Analysis: Jindal, lawmakers face grim new reality [Louisiana budget problems]

KATC.com ^ | Nov. 15, 2008 | Melinda Deslatte

[Al B.]

BATON ROUGE, La. -- Louisiana's multiyear spending spree is skidding to a close. Now, a strikingly different reality of shortfalls and budget cuts face a freshman governor and lawmakers whose first year is better described as a spending festival than a show of restraint.

"They're going to have a really hard time," said Barry Erwin, head of the Council for a Better Louisiana who has tracked Louisiana politics for years. "I think it will be a rude awakening, especially when you start looking at the choices you have and none of them are good."

The struggle to balance next year's budget _ with a shortfall estimated to top $1 billion _ could test the popularity of Gov. Bobby Jindal, his strength at the state Capitol and his mastery of political backroom haggling.

[Al B.]

I like Jindal but want to learn more about his fiscal conservatism that he's talked about. Looks like I'm about to find out.

There's talk he will tap into the "rainy day fund" in lieu of budget cuts, but that's just talk right now.

[Al B.]

This is an excerpt...forgot to check the box.

[Hoodat]

If they simply fire everyone in Louisiana government who is related to the Landrieux, they should have plenty of money left over.

[sionnsar]

I like Jindal but want to learn more about his fiscal conservatism that he's talked about. Looks like I'm about to find out.
There's talk he will tap into the "rainy day fund" in lieu of budget cuts, but that's just talk right now.

  Watching...

[wrhssaxensemble]

Ultimate test to see if he can handle being President like I think he can

[ajay_kumar]

Can the governor single handedly stop spending by the state legislature? The gov does have veto power but can be overridden by the legislature. It will be a good indication of How Bobby Jindal matches words with action.

In contrast, President Bush never vetoed any spending bills and on top of that added very expensive prescription drug program on tax payers, not to mention the $120 Billion spent on Iraq every year.

[April Lexington]

Yep... bout time them libs start dismantling the reputation of the next generation of Republican leaders. By the time the next primary rolls around, Ol’ Jindal will be the laughing stock of the left, the media, the teacher's unions, the intelligentsia, the Eastern elite, the California elite, the higher education community, the international community, the Sierra Club, the environmentalists the.....

[lonestar67]

I don’t know Jindal very well and my primary impression is positive, but I have a bad feeling that conservatives are willing to sell him out and let democrats take over again. That is really sad.

If he incurs deficits, I hope conservatives do not trash him like they do Bush.

Government surpluses are really not good public policy.

[SMCC1]

Jindal and Palin are going to have this with their budgets. Both states rely on oil revenues and the price of oil has been sinking.

[Redbob]

Jindal is a politician first, and a conservative second - if at all.

[omega4179]

Then this is his 2016 litmus test. Can he save money like a Palin or spend like a Drunken Schwarzenegger.

[Redbob]

"Jindal and Palin are going to have this with their budgets. Both states rely on oil revenues and the price of oil has been sinking."

Watch how this plays out, though; only in one of these states is corruption a way of life, and spending money you don't have a statewide practice...

Hint: In a couple of years, Bobby Jindal will be no more popular than Condi Rice is.

Remember how wildly popular Miz Rice was around here a couple years ago?
Before anyone knew anything more about her than that she claimed to be a Republican, and wasn't white?

[padre35]

We’ll just have to wait and see, I think Jindal is clever enough to be able to handle the problem.

[GoodDay]

What was Bush43 like as governor of Texas? Don’t remember details as to whether or not he was a fiscal conservative, or a profligate spender.

[JohnnyZ]

Jindal is a politician first, and a conservative second - if at all.

Just because you're ignorant doesn't mean everyone else is.

Jindal is a believing Christian for one, which anchors him on social issues.

He's also a very good and smart administrator which stands him in good stead in practical budget and policy matters.

And he's a good, principled campaigner, which has paid off for him with political success.

So stop spreading your lies and ignorance around FR and give Jindal a chance to show what he can do.

[org.whodat]

Shout-down, get your shout-down here!!!

Grow up!

[cookcounty]

not to mention the $120 Billion spent on Iraq every year.

You expected Bush to veto Iraq war spending? That's some amazing tobacco you've got!!

[DemonDeac]

As of now he looks like our best bet for the future. I really like him.

[deport]

Yep Jindal is about to find out what it’s like to be in a job for more than a couple of years and have to deal with long term budgets, goals, etc. If he does a reasonable job then he’ll be in good shape for higher office.

[make no mistake]

Good to hear he is a believing Christian. Thanks for the info. So far he seems great. Hope he is able to work out the budget in La. Love Sarah Palin. Would love to see them both in charge in 4 years.