WAFB Channel 9, Baton Rouge, LA |Citizens group protests against Governor Jindal

Citizens group protests against Governor Jindal

By Greg Meriwether - bio | email

BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - "Enough is enough," was a common chant hurled by protestors through the air and aimed at Governor Bobby Jindal. Members of the Concerned Citizens Coalition marched against Governor Bobby Jindal's decision and handling of Louisiana's portion of federal stimulus funds.

"It's important that we as a community unite to send a message to Governor Jindal that Louisianans are tired of being on the bottom of the totem poll in just about every indicator," said Shacara E. Lewis, State Director for Every Child Matters in Louisiana and Coalition organizer. 

Security officials estimated about 200 people took place in the protest. The group, partially bused in for the event, assembled at memorial stadium and marched down North 19th stopping along the way at the Governor's Mansion. In a symbolic gesture, state troopers in charge of security for Jindal and the governor's mansion accepted the group's petition at the mansion's gate. The group then proceeded to the state capitol and finished their rally while listening to several community leaders.

Jindal supports moves to provide more flexibility for budget cutting. Jindal has suggested cuts to education and health care because of declining state revenues. Those areas are not protected in the state's constitution.

Jindal opposes changes in state unemployment laws that would make it possible to for the state to get $98 million in additional federal stimulus dollars for unemployment benefits. The Governor has contended that would lead to higher taxes for businesses down the road.

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