March protests Jindal rejection of funds

• By MICHELLE MILLHOLLON
• Advocate Capitol News Bureau
• Published: May 28, 2009 - Page: 1A

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Dozens of protesters marched on the State Capitol on Wednesday to object to Gov. Bobby Jindal’s handling of the economic crisis.

The protesters carried signs scolding Jindal for his rejection of unemployment stimulus funds as well as his proposed health-care budget cuts.

Marching past the gated Governor’s Mansion, the crowd chanted: “Oh, Bobby. Look out the window. Who do you see?”

Jindal was less than a mile away at the State Capitol. But his security team watched from the grounds and the mansion’s front door.

The marchers wound their way from Memorial Stadium to the State Capitol steps, where Linda Anderson, of Breaux Bridge, held up a sign that read “If you love us, we will love you.”

Anderson said she juggles two jobs to pay the bills and to support her recently laid-off sons.

She is unhappy that Jindal rejected $98 million in unemployment funds from the federal stimulus package.

“He doesn’t care about us. That’s what I’m talking about. Shame on him,” Anderson said.

Jindal argues the unemployment assistance would lead to higher taxes for businesses because the money requires the state to expand eligibility.

The governor did accept other money from the stimulus package to help offset a more than $1.3 billion shortfall in the fiscal year that starts July 1. State revenue is declining, largely due to slumping corporate and sales tax collections.

Jindal proposed substantial cuts to health care and higher education in response to the shortfall.

The Legislature is in the process of debating the $27.9 billion proposed state operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

The Concerned Citizens Coalition organized the march at the State Capitol on Wednesday. The organization describes itself as a group of statewide nonprofits and community leaders “who want to give a voice to Louisiana’s hardworking families.”