It was here in "PolitiDose" that led the way to understanding how Louisiana's fiscal problems with the state budget under governor Jindal became so irresponsible and it began in this writer's political commentary several years ago. The Times Picayune's reflection section of 4/19/15 in articles by JR Ball, Managing Editor for the TP in Baton Rouge and Robert Mann, teacher at LSU wrote two good articles about the subject matter, but are years late.
Mann in his article understands Louisiana has a revenue problem because of tax breaks and or credits to the business community in several different forms and that many business firms in Louisiana do not even pay state taxes. In other words, corporate welfare for those who do not need it.
Mann also mentions how Jindal has offered hundreds of millions of dollars to industry to lure them to the state and they come because they were granted various forms of corporate welfare. He also pointed out Louisiana has many natural advantages that would attract business to the state including abundant natural resources, the Mississippi River and proximity to the Gulf. That is exactly what was pointed out in "PolitiDose" many times over in the past.
Mr. Ball's article on the legislstors problem in dealing with the projected $1.6 billion budget deficit and Jindal's control over them is nothing new. It started when Jindal took office and the republican controlled legislature has rubber stamped the governor's irresponsible actions. Mr. Ball says we have learned nothing from all of this and that is exactly what Jindal and the legislators are doing to solve a problem they created.
In other words, the key to a better future is understanding the mistakes of the past. That can also be found in past commentary here in "PolitiDose". Elected officials still have not learned what the Sumerians said they were taught almost 6000 years ago. Stay tuned, "PolitiDose" will continue to lead with the real story.
Note: Even talk radio in New Orleans are beginning to understand what is taking place in state budget matters. Like the printed media they are a few years late but their newly found knowledge is welcomed.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
