for about 15 years. I have first hand behind the scenes knowledge of how these crook, liars, and whoremongers operate. Believe me, these sleazeballs would pay you to have these jobs and all of the power, inside dealing, access to sweetheart deals, and perks that go with the job. 99% of them are egomaniacs and have taken advantage of their positions to enrich themselves, their friends and their families. -- They want this pay raise because they can't resist such an easy grab of more of our money. -- If you really are a professor, I'm not surprised you are willing to ki$$ there a$$es. For your misguided compliments, you hope to get them to award your university more of our tax dollars so you can hope to live the lifestyle of a legislator. These legislators aren't worried about gas prices with or without a raise. Look at their parking lot and see how many high-powered luxury cars are back there. Check on what their wives and mistresses are driving.
I'll try to stop my venting, but I can guarantee you that we would benefit from kicking out every last one of them, and then kicking out the new ones after their terms. Written by ralphie
on 6/12/2008
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The talk of Jindal being McCain's runiing mate will be finished with if he does not veto the pay raise. Written by Nolaboy
on 6/12/2008
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Oh, and David - the Governor cannot pick the Senate President or the Speaker of the House. He can voice his opinion, and that opinion has some weight. But, each individual chamber votes for their own leader. However, if you have information that shows some back-room dealings of which I am not aware, I am all ears. Otehrwise, you are making an assumption based on conjecture, and I realize that I will be unable to refute your beliefs by using logic. So, if that's the case, then here's my arguement -> "Not So!" Written by Professor
on 6/12/2008
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CDH - when was the last time you went down to BR and watched them? "They started at 1 and got out at 5"? Really?? Is that all?? Let me educate you a little on what their days are like. They are in their offices around 8am (this means that many of them have left their houses before 6am to make the drive). They get some paperwork done and prepare for the committee meetings that start at 9am. From 9am-11am (or longer) they are in committee meetings hearing testimony about bills and voting on them. After the committee adjourns, they go back to their offices to prepare for the session. Or, they have a meeting with some concerned party who has an issue at hand. Either way, they eat lunch during this time. Then, at 1pm, they go into session. They vote on hundreds of bills between 1 and 6pm. Finally, after the session is closed, you'd think they can go home, right? Well, not usually. See, there are these lovely little parties that are thrown by all manner of organizations. And, these organizations invite their legislators. These are not "lobbyist" functions usually. Instead, they are usually given by some association and have many constituents attending (for example, the New Orleans Builders Association will invite contractors from New Orleans, and the New Orleans delegation of legislators is obligated to show up - after all, these are the people that elected them!). So, they finally get through around 8pm. That's a 12 hour day. Written by Professor
on 6/12/2008
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OK - I'm going to answer some questions and dispell some myths that are posted below:
CDH - If that is true about Mr. Ponti, then that is abhorrent. You should forward that e-mail to WAFB and let them run a story on it. I dare say that if it happened once, it's happened before.
Noladude - Bobby's not from India. At least, no more than all African-Americans are from Africa. I suspect you knew that, in which case I'd have to say that was tantamount to being a racist statement.
Noladude - Representatives (all 105 of them) do not receive an assistant, staff, or an office. The Chair of a Committee is allowed to "use" the staff of that committee (the staff stays when the Chair changes) and the Chair gets an office. Senators may have an assistant, and also get an office. Again, a Chair may "use" the committee staff, but that staff is not "theirs".
Noladude - As for their "per diem", only a select few of them actually live in BR. Many of the others from far-flung corners of the state drive in for the week, then go home for the weekend. Then, roughly 25% drive into BR every day. With gas costing $4 per gallon, that per diem money gets eaten up rather quickly. Also, not every legislator receives the same amount. If a legislator lives in BR, they do not receive as much as one who lives 200 miles away and either drives in every day or stays in a hotel.
Bigd - Excellent question. I haven't done this exercise before, so let's see what happens. Just based on what has happened this year, they will have shown up to work 80 days by June 30. Let's make 2 assumptions - no more special sessions this year, and they had to spend 20 days preparing for session this year. And, let's assume that they execute the other duties of office (liason with state government - see post below) for free. They work an average of 10 hours per day (not an assumption - this is a fact). So, 80 days + 20 days times 10 hours per day = 1000 hours worked. That's $16.90 per hour! Not exactly "big bucks"!! Now, let's say that raise is put into effect, and they get paid $50,000 per year. We're talking $50.00 per hour. That's a nice salary, but hardly "greedy". In fact, that's the EXACT amount of money you said would be "worth it" ($100k per year is roughly $50 per hour).
Willie Stark - You're going to quote Joe McPherson? You're actually going to quote from the man who told misinformation under oath to the House Health and Welfare Committee yesterday? Well, you go right ahead - but I prefer not to be on the same side as him. Written by Professor
on 6/12/2008
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If Jindal truly feels the Legislature is an independent body, why did he pick the leadership of the legislature? (Tucker, Chaisson, et al) If the Legislature is driven by the politics of greed then look no further than the Governor's office for responsibility. Written by David Quidd
on 6/12/2008
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To Professor:
Wow, I wonder what you must be a professor of, I can only begin to speculate. Let's see, I have to take umbridge with some of your statements. First of all being a Louisiana Legislator is a part time job. They are asking for more money than most full time people make in this state. Second, since when are they educated? I was listening to the live streaming video yesterday and I heard one person mispronounce words in a bill, another mistakingly refer to "DNA" as "DA". Honestly, these have to be the most stupid people I have ever encountered. Third, I do not believe they are working hard. Yesterday they started at 1 and finished at 5, tomorrow they are planning on "Starting early" at 9 so they can be finished for lunch. How in the hell is that working hard? By the time they start tomorrow I would have been at my job for 2 hours already. I don't know how much you are getting paid to talk up these morons but I guess every sell out has a price. I am not totally against a pay raise for politicians, however, they are asking for a ridiculous amount at a time when every Louisiana citizen is struggling. This raise will cause us to struggle even more. These people are not representing us, they are gouging us. Just today the Senate passed a tuition increase. I am currently studying for my PhD at LSU, paying my way by working full time. Yet, these idiots want a payraise. I tell you what, when Louisiana is finally out of the bottom of every national list, then I will say they deserve a payraise. Until then, they can live on the $16K and like it. They knew what the stats were going in. Written by CDH
on 6/12/2008
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Did Jindal's people threaten you Stephen?
Every time you criticize Jindal you are quick to mention that you still believe he can be the greatest Governor in history. The good people of LA (you included) bought into a bunch of empty campaign propoganda and empty promises by a spineless fraud. Jindal is nothing more than another Buddy Roemer. Sen. Joe McPherson said it best the other day when he described him as a politician's politician. Stephen, you are a good writer...please stop sucking up to the Jindal people and just be honest....After all, I would hope the greatest Gov. of all time would have the courage to stand up in a situation like this.
WS-
Written by Willie Stark
on 6/12/2008
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I'm sorry, but I must disagree with you all. These legislators decide the future of our state. They are asked to review, become educated, and vote on over 3000 bills during just the regular session - and hundreds more per special session. There is not enough time in a day to review all of the bills that will come up that day. Therefore, they must spend weekends and evenings doing their jobs. They also spend time prior to a session researching and writing their own bills. This year, before even the midpoint of the year, our legislators will have spent 80 of 135 business days in session (again, not including evenings or time before session). They make $16,900 salary. Yes, there is a per diem - and it gets almost all eaten up with gas and incidental costs. And, all I've talked about so far is what goes on when they are making laws. Well, making laws is less than half of what they are expected to do. First and foremost, they are a liason between the average constituent and state government. When they leave the session, they go back home to a backlog of constituent requests (my road needs fixing, my insurance company sucks, blah blah blah). These are requests that go on all year long. So, even when they are not in session, they spend time doing these things. All for a measly $17k? Do you know how much their assistant (who is usually a full-time position) makes in a year? About $24k. So, we're paying bottom dollar to the people in whom we entrust the future of our state? That makes sense to some of you? Well, not me. They deserve a pay raise. They earn every penny. I watch them in BR on almost a daily basis. I work with them. I see how much time they put in. I see how hard they work. But, most of all, I see how much of their passion they put into the job. Give them a raise. Written by Professor
on 6/12/2008
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I would like to know how many days they actually serve? The current pay rate is low if this were a full time job. If we want the ethics to work then we will have to pay them a reasonable amount for the time spent. Having said that I don't think a 300 - 400% increase is warrented. I think a reasonable wage based on actual time invested is in order. If it were a full time job then I think a wage of close to $100,000 would be reasonable considering the qualifications needed to serve.
If on the other hand the time spent is much less than that I think we should adjust accordingly. If candidates spend millions of dollars to secure a job that pays less than $20,000 per year you have to wonder why? In what manner would they make up for the shortfall? This is an issue that is more complicated then simply the annual salary. Written by Bigd
on 6/12/2008
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I know one of the candidates running for Scalise's seat and I can guarantee you he is not doing it for "big strokes and name recognition." He is running because he has worked on public sector boards and economic projects and firmly believes he can make a difference in helping drive economic development both in the New Orleans area and the state as a whole.
I can understand folks being upset about the legislative pay raises, but that is no reason to denigrate good people who are not currently in a position to take a stand on the issue. Written by Ed
on 6/12/2008
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Thank you for your comments. I just happen to look at this page and saw your posting. I have sung his praises. I think he can be a great governor. When he disappoints me, I criticize him. When I think he does the right thing, I say so. In this case, I am deeply disappointed that he does not have enough faith in the people who I think would stand behind him on this veto. I fully understand he wants to work with the legislature. But, when the legislature is voting on an issue that affects them personally and not the public good--and Governor Jindal is not willing to say no, then, I have no problem expressing my deep disappointment. I have taken Governor Jindal at his word to have an open government and that he would call people out who he felt were going against the state's best interests. Time is running short, but I still have faith. Thank you again for your post. Written by Stephen Sabludowsky, Publisher of Bayoubuzz.com
on 6/12/2008
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Bobby Jindal is proving that he is just like all the other greedy misfts who were his predecessors. His hiding under his desk on this issue makes him no different than Blanco or Edwards. The governor wants to one of the "good 'ole boys"---go along to get along. So much for financial ethics and looking out for the taxpayer. One would expect this from Anne Duplesis and her ilk. However, we expected just a tiny bit of intestinal fortitude, fiscal consistency, backbone and courage from Gov. Jindal. The voters have been snookered and hoodwinked, while the taxpayer is being screwed. Recall, anyone? Written by Randall
on 6/12/2008
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You sang his praises. You loved him. Deal with it. Sorta like George Bush, you elected him, don't whine now! Have a swell day. Written by Ernest Stevick
on 6/12/2008
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I too am outraged. While these legislators have sacreficed, so have all of us. If Goverrnor Jindal is going to veto one bill he can certainly veto this one, too. What happened to Governor Jindal's promises? I am getting the feeling we were sold a bill of goods or bads. Written by Gloria
on 6/12/2008
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If you believe they "are all crooks and liars" what makes you think putting "fresh people in the legislature" will result in "our voices <being> heard?" Maybe there's a better - more direct - way for our voices to be heard. "He who despairs of the human condition is a coward, but he who has hope for it is a fool" - Albert Camus Written by this outrage too shall pass
on 6/12/2008
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Perhaps it's time for Bobby to go back to India. He obviouslty doesn't have the courage to do what's right. He'll never get my vote again. What a bunch of scoundrels we have in BR. And they already get offices, staff and per diems. This lousy state will never drag itself from the lowest depths and mire. Written by noladude
on 6/12/2008
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I can say this is the first time I have gotten this upset over an issue. I mean I've been pissed before but I am livid over this issue. What gets me even more is that Bobby Jindal will not veto this bill. Here I thought we finally had a Governor with balls, I know now I couldn't have been more wrong. My representative, Erich Ponti, responded to my e-mail and stated he was against the bill. Yet, yesterday he told WAFB news he was for it. They are all crooks and liars. What we the people of this state need to do is fire all these thieves and put fresh people in the legislature. Maybe then our voices will be heard. Written by CDH
on 6/12/2008
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$5.34 million PLUS insurances, and other overhead gets this to around $7 to $8 million. These pompous asses don't care what we the people think. Mr. Butch Gautreaux pretty much told his constituents to kiss his big dumb a.. He like several other senators and representatives are term limited and will get state retirement which is based on the last three years or the highest three years of pay. Well helloooo, what do you think these sorry bastar..are going to do. If this passes the house and Jondal does not veto it, I hope McCain picks him to drive his car and then maybe we can get a real reform governor that has balls! Written by Sid
on 6/12/2008
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A mere $5.34 million annually is “chicken feed” compared to a 30-billion dollars budget.
