Executive Branch
March 23, 2009
Gov. Jindal's workforce commissioner announced last week that Louisiana may consider accepting a previously rejected $98.4 million in jobless benefits, though several important questions still need to be answered according to officials. Jindal initially rejected the $98.4 million in unemployment benefits because accepting it would have required permanent changes to be made to state law. If a solution can be found to that issue Jindal may reconsider his position, according to The Times Picayune.
March 16, 2009
Gov. Jindal plans to plug nearly $1 billion in federal stimulus dollars into Louisana's state budget next year. Jindal hopes that the money will help to reduce proposed cuts in health care and education. Jindal has also agreed to accept federal money for roads and bridges. While Jindal has agreed to accept portions of the money, he is still working with his advisors to reach a final decision about accepting all available funds. That decision is expected sometime by the end of the month.
Gov. Jindal announced that Louisiana will reject a portion of the stimulus money that would require changes to the state's unemployment insurance law. While changing the law would have allowed the state to qualify for nearly $33 million in federal stimulus dollars, Jindal expressed concern that changes would ultimately result in higher taxes for Louisiana businesses. The governor did agree to the provision in the federal legislation to increase unemployment benefits by $25. Louisiana residents currently drawing unemployment should see the increase starting this month.
Gov. Jindal did reaffirm his commitment to accept federal stimulus dollars for transportation projects. Per the state's constitution, all appropriations are subject to legislative approval. The La. Department of Transportation and Development already has a list of shovel ready projects that the money will be used for. This will allow the state to meet terms in the federal legislation that stipulate at least half the funds must be spent within the first half of the year.
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