Gov. Jindal flexes power, key agenda item passed

BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - A landmark day at the State Capitol; sweeping changes for public education are now a signature away.

The process and protests began a little more than three weeks ago. House members passed the measures March 23, 2012. The Senate then approved the bills with a few minor amendments late Wednesday, and Thursday, the House gave final approval.

Governor Bobby Jindal got his key agenda item passed quickly, a testament to the Governor's influence.

Political insiders marveled this week about how Governor Jindal engineered the education reform package. Jindal says he is just doing his job.

There really wasn't any question which way the vote was going Thursday morning on the House floor as members concurred with the Senate amendments sending the Governor's educational reform package to his desk.

Long time political writer John McGinnis has been keeping an eye on legislators for decades. Even he marvels at how effective Jindal has been this session.

"This Governor has a lot of control over this legislature compared to others I've seen. But control doesn't always mean power; but for a short term it will do. He has wanted to be careful and get things done his way. The other Governor's have exerted their influence but maybe in a kindler gentler fashion," said McGinnis.

"I make no apologies for emphasizing that we need to have a sense of urgency for telling the public and the legislature these have to be our top priorities," said Governor Jindal. "This is about our children's education. And I was very clear with the voters of Louisiana that I was elected to help lead our state. I didn't get elected just to hold office or a position. This was about improving our state."

Even at the end of the debate, which in total lasted 50 hours, opponents hammered on the speed at which it went by.

"To rush this thing through the system just as fast as you possibly can so that we can deliver them to the Governor before Easter; I do object to that," said Representative John Bel Edwards.

Up next will be the State's woefully under funded retirement system. That is going to be another real battle.

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