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Jindal: Pronouncements and Promises

S. Lincoln

Governor Bobby Jindal is speaking at the Value Voters Summit in Washington, D.C., today. The event is put on by the Family Research Council, headed by former Baton Rouge state representative Tony Perkins. We can make an educated guess that he’ll talk about religious liberty, as he often has lately.

“The biggest discrimination going on is against Christian business owners and individuals who believe in traditional forms of marriage,” Jindal said during the CNN debate last week.

He’ll also likely urge, “Defund Planned Parenthood right now,” as he did during an appearance on a talk radio program in Iowa this week.

During that same conversation, Jindal suggested getting rid of Congress.

“They’re not indispensable to the future of this country, so absolutely—I’m ready to fire ‘em all.”

It’s not the first time the governor has suggested getting rid of a branch of government.

“Might as well just get rid of the Supreme Court. Save some money,” Jindal stated after the SCOTUS ruling on marriage in June.

Last week, at the CNN debate, he even said, “It is time to get rid of the Republican Party.”

Back here at home, though, Jindal can’t seem to get rid of the state’s money troubles. The Jindal administration has notified legislative leaders the budget that ended June 30th was short, but they’re not yet saying by how much. They don’t plan on giving a number till sometime next month, although the state constitution says that information is supposed to be public record.

We already know there’s a major shortfall in the current year’s budget, which began July 1. It lacks more than $300-million of what’s needed for Medicaid and $19-million for TOPS. Additionally oil prices are well below the amount predicted in the revenue estimate.

The state constitution says shortfalls are supposed to be resolved within 30 days of finding them, or else the governor shall call a special session.

Based on Jindal’s recent pronouncements, coupled with his track record in courtrooms on the constitutionality of laws he has advocated while Louisiana’s chief executive, it appears legality is of minor concern to him.

Perhaps we should remind him of the oath he swore to the citizens of Louisiana, on January 14, 2008, and again on January 10, 2012.

“I, Bobby Jindal, do solemly swear that I will support the constitution and laws of the United States, and the constitution and laws of the state of Louisiana, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent on me as Governor of the state of Louisiana, so help me God.”