As the legislative session begins, it is important that we as Republicans rally around our elected officials and fight for our values.  Governor Jindal is hard at work to balance our budget in a responsible manner, in a way that does more with less.  There are tough choices and reforms to be made if we are to keep health care and education funding intact.  We must continue to pursue policies that will grow our economy and prevent the Democrats from raising our taxes.  Working together, we can change our state for the better.

Below is an update you on upcoming Republican events and news from around the state.

Regional Republican Leadership Tour Continues

The LA GOP’s regional leadership meeting tour continues at the Northshore and in North Louisiana this month.  The meetings are open to all GOP activists, and are attended by state GOP leaders and local organizations throughout the region including the Louisiana Federation of Republican Women, College Republicans, Pachyderms and Parish Executive Committees.

Republican Leadership meetings give activists an opportunity to learn about the LA GOP’s grassroots program and include panel discussions on the direction of the Republican Party.  Past meetings in Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Lafayette brought together hundreds of conservatives committed to growing our party. We always look forward to each visit throughout the state, and hope to see you there.

Covington     May 7th at the Holiday Inn, 501 N Highway 190, 6:30 to 8:30pm
Monroe          May 11th at the W. Monroe Convention Center, 901 Ridge Ave, 6:30 to 8:30pm
Shreveport    May 12th a the LSUS Univ. Center, Webster Room, 6:30 to 8:30pm
Alexandria    May 13th at the Main St. Community Center, 708 Main St., 6:30 to 8:30pm

SCC Meeting and Activist Training Seminar June 6

The LA GOP’s New Media Training Seminar will take place in Covington on June 6th and we’re looking forward to educating activists on new media strategies and web politics.  Whether you’re a new media novice or an online guru, we encourage anyone looking to learn more about Facebook, Twitter or the Web in general to attend.  The meeting will take place in the morning, prior to the SCC Meeting at the Holiday Inn.  We hope to see you there.

Jefferson Parish Crawfish Boil on May 11th

The “Back to Reagan Basics” Crawfish Boil for less government, less taxes and more prosperity is right around the corner.  On May 11th Republicans will gather at the Clearview Shopping Center in Metairie from 5:30 to 9pm for crawfish, catfish, shrimp creole and refreshments to support our Jefferson Parish elected Republicans.  Tickets are $100 per person-and you won’t go home hungry!

Chancellor of Southern University to Address Republican Roundtable

East Baton Rouge Parish Executive Chairman Harold Williams is leading the charge to reach out to minority voters by inviting Southern University Chancellor Dr. Kofi Lomotey to address the EBR Republican Roundtable.  Southern is one of the largest historical black universities in the nation, and Harold’s vision to strengthen our Party’s ties with African-Americans is greatly appreciated.  If you happen to be in Baton Rouge, please join them on May 7th at the Great Wall Chinese Restaurant at 3084 College Drive.  Please contact Harold Williams with any questions. 225-806-6923 or Haroldwms@aol.com

Governor Jindal’s response to Swine Flu inspires Confidence

As news of possible swine flu infection spreads, Louisianians can be certain that Governor Jindal is watching the situation closely and prepared to take appropriate actions.  In fact, the Lafayette Advertiser recently reviewed the Governor’s initial response saying that: “Jindal sent the right message … put a subtle emphasis on the importance of the topic. Then the governor moved to reassure us that what can be done is being done.” Read more in the Lafayette Advertiser

Legislative Session Begins

The 2009 Legislative Session began this week with Governor Jindal calling on legislators to work together to reduce the size of government and increase budget flexibility so that healthcare and education don’t bear the brunt of funding reductions.  The Governor has also been actively involved in the legislative process, and the Senate recently passed legislation to assist the Governor’s economic development plans.  The Legislature is off to a good start-but there is still much work to be done.

First Democrat Tax Hike Defeated

Some legislators just don’t fully grasp the concept that raising taxes during a recession is not smart economic policy, but fortunately the majority of members on the House Ways and Means Committee do.  Rep. Karen Carter Peterson’s tax bill was defeated on Tuesday and Americans for Tax Reform praised the legislators who voted against the bill while the Daily Comet applauded Governor Jindal’s anti-tax stance saying, “Rather than looking first to increase the size of the state’s tax haul, we would prefer a budgetary approach that focuses on making appropriate cuts to make up for projected shortages. … If there is less money to spend, the common-sense approach is to spend less, not tax more. We are happy to see Jindal stand up for the principle that higher taxes aren’t the answer. It makes no difference whether the target for the proposed tax is tobacco or gas.”

LA GOP Submits Records Request to Rep. Peterson

On Thursday, the LA GOP submitted a public records request to Rep. Peterson asking for “everything,” but specifically focusing on her schedule, email, travel and anything that might normally be protected by legislative privilege.  We know and respect that certain records are kept confidential to protect ongoing negotiations, deliberations, and security.  In fact, we suspect Rep. Peterson will be acting entirely within the law if she denies our request, but she offered – so we asked.  However, if Rep. Peterson is unwilling to turn over the records we requested then we would think it appropriate she quit demanding those same types of records from the Governor’s office.  Read the full letter to Rep. Peterson here.

100 Days Of New Spending

Wednesday marked Barack Obama’s 100th day in office and it is truly hard to believe that in such a short amount of time he has done so much to drive our nation deeper in debt and increase the government’s control of private enterprises.  Louisiana’s Republican leaders in Washington are leading the fight against the socialist agenda in Washington and submitted their grades of Obama’s first 100 days to the Time-Picayune.  Click here to see the reviews.

Republicans target lone Democrat in Louisiana

Unfortunately, due to our past success, there is little Republicans in Louisiana can do to upset the Democrat majority in Washington in 2010, but there is still some work to be done.  We must hold on to the House and Senate seats we now control and defeat Charlie Melancon in the 3rd District.  Melancon has spent many years claiming to be a “Blue Dog” conservative – but he’s catching heat from conservatives in his district for a voting record that mirrors Nancy Pelosi’s.  Melancon will have a lot to answer for come November 2010.