Good afternoon and greetings from the LA GOP –
The House and Senate are off until Sunday evening. The Senate Finance committee is meeting today and you can find a full list of committees next week here.
OBAMACARE STICKER SHOCK: With the legislature not in session, attention shifts to national news which doesn’t look good for Barack Obama’s healthcare proposal. The Wall Street Journal editorializes today that the Congressional Budget Office, who typically underestimates the cost of new public programs, has predicted that the plan will increase the federal deficit by $1.6 trillion over the next 10 years, and only make a dent in the number of uninsured. The Journal contends that “President Obama’s health boondoggle prescribes vast new spending without a coherent plan to pay for it even while failing to meet its own standards for social equity.” Read more of The Journal’s review here.
HOW MIGHT THEY PAY FOR IT?: The answer should come as no real shock – more taxes. The Associated Press obtained list of a few options the House Ways & Means Committee is considering to mitigate the costs. They include a 10 cent tax on sugary drinks, a new employer payroll tax, a national sales tax, an alcohol tax, and a 2 percent increase on income taxes for upper-income families. That may sound like a whole lot of new taxes (and it is), but according to the report the aim is to raise just $600 billion over 10 years. That’s a full TRILLION short of the anticipated impact on the deficit! What will they have to tax next? Read more of the AP’s report here.
CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATOR: The end of the 2009 Regular Session is quickly approaching and we encourage activists to contact their state representatives and state senators to make their voice heard on important issues. Find contact information for your members here.
Stories we’re following…
State reels in another big project with SNF
“Two days after announcing a new car plant in Monroe, Gov. Bobby Jindal and economic development leaders are poised to make another significant industry announcement today — this time, a more than $350 million chemical plant on the Mississippi River near Plaquemine. The announcement by SNF Floerger SAS, Jindal and local officials will be made at 2:30 p.m. at the courthouse in Iberville Parish, where the much publicized project is to be located. It has already received approval from the State Bond Commission and been awaiting a formal announcement upon completion of negotiations for property and incentives.” – Advocate
Jindal: FEMA OKs $177.6M to mitigate ‘08 storms
“Gov. Bobby Jindal says FEMA has granted the state $177.6 million to support projects aimed at protecting Louisiana from future damage following Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, which struck last year.” – Associated Press
Saints bill sails through Senate
“Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal’s plan for the state to lease office space from New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson, part of the deal to keep the team in Louisiana, has sailed through the state Senate. There was little discussion about the bill Thursday before it was unanimously approved. It heads back to the House for approval of changes before it heads to Jindal.” – Associated Press
Guest Blogger: Senator David Vitter (R-LA) on Missile Defense
“Current events always put policy issues in clear and distinct context and the recent actions of North Korea and the political instability of the Iranian government make a more compelling argument than ever for strong missile defense programs. But as North Korea continues to test nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles that could serve as serious threats to the U.S. and our allies, the Obama administration is standing by its recommendations to cut back on our missile defense programs… As the top Republican on the U.S. Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces that has jurisdiction over missile defense and nuclear deterrence, I will continue working with other outspoken advocates for a strong missile defense system like Sen. Jeff Sessions and Sen. Jon Kyl to push for measures to support our missile defense system and strengthen our national security.” – Heritage Foundation
Barksdale confirmed as new home of Global Strike Command
“Barksdale Air Force Base will be home of the service’s newest major division, Global Strike Command, the state’s lawmakers have been told. The new command’s mission activation will be Aug. 7, according to a release from 4th District Rep. John Fleming, who like many other local military boosters was holding his breath as the service went through the necessary environmental impact assessment following the base’s selection as the ‘preferred alternative site’ for the new command in early April. The ‘no significant impact’ assessment means ‘Barksdale has been green-lighted to serve as the official home of Global Strike Command,’ a release from Fleming’s office says.” – Monroe News-Star
Jurors hear tapes in Jefferson trial
“Jurors in the bribery trial of former U.S. Rep. William Jefferson got their first chance Thursday to listen to secretly recorded government tapes that include Jefferson expressing worry about landing in the ‘pokey.’ The 18-year congressman was upset when a Kentucky telecommunications business owner suggested that they get a new investor for a project the two were promoting in Africa. In one obscenity-laced statement, Jefferson was heard to say that the activities in which they were engaged could land them all in the ‘pokey.’” – Advocate