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As
the special session moves forward, key elements of Governor Bobby
Jindal's agenda are being challenged by legislators. Yesterday, one
particularly controversial piece of legislation was targeted by State
Representative Charmaine Marchand (D-New Orleans). Marchand made the
absurd claim that Jindal is trying to force legislators to go on a fast
food diet.
Marchand
is objecting to Jindal's effort to install a $50.00 limit on the amount
that lobbyists can spend on a meal and drinks for legislators.
According to Marchand, "At $50.00, we're going to be eating at Taco
Bell."
What
an absurd comment! Marchand and legislators can find plenty of
restaurants where they can find a good meal for less than $50.00. What
is wrong with Taco Bell anyway? Marchand should be spending time at
Taco Bell for she might meet some of her constituents, "the little
people." These are the hard working folks that actually sent her to
office.
Too
many legislators like Marchand have an entitlement mentality.
Legislators are elected for public service, not private gain. These
offices should not be about dining at fancy restaurants; it should be
about serving the needs of constituents.
Why
are lobbyists wining and dining legislators? Is it to purse the public
interest or special interests? In my view, it would be even better for
Louisiana to follow the lead of
Florida
and other states and completely eliminate the lobbyist meal allowance.
Instead of $50.00, let's not give lobbyists one dollar that they can
spend on legislators. If they want to meet with politicians, they
should make an appointment at their district office.
Instead
of wining and dining with lobbyists at Ruth's Chris, legislators should
be spending much more time visiting with the average everyday citizens
in their district and dining more at less expensive restaurants. Not
only would it limit the influence of these special interests, it would
allow politicians to get in better touch with the most important group
of all, the voters.
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