Louisiana Legislature, Gov. Jindal: Pride and Punishment

Yesterday, on the last day of the legislative session, I went to the Capitol and spoke to legislators about the pay raise issue. For over eight hours, that was the topic of discussion on my agenda so I could get a real “feel” for what happened and what is happening in Baton Rouge.

When I first entered the Capitol, I was met by a Louisiana Senator who had very harsh words against the media and against me. “You guys are just fanning the flames for your own profit”.

I heard the same message from virtually every legislator with whom I talked.

But, here is what I believe is occurring right now in Louisiana politics, post legislative session.

Everyone feels that they are being stabbed in the back.

The legislature feels that they are getting little or no help from Governor Jindal whom they believe has had other and higher personal political agendas. I have no idea what Governor Jindal meant by a “pledge” he made with the legislature and until he explains that issue fully, I believe his own credibility is shot. I believe that Governor Jindal really had no clue about all of the details concerning the pay raises, and got caught by a fast moving public train. One Republican legislator told me that then candidate Jindal really probably did not even know that the legislative raise platform was in the written campaign material. The legislature abhors the media right now. The people are furious with the legislature and with Bobby Jindal.

The legislators feel that some of their constituents are being abusive to them. One legislator’s wife explained to me that she was yelled at and cursed in a public place. The young House members who cannot benefit from the financial perks pre-Gold standard ethics reform feel they cannot make a living, sitting in session after session. They feel the job is full time although they know that technically it is not.

However, they House members praise Jim Tucker who they feel has removed the cloak of a Republican advocate to being Speaker for “all of the House”. Obviously, they feel he stood up for them with the pay raise but their admiration is a lot deeper than that single issue.

Without doubt, every legislator felt that they were grossly underpaid and some expressed that districts would not be able to get “good legislators” at the current pay rate.

Nobody really knew if there was a quid pro quo with Governor Jindal. Representative Tucker was unavailable and Senate President Joel Chaisson promised me that we would talk about the issues later this week.

I must admit, after the discussions, I was in an emotional quandary. I feel for the young representatives who want to do right. They have young families and young careers and have not made their mark or their wealth.

I have never seen an election where people had to be recruited. Normally, there is a plethora of candidates so I do not know, nor believe finding public servants even at the lower pay will be a problem.

So, I have decided to proceed with the rally at the steps of the Capitol for July 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. to urge Governor Jindal to veto the pay legislation. It will be an avenue for public expression which so many people desire. They want to convince him to do what is right—represent them, not the legislature. However, legislators or Administration leaders who might have a contrary view will be able to speak and express the other side. They should contact me at steve@bayoubuzz.com.

However, for me, the “difference maker” is simple. If the legislators are not making enough money and the job is not working out for them, they should do what thousands do at their full time job—quit. Nobody is indispensible. I am speaking from my own experience. I also feel like I am doing a public service since Internet advertising has not yet taken off in Louisiana and I absolutely feel underpaid. If I cannot make it as owner and Publisher of Bayoubuzz, I should quit. That would be unfortunate in my view, but it is my option. In a free marketplace, we all have options.

Every legislator said the process was flawed. Everyone said that there should have been more openness, more public debate on this issue at this time.

Thus, because the debate was so limited, since the people’s outrage is so deep, the Governor should veto and the legislators can have this “open debate” next session. Since they feel so strong about the issue, they can discuss it with their constituents during the “off season”. Right now, the legislators are claiming that the constituents agree with them once they explain their individual positions. So, if they take their message to the people and give them public notice, they might even get more if the public fully buys into legislation.

Without question, the overall atmosphere between the public and the legislature and the Governor is so acidy, the process should start over. If the legislators cannot make it on a salary of 17,000 plus some add ons, again, they should quit or convince their voters in open discussions I have outlined above. Also, we will then know if no good people will step forward and serve.

The legislators are good people. They are proud of their jobs. They spend a lot to serve but they also receive a tremendous amount of exposure and other opportunities when they do. All issues should be on the table and not shuffled under the table cloth which was done this session.

The political process is broken. Governor Jindal has not panned out as being transparent. He has become a politician and should consider changing top leadership if he expects to move forward politically.

The day at the legislature was full of mixed emotions for me. I care about the people who serve us. I care about the trust, or lack of it that is rapidly brewing in Louisiana.

The legislature has a story to tell about the job they have done these past six months. We should listen. However, they should listen to the people. They will then do a much better job.

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