Keeping the Budget on Track

April 15th, 2008 | Posted by admin

Dear Friends,

 

Keeping the Budget on Track

One of the key components to moving our state forward is getting the budget process under control. For too long reckless, runaway spending has hindered the state’s ability to respond to the needs of the people. That has got to end. Our hard earned money is not an open checkbook for government to spend at will. That is why I announced last week that we must instead focus our investments on only those projects that are in line with our state’s priorities; indeed, I presented the Legislature with a capital outlay bill with no new projects to allow the state to reduce the backlog of unfunded projects from previous years.

 

We cannot continue the practices of the past and commit to projects that the state cannot afford for years to come. The need to reform how the state spends our hard earned money is very clear, and I will continue working with the Legislature to make certain that the state is not committing money we do not have.

 

Additionally, the hiring freeze implemented in January for state jobs has already saved the state millions of dollars, while still recognizing the needs of agencies statewide. I am very pleased with the results thus far, and have included a few links below regarding both the success of the hiring freeze and my plans for the capital outlay budget.

 

“Hiring freeze allows study, evaluation,” Lafayette Daily Advertiser

“Jindal proposes more limited construction budget for next year,” New Orleans Times-Picayune

 

Opening the Spillway

Friday was an historic day in South Louisiana, as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers opened gates throughout the Bonnet Carré Spillway structure in order to divert rising water from the Mississippi River.

 

It was great to be joined by other Louisianians who came to Norco to watch the structure’s opening. This was only the ninth time since 1937 that the Spillway has been used, and pending the status of the river it will stay open for two to four weeks. I want to encourage all of those residing in areas around the river and in low-lying areas to remain vigilant, as conditions can change at any time.

 

Also along these lines, last week I sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer requesting aid for those farmers in the Morganza Spillway whose crops have been affected by the rising waters. You can read the letter here.

 

“Bonnet Carré opened,” Baton Rouge Advocate

 

Punishing Those Who Harm Our Children

As the father of three young children, I understand how vitally important it is that we keep them safe from violent criminals and sexual predators. I am pleased that the Senate last week passed 3 important bills that will strengthen our state’s laws against sex offenders, ensuring that those who seek to harm our children will pay a deep price.

 

By passing this legislation, we will send a message loud and clear – if you harm a child, you will suffer the consequences not just for 15 years as current law provides, but forever. The victims of these terrible crimes must live with the memories for the rest of their life, and perpetrators should not face a lesser sentence.

 

“Senate supports 3 bills targeting sex offenses,” Baton Rouge Advocate

 

I was also pleased that last week the Senate Labor Committee passed a bill critical to the revamping of our state’s workforce. Senate Bill 612 will help better coordinate our state’s workforce efforts and help workers obtain the 21st century skills needed to compete for today’s jobs and fill the 100,000 jobs currently available in our state.

 

“Senate committee approves Jindal’s hallmark work force bill,” New Orleans Times-Picayune

 

Sincerely,

 Bobby Jindal

Governor Bobby Jindal

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