Keeping Spending in Check

November 24th, 2008 | Posted by bobbyjindal

Dear Friends,

Keeping Spending in Check

Despite the unfavorable economic conditions that continue to spread across the country, we are taking the necessary steps in order to ensure that Louisiana stays ahead of the curve. And, as written in the Monroe News-Star, our “administration is off to a good start.” In addition to LaTrac, the online spending database that debuted last week, and other budgetary steps, we have implemented a limited hiring freeze for state government positions.

The hiring freeze we put in place shortly after taking office in January saved the state more than $39 million, and this freeze aims to save at least $25 million.

Our economic advisory council will continue its weekly meetings, and we will continue to look for common sense ways to reduce state spending, protecting us against a projected budget shortfall in the coming year. As written in the Shreveport Times, “you…know [our administration] is getting up every day thinking about what [they] can do to improve Louisiana.”

Providing Workforce Solutions

Last week we announced that Louisiana Economic Development (LED) is moving forward with the creation of the Louisiana FastStart program, which will provide customized employee recruitment, screening and training for new and expanding companies in Louisiana. The FastStart program will operate in unison with the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, Louisiana Workforce Commission, and private partners.

One of the biggest concerns facing our business development prospects is the availability and quality of our workforce. Louisiana FastStart directly addresses a major need for both our current companies that are looking to expand and projects we are looking to relocate to Louisiana. Last week LED also announced the hiring of Jeff Lynn, the former Director of Georgia’s Quick Start program, one of the best workforce development programs in the nation, to run FastStart.

As written in the Baton Rouge Business Report, “by late 2009, FastStart should be available to any manufacturing or research-and-development facility that commits to creating at least 15 new jobs, or any service operation that creates 50 jobs.” The program has already helped successfully bring a Westinghouse and Shaw Group nuclear module manufacturer to Lake Charles, which should create more than 1,400 jobs in the area.

Improving our Health Care System

We recently introduced the Louisiana Health First initiative, which will constitute, as written by the Wall Street Journal, “a major renovation of the way [Louisiana] provides health coverage to the poor and uninsured.”  And as the Council for a Better Louisiana wrote in their email newsletter on the plan, “In Louisiana we have talked about health care reform for a long time, but we’ve never really had a plan to work from. Now we do.”

By expanding coverage, encouraging providers to work together, and creating a first class academic and research center in New Orleans, we can begin to provide significantly better care for many of our residents. As reported by the Opelousas Daily World, “the plan could save money for the state and give better care to many people because patients would avoid redundant testing, could receive preventive treatment that would keep them healthier, and give them a cheaper alternative than the emergency rooms that they now use.”

We will continue moving forward with the Louisiana Health First initiative and looking for more creative ways to better health care in our state, as the health of our people is paramount as we continue to build a better Louisiana. As the Lake Charles American Press wrote, “doing nothing no longer is an option for the state of Louisiana or residents who have been ill-served by the current system.”

Honoring our Law Enforcement Officers

It was my privilege to address the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement’s Medal of Honor ceremony last week. The ceremony honored three officers who lost their lives in the line of duty – Nicola Cotton and Thelonious Dukes, Sr. of the New Orleans Police Department and Keith Chaisson of the Thibodaux Police Department.

I was also joined by elected and law enforcement officials in presenting medals to the families of each fallen officer, and I was honored to be the first sitting governor to attend the event. These officers were committed to protecting us all, and in doing so paid the ultimate sac rifice. They are true heroes, running towards danger and not away from it. My deepest sympathies go to their friends and families, and we will never forget the sacrifices they made for all of us.

Additionally, since Officer Cotton’s death we have passed “Nicola’s Law,” which gives judges the ability to order mandatory outpatient treatment for mentally ill patients who may be a danger to society when not provided with supervision. By continuing to strengthen our justice system with laws such as these, we can help protect our law enforcement officers from similar situations in the future.

Happy Thanksgiving
Governor Jindal tours flood damage in Cedar Rapids, Iowa during visit Saturday.

I want to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving and beginning of the holiday season. Over the past week we held town halls in Arcadia, Ragley, Breaux Bridge, and Jackson, and I look forward to continuing our town halls next week after we have all had a chance to spend some time with our families. I know my family will be enjoying mom’s sweet potato dish and pecan pie, though not necessarily in that order, and I wish you all a safe, happy holiday.Sincerely,

 

 Bobby Jindal

Governor Bobby Jindal

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