Gov. Bobby Jindal is traveling the state signing bills, announcing plant expansions and inaugurating infrastructure projects. He calls the travel business as usual. Pundits, however, see it as calculated to shore up his home base ahead of a likely 2016 presidential run.
Tonight's meeting, at Lake Area New Tech Early College High School, starts at 6 p.m.
Starting at 6 p.m., the mayor will take questions about the city's budget priorities.
The city of New Orleans faces an annual tab of $18 million to $33.5 million for both consent decrees. City officials say they would have to cut spending and lay off employees to pay for them. Little, however, has been said about how the city could raise money. Here are some options.
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at Edward Hynes Charter School, 900 Harrison Ave.
There was $150 million in the "mega-fund" when Bobby Jindal took office. Now it's down to $6.7 million, and prospects are dim for replenishing it. “I think the dollars have been used for meaningful projects that have been important for our economy,” he said.
The office has shrunk since it was created in 2011. It's now at four people, which the city plans to maintain.
Tapping the state's piggy bank has helped Jindal and legislators avoid tax hikes. But after pulling $255 million out of the rainy day fund, the state now has to find a way to replenish it in two years. But tax revenues are not forecast to rise enough to provide the money, foreshadowing tough choices ahead.
Tuesday's meeting is for residents of City Council District C. It starts at 6 p.m.
Shrinking government is a conservative ideal, but public institutions and infrastructure bear the burden.
