The Senate voted 20-18 to go along with the House pay raise version passed on Friday. It now goes to the governor’s desk for his signature.The Legislative decision would increase the pay for the average legislator to $37,500.This would be more than a one hundred percent increase from the current salary.Governor Jindal said he would not vetof the legislation.The raise is scheduled to go into affect on July 1.
Governor Jindal issued the following statement after the vote, but is not going to veto the legislation, which means that the pay raise is final and will become law:
“Today, Governor Bobby Jindal released the following statement on the pay raise vote in the Senate:
"I'm very sorry to see the legislature do this. More than doubling legislative pay is not reasonable, and the public has been very clear on that.
"I will keep my pledge to let them govern themselves and make their own decisions as a separate branch of government. I will not let anything, even this clearly excessive pay raise, stop us from moving Louisiana forward with a clear plan for reform."
On Friday, Governor Jindal issued this statement after the House voted on the pay increase:
"I still disapprove of this pay raise. While I'm glad they reduced it, it's still more than a doubling of their pay, which I believe is excessive. The legislature is a separate branch of government and must manage their own affairs. There is still time for them to turn back. They will have to answer directly to the people.
"One thing is for sure, I will not bail them out on this and do their job for them. I will not veto this as it is very clear to everyone that the result would be a grinding halt to the tremendous reforms and progress our state is making. I will give them no excuse to stop doing the people's business, and I will not allow the momentum of our state to stop over this or anything else."
The bill passed 20 to 18 with President Joel Chaisson voting for the raise.
Here is the Senate Vote:
FOR the pay increase— Senate President Joel Chaisson II, D-Destrehan, and Sens. Robert Adley, R-Benton, Sharon Broome, D-Baton Rouge, Yvonne Dorsey, D-Baton Rouge, Ann Duplessis, D-New Orleans, Reggie Dupre, D-Houma, Dale Erdey, R-Livingston, Butch Gautreaux, D-Morgan City, Cheryl Gray, D-New Orleans, Lydia Jackson, D-Shreveport, Bob Kostelka, R-Monroe, Eric LaFleur, D-Ville Platte, Rob Marionneaux, D-Grosse Tete, Danny Martiny, R-Kenner, Mike Michot, R-Lafayette, Ed Murray, D-New Orleans, Ben Nevers, D-Bogalusa, Derrick Shepherd, D-Marrero, John Smith, D-Leesville and Francis Thompson, D-Delhi.
AGAINST the pay increase— Sens. John Alario, D-Westwego, Jody Amedee, D-Gonzales, Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, Sherri Cheek, R-Shreveport, Don Cravins Jr., D-Opelousas, A.G. Crowe, R-Pearl River, Jack Donahue, R-Mandeville, Nick Gautreaux, D-Meaux, Troy Hebert, D-Jeanerette, David Heitmeier, D-New Orleans, Gerald Long, R-Winnfield, Joe McPherson, D-Woodworth, Dan Morrish R-Jennings, Willie Mount, D-Lake Charles, Julie Quinn, R-Metairie, Neil Riser, R-Columbia, Buddy Shaw, R-Shreveport, and Mike Walsworth, R-West Monroe.
Bayoubuzz Note: Comment on the Legislative vote and Governor Jindal's decision on our BuzzBoards Below. Read the columns written prior to the Senate vote, but still very relevant. Also, read the comments following the columns:
I really need to brush up on "spell check." Written by kpf, really going to work now. wait! its breaktime
on 6/25/2008
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
I really do not see this happening - and I should concentrate on my job instead of this buzzboard - but here it is one last time.... "We the people" have the technological means - in this present day, 2008 - to get beyond the form of "representative" government that was established in the horse and buggy era. We the people can vote directly on practically every issue WITHUT having to be bothered with the cumbersome "go to the voting polls" B.S. Our credit cards are secure no? Using it at an ATM doesn't jeopardize our finances doe it? So... elected officials state their views on matters political (T.V., newspapers, internet, whatever), then... after hearing them out... we the people swipe our card at some convenient location (ATMs?) and securely vote on the issue. Our elected officials then carry out "the will of the people." This is do-able and then..... well... we would no longer have politicians to point the finger at because they are "not doing what the people want." Written by kpf, thru wid dat and going to werk
on 6/25/2008
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
I see your point but I just do not see it every happening in our time. To be honest we need to look at a third party for running our state, but it will take a
very special leader to be able to get the people`s support. We have to many die hard republicans and democrats in Louisiana for a third party to have a real chance right now. Never give up your fight because you may just be starting
to open the door for someone in the future to step through. Written by Diaperman
on 6/24/2008
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
Many executives sign papers without ever reading them. So ... affixing one's signature to a piece of paper means ... well... nothing really. This pay raise is but a very, VERY small amount of our hard-earned wages that is wasted by our elected officials. It isn't the beginning of government waste, it isn't the end of government waste (unfortunately). I hope people do start to expect our elected officials to do the right thing... then again.... our incumbents seem to be pretty secure in their respective elected office. As long as we keep elected these clowns, we'll continue to get the shaft. I know nobody else agrees but to me the only solution is: GIVE THESE CROOKED BASTARDS AS LITTLE POWER AS POSSIBLE - GIVE THE PEOPLE AS MUCH POWER AS POSSIBLE. Sure, ignorance and selfishness will rule (never said it would be perfect) - but I don't think it will be any worse than what we currently have. I'd bet if the American public had the right to decide how much of their hard earned pay would go to other countries, it would be a hell of a lot less - and WTF not? Why should we be slave laborers for some foreign government? There's a whole lot of changes that need to be made, but neither the Democrats nor the Republicans will bring these changes about - they're both owned by the big banking interests. - kpf Written by or perhaps I'm a "conspricy kook" - yeah that's it
on 6/24/2008
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
I do think we need a Real Governor for Louisiana, Just not the worth less
Governor Jindal that we have now. I always thought Blanco was the worst Governor we ever had, but Jindal took that honor away from her. Jindal has
once again made us number one in the country, for having the worst Governor. Written by Diaperman
on 6/24/2008
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
SO WELCOME - - - - - - - - - TO THE MACHINE................................. Written by
on 6/24/2008
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
kpf can you answer me why do other governors sign bills ? Jindal not signing 90
bills in less than six months is a national record for a governor not bothering
to do his Job. You add the fact Jindal can even be bothered to see what is going on in state to the fact he is allowing this pay-raise for his buddies and that equals a worth less governor. Jindal hopes people will see this as they are picking on me, but no matter the party Louisiana does not deserve a wimp or a wuss like Jindal for governor. Written by Diaperman
on 6/24/2008
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
I'm not sure "signing bills" means "doing one's job." It is possible to sign something without reading it - it is also possible to thoroughly review a bill and allow it to become law without signing it. I cannot help but recall - while watching C-Span years ago - a representative coming into the chambers during a vote on a bill asking one of his aides "How do I vote on this?" Is our governor reviewing these bills? I do not know but "signing" them or not - quite frankly - doesn't mean jack $hit. Of course, if one only supports one of the two major political parties, then I guess any chance to throw a stone should not be missed. Written by kpf
on 6/24/2008
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
Well Diaperman, if that is true, then what I said is true, and he can govern by proxy!!!! So who needs a Governor in the first place???????? And what good is a Governor anyways?????? Written by
on 6/23/2008
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
Jindal has now allowed 90 bills to become law without bothering to sign them.
That is four times more unsigned bills than the four previous governors unsigned
bills added together.
No wonder he can not veto the legislators pay raise when he can not even be
bothered to do his job as governor.
http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/20637984.html Written by Diaperman
on 6/22/2008
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
Have fun spending every penny you can this term. I also wish you luck in getting that D.C. job. Oh if you do come for me please make it a nice blazer and not some old patrol car, because I like to travel in class when I visit the farm. Written by Diaperman
on 6/21/2008
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
Well, I don't want to appear sanctimonious, but if it takes 28% to get our way, we will take that, and do what we want to do.... We have over 1000 days of fun and games left, and we have over a 1000 ways to make our day..... So don’t worry about it so much….. And if you persist with your postings, once we get our other bills in place, we are going to send the mind police to your door to take you away because you are obviously crazy being as you think you can challenge our will…………….. and have the audacity to post such things……… Now send me more tax dollars, I am going shopping today, its Saturday… Written by
on 6/21/2008
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
Now mr or mrs jindal staffer why are you blaming the voters for Jindal screwing the state. So is it jindals voters fault that he won and is screwing the state. He did win the election but I blame Jindal for his lies, and not the people he fooled into voting for him. I think were tricked into believing his lies about reform, transparency and the promise of not letting the legislators pass their pay raise. I do refuse to believe Jindals voters are as stupid as jindal thinks they are. He thinks he can just lie and hide for awhile and they will still praise him. I think they see him for a ball less liar who made a fool out of them. Written by Diaperman
on 6/20/2008
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
Oh, and about the numbers,,,, Well, Jindal did win by a LANDSLIDE didn't he??? [wut, 28% of the registered voter population?] So like I said, more people should have voted, they didn't, he won, Legislature gets raise, Jingle Jindal gets to smirk at you and make you eat crusty dog crap for breakfast, and the beat goes on........................................ Written by
on 6/20/2008
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
No puzzlement Diaperman...... It is called 'veiled sarcasim in the second person tense".............. Now fetch me some mo tax dollahs!!!! HA-HA-HA-HA-HA----- Written by ...Senator Ha-Ha........snicker, snicker, smirk...
on 6/20/2008
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
Jindals staff person seems to think Jindal voters are so stupid that they will think anyone who did not vote for jindal is causing him to bust the spending cap and pass out paty raises to his buddies. How did my voting for someone besides Jindal cause him to break his word when he promised he would never let the legislator's pass their own pay raise. I wonder was jindal and his staff person laughing at the voters even then as they already knew what was really going to happen. Tell me Jindals staff person, are you proud that jindal is letting a ad run claiming he gave six tax breaks to Louisiana, when five of those breaks were from governor blanco and he fought against the sixth tax break. As bad as I thought Blanco was, Jindal has even managed to make her look better. Blanco lost her respect because of a major hurricane, Jindal is throwing his respect away all by himself.
Written by on 6/20/2008
Written by Diaperman
on 6/20/2008
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
I want say I am sorry to Senator HA-HA because he was not the one I should have been addressing. I made a mistake and should have addressed this to the Jindal staff person who did not leave a name by their post to me. Please for give me Senator HA-HA for that mistake. Written by Diaperman
on 6/20/2008
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
Senator HA-HA seems to think Jindal voters are so stupid that they will think
anyone who did vote jindal is causing him to bust the spending cap and pass out paty raises to his buddies. How did my voting for someone besides Jindal cause him to break his word when he promised he would never let the legislator's pass their own pay raise. I wonder was jindal and Senator HA-HA laughing at the voters even then as they already knew what was really going to happen. Tell me Senator HA-HA are you proud jindal is letting a ad run claiming he gave six tax breaks to Louisiana, when five of those breaks were from governor blanco and he fought against the sixth tax break. As bad as I thought Blanco was, Jindal has even managed to make her look better. Blanco lost her respect because of a major hurricane, Jindal is throwing his respect away all by himself. Written by Diaperman
on 6/20/2008
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
Jindal is letting a ad run showing him taking credit for tax cuts made by governor blanco. He is even taking credit for the tax cut he fought against. Now as he is paying off his buddies by giving them the biggest pay raise in Louisiana history, he is getting staff members to post in his defense. At we know why he needed to bust the spending cap. He knew then he would break his word and need the extra money to pass out pay raises for his buddies and hand picked speaker of the house.
Jindal is also getting his staff to blog in his defense. The republican party picked Jindal ,Jindal picked Tucker and now we have them bust the spending cap and pass out the largest Pay-raises in the history of Louisiana. Now they want to blame me for voting for someone besides Jindal. Wake up and see just how stupid Jindal thinks his own voters are. Written by Diaperman
on 6/20/2008
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
So Monica, who is it that will read and act on the little recall petition you want to pass around??? The legislature?????? And who has to sign it into law??? Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha........................... Now get to work and generate some mo tax dollahs fo us!!!................ YOU INVETERATE PEASANT!!!!!!!! Written by Senator HA-HA
on 6/20/2008
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
No Diaperman, it is not the Republican party you need us to thank..... It is probably folks such as yourself that simply sat home and didn't vote for an alternative.... Numbers will bear me out on this one........... Written by
on 6/20/2008
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
Jindal fought tax breaks because he said the state could not afford them, so how can the state afford to pay off jindal buddies in this well planed pay raise. Then you add the fact Jindal is having ads run that say he gave Louisiana six tax cuts
since he has been governor. How low can jindal sink as to take credit for tax cuts that he fought and then take credit for tax cuts that blanco gave us.
Thank the Republican party for Jindal, Vitter and last but not least Jindal very own hand picked speaker, Tucker. They sure made fools out of the people of Louisiana. Written by Diaperman
on 6/19/2008
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
I am living in East Baton Rouge parish and I am going to work on getting a petition signed for a recall of these legislators. Is there anyone willing to help? Is there anyone else working on this? This will only happen if "we the people" let it. Written by Monica Alleman
on 6/19/2008
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
Why are you peasants complaining so much???? You voted for me, now accept it.... It isn't easy figuring out new ways to dig in your pockets for more... And if I hear any more complaints out of you, I am going to raise your taxes..... 3 times as much as I origionally intended too. So don't let me hear another complaint out of you, I am busy, and I have other things to direct my attentions towards... NOW GET BACK TO WORK YOU INGRATES!!!!!!!!!!!! Written by Senator Ha-Ha
on 6/19/2008
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
Man! jinal..say it aint so...looks like the same crap, different toilet...I pray..that a miracle happens here and jindal VETO's this. If he does not..I think he is about done in Louisiana...yet again..let down! Where is Huey Long when ya need him...so much for a new Louisiana another governor strong armed..what a crime. funny the legislator would be rank among the top ten of "high paid" in the nation, but yet we find our state so often ranked at the bottom of the barrel on so many other catagories..public service..ha..more like self service..I will be saying my rosary for this one folks..however I hate to say it but..I think here in louisiana we will continue to dance the same ol waltz. Written by Borel
on 6/18/2008
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
Jindal is not the culprit here....Hunter and other legislators said they would stop his bills in their tracks. Send those punks who voted for a pay raise home with their tails between their collective legs. Written by James
on 6/18/2008
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
Looks as though Jindal will only keep his word to the legislators and not to the people who put him in office. We're headed for full time legislators like California, New York, Congress(makes me shiver). So now we won't have just "rich and retired" people running for office, but we will have full time politicians who know nothing but politics. They will lose touch with reality and with the common man. Maybe they will all move to Baton Rouge so they don't have to talk to us in the local resturants or at the local ball fields. The ethics laws are a sham. The tax cuts are a ways off if at all. Jindal should be wearing camo. Hopefully he will listen to the people of the state and veto this bill that was rammed down our throats. Written by Sid
on 6/17/2008
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
Sharon, you can study ancient history all you want.... Till you are blue in the face....... and until you realize that you are simply wasting time researching what you already know, were told, or suspect these kind of things are simply going to keep going on....... Ohhhh,,,,, but we need a 'Rockstar' in the white house!!!!! Makes about as much sense as Obama......... Ehhh,,,, why not, it pays the rent I suppose...................... Written by Unkown102
on 6/17/2008
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
Sid, I just saw a copy of a Jindal campaign brochure on the Dead Pelican where Jindal promised to "prohibit legislators from giving themselves raises that take effect before the subsequent election." In his own words he stated exactly what the people are demanding. This bill should be vetoed. At the very least it should not take effect until after the next election. Even though I think that Jindal has a great plan for Louisiana, I cannot help but believe that he has shrugged his fundamental duty, protecting the taxpayers of Louisiana from Legislative Excess. Louisiana now has a Legislative body whose pay ranks in the top 10 in the Nation in a State who ranks in the bottom 10 in every category that matters. I have read that a dozen times today and every time it is true. Written by Sharon
on 6/17/2008
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
I'm hoping that Kermit the Frog will hop on down to Louisiana and help us save the day....... Written by Can you tell me how to get..... to Seasame street.
on 6/17/2008
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
Senator Butch Gautreaux wrote a letter to the editor explaining the pay raise and in it he said their goal was $38,000 per year and they got within $500. So they had this set up from the beginning. I don't know about anybody else but this pisses me off. They did not care what we the constituents wanted. We're now on our way to full time legislators who are paid more than anyone else in the south. And Mr. Jindal won't veto the bill. He won't do his duty, he is bought and paid for with his pay raises for the education and development guru's. Politics as usual. Nothing different despite Mr. Jindal's propaganda. maybe with this new pay raise we can get some politicians from surrounding states to move here and run for office. Written by Sid
on 6/17/2008
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
Constantly throughout each day, each one of us evaluate circumstances and make decisions on them. I guess I am alone in desiring the voters to decide issues (as much as possible, certainly the non-time critical big dollar decisions with OUR tax money). I simply do not "get it" when people feel nothing but disgust for the vast majority of politicians but think that SOMEHOW replacing them with another bunch of egotistical elitist opportunists will make things better. What we need are politicians who will spend our tax dollars as they would their own household budget - in case you haven't noticed -- THEY DO NOT DO THIS. So.... if "we the people" do not take over this responsibility... well, more of the same.... for you... your children.... grandchildren... on and on...when it comes to fiscally responsible government, your "savior" is in the mirror, IMHO. Written by kpf
on 6/17/2008
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
I can't wait until someone announces a run against my representative, so I can contribute to their campaign. You want your senator or representative to get the message?? As soon as he/she sees your name in an opponent's campaign finance report, the message will really start to sink in. Written by
on 6/17/2008
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
Don't let all of those 18 off the hook either. I guarantee you that some of them were in on the conspiracy, but were fortunate enough to get the raise and still post a no vote. Only Cassidy and one more senator even spoke up today. He's running for Congress, but he still should be applauded for violating the Oath of Silence that ALL BUT TWO in the entire legislator agreed to.
Can all the rest!!! Written by ralphie
on 6/16/2008
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
Well, that sucks but we pretty much knew that the Legislators and the Governor are not going to listen to the voice of the people. We will remember this for next election. Written by CDH
on 6/16/2008
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
