Jul 15 2008
Governor Bobby Jindal Slashes Pork Barrel Spending
Exercising his line item veto authority, Governor Bobby Jindal cut $16.4 million worth of pork from Louisiana’s State Budget. He warned legislators that he would be cutting projects that did not have state-wide impact, an explanation of need, or projects that was not a priority within state agencies.
One of those is Habitat for Humanity. Jindal says, while they are a worthy cause their funding should come from private donors instead of the state. He went on to say “Just because they are doing good work doesn’t necessarily mean they should become dependent on tax dollars.”
Referring to Habitat for Humanity, Jindal said, “There are several organizations I’d encourage Louisianians to support with private donations, their own money ”
Jindal did not cut all pork from the bill, citing some projects, such as senior centers, that have become dependent on state aide, will need to be phased out. He will work to wean them over a period of time. $39 million in earmarks survived the budget cuts.
