[StBernard] A Balanced Approach to Our Future

[Westley Annis]

A Balanced Approach to Our Future
A column by Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco 

Do the people of Louisiana deserve tax relief? You bet. The people of Louisiana also deserve the investments in education and economic development that will increase our ability to compete for the quality jobs of the future. 

I have asked the Legislature to adopt significant tax relief for our citizens, while investing in education, economic development, infrastructure improvements, and the sustained recovery that promises to reap great dividends for Louisiana. These investments will allow us to provide even greater tax relief in the future, as we decrease dependency on state programs and increase the quality of life for all of our citizens. 

Louisiana's robust economy gives us the ability to take bold actions. I tightened our budget in the aftermath of the storms, cutting nearly $1 billion dollars in spending. Today's surplus is, in part, due to these fiscally responsible cuts. Our surplus is also due to the oil and gas boom, investments in education and economic development, the influx of new industries statewide, and the booming construction economy taking hold of our recovery region. 

There is an ongoing debate in Baton Rouge about the best roadmap to follow as we make decisions about our budget. I believe the people deserve a balanced package that includes the tax relief we all want, while making the bold investments that will lift up Louisiana. 

Our families and businesses have weathered unprecedented financial setbacks since the storms of 2005. It's only right that we give them the tax cuts that will provide the flexibility they need to get their own financial houses in order. I am insisting that any final package include real tax relief for our families and businesses.

Our citizens deserve the best shot at economic security that we can offer. This is why we must work towards a strong education system, accessible health care, an improved infrastructure system, and an increased focus on economic development that promises to reshape Louisiana. 

Let me highlight the unprecedented opportunity this Legislature has to make a transformative investment in education. I am asking the Legislature to invest at least $650 million in education. This will be the single largest increased investment in education in Louisiana's history. It will allow us to expand Pre-K, cut the high school dropout rate, and invest in competitive pay for our teachers, support workers, and faculty. For the first time since 1981, we can support our colleges and universities by fully funding our Higher Education formula, and we can invest in the need-based aid that will help to open the doors of Higher Education to all of our students. 

This is a time for action. Let us give it our best shot as we adopt a balanced package of tax relief and sustained investments in our future. Together, we can hit a bulls-eye. 

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The Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation
Louisiana's Fund for Louisiana's People
www.louisianahelp.org