Robert Mann's commentary in the Reflections section of the Times Picayune of May 24 pointed out the state of Louisiana's economic and fiscal problems by describing conditions this writer has pointed out many times in past issues of commentary here in "PolitiDose." Mann makes the following comments in his article. They should all be familiar to the readers of "PolitiDose."
Louisiana has the 4th. highest unemployment rate in the nation. Louisiana's economy does not produce enough tax revenue to support higher education, health care and other vital services. The State's average weekly earnings were down 1% over the last year adjusted for inflation. Louisiana's economic miracle is a mirage.
Our governor and his legislative enablers have handed big business the keys to the state treasury for seven years. They eagerly bestowed enormous tax exemptions and direct state appropriations on dozens of out of state corporations, all after recklessly slashing income taxes for the wealthy in 1980. Jindal and many conservatives have sold tax cuts as an economic panacea. The evidence does not support their policies. We punish the poor with higher tax rates than the rich and neglect our basis services -- all in service subsidizing big business by relieving them of the responsibility to support essential government functions.
It is very noticeable that the various forms of the media in Louisiana and even members of the state legislature are now finally talking about the above issues they were silent on since Jindal took office. And to top it off their silence took place at the same time Jindal and the legislature announced that the budgets were balance and then had to acknowledge 6 months before the end of the budget year the budgets were out of balance.
Trickle down economics of tax breaks for business is not an economic policy and does not increase needed revenue or create jobs. That conservative ideology of the republican party died long ago in favor of responsible policy making. Jindal will leave office learning nothing from the past and the republican party's bragging that Louisiana is a republican state is not very flattering.
"PolitiDose" will continue to lead the way with facts and inform the people while events are taking place. This writer has no interest in being a "follower." And yes, understanding the mistakes of the past is the key to a better future for all.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio.
