Louisiana legislative session chat with Robert Scott

(06/20/2008)

11:34

[Comment From TestorTestor: ]

Test again

Friday June 20, 2008 11:34 Testor

11:35

Robert Scott:

Launching chat on nola live from state capitol

Friday June 20, 2008 11:35 Robert Scott

11:36

Robert Scott:

We'll be answering your questions as of noon. Please post your questions and comments now so we can get going early.

Friday June 20, 2008 11:36 Robert Scott

11:56

[Comment From liz Kosterliz Koster: ]

Do you know of any recall petitions gaining momentum?

Friday June 20, 2008 11:56 liz Koster

11:56

[Comment From liz Kosterliz Koster: ]

Do you know of any scheduled rallies...state capital, governor's mansion, etc.?

Friday June 20, 2008 11:56 liz Koster

11:58

Robert Scott:

Thanks for your questions. We're chatting live from the state Capitol. The House and Senate are in session today, and they have until 6 pm Monday to complete their business. We'll be here throughout the weekend.

Friday June 20, 2008 11:58 Robert Scott

11:58

Robert Scott:

I've gotten a number of e-mails asking about rallies, etc, you know, where to pick up the pitchforks...

Friday June 20, 2008 11:58 Robert Scott

11:59

Robert Scott:

One reader said the pbulci should drive to march on the state Capitol, but asked who would pay for the gas...

Friday June 20, 2008 11:59 Robert Scott

12:00

Robert Scott:

We'll be monitoring for any scheduled events of that kind an let you know

Friday June 20, 2008 12:00 Robert Scott

12:01

Robert Scott:

Recall petitions in Louisiana are tough. Very high bar of signatures needed, and we see few such initiatives

Friday June 20, 2008 12:01 Robert Scott

12:02

Robert Scott:

Sen. Walter Boasso, former lamwaker from St. Bernard, tried to pass a bill last year lowering the recall threshhold, but it was defeated

Friday June 20, 2008 12:02 Robert Scott

12:02

[Comment From Marguerite ZarMarguerite Zar: ]

I think we should start a recall on Mr Tucker and the one who wrote the bill.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:02 Marguerite Zar

12:02

[Comment From Nathalie HendersonNathalie Henderson: ]

where can we find out who voted for this bill and who is turning down the pay raise?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:02 Nathalie Henderson

12:04

Robert Scott:

Actual vote can be found on nola.com or on legialtive web site, www.legis.state.la.us

Friday June 20, 2008 12:04 Robert Scott

12:04

Robert Scott:

The vote was farily evenly split between Democrats and Republicans in the House

Friday June 20, 2008 12:04 Robert Scott

12:04

Robert Scott:

It was interesting to note so many North Shore Repubs voting in favor of the raise

Friday June 20, 2008 12:04 Robert Scott

12:05

Robert Scott:

We know some of them are having painful regrets about it

Friday June 20, 2008 12:05 Robert Scott

12:05

[Comment From MerMer: ]

Here's the article that discusses who will be turning down the pay raise: http://www.nola.com/news/index.ssf/2008/06/20_legislators_will_abstain_fr.html

Friday June 20, 2008 12:05 Mer

12:06

Robert Scott:

Some members, including Speaker Tucker, have said they would give the increase the charity. I'd be interested to know from you folks what you think of that...

Friday June 20, 2008 12:06 Robert Scott

12:07

[Comment From liz Kosterliz Koster: ]

Mr. Scott, there is information regarding a rally being organized on legewatch.com

Friday June 20, 2008 12:07 liz Koster

12:07

Robert Scott:

Thanks, there you go. Rally No. 1

Friday June 20, 2008 12:07 Robert Scott

12:07

[Comment From MerMer: ]

I'm very interested to see what Jindal is getting in return for not vetoing the first bill. A quid pro quo situation, indeed.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:07 Mer

12:07

[Comment From MerMer: ]

Was there still a clause about the pay being a percentage of what Congress makes when the bill passed? That bothers me more than the raise itself, I think.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:07 Mer

12:08

Robert Scott:

An early version of the pay raise bill linked it to Congress pass; that's no more. It now gets an annual automatic inflation increase

Friday June 20, 2008 12:08 Robert Scott

12:08

[Comment From Jeff StephensJeff Stephens: ]

Do you think Jindal is finished with this issue, or are discussions continuing between his staff and legislative leaders for a resolution?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:08 Jeff Stephens

12:09

Robert Scott:

There were discusions and now they're done

Friday June 20, 2008 12:09 Robert Scott

12:09

Robert Scott:

Part of the problem here is not just that Jindal did not veto, but that he did not get ahead of this in time, then did not ease the pay raise down or negoatiate effectively

Friday June 20, 2008 12:09 Robert Scott

12:10

[Comment From KVKV: ]

Why vote in favor of the pay raise if you intend to give it to charity? I think that is just a way for them to save face!

Friday June 20, 2008 12:10 KV

12:10

Robert Scott:

Yes, that's a good $37,500 question

Friday June 20, 2008 12:10 Robert Scott

12:10

[Comment From liz Kosterliz Koster: ]

I do not approve of our tax money being donated to a charity I may not support.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:10 liz Koster

12:11

Robert Scott:

You make a good point. And we will be watching to see what kind of "charities" are set up

Friday June 20, 2008 12:11 Robert Scott

12:11

Robert Scott:

It's possible the money could be put into a non-profit, tax deductible, then the non-profit goes to work on some kind of constitutent service program

Friday June 20, 2008 12:11 Robert Scott

12:11

[Comment From KVKV: ]

Wasn't Tucker one who said he would give his to charity?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:11 KV

12:11

Robert Scott:

Yes

Friday June 20, 2008 12:11 Robert Scott

12:12

[Comment From MarianaMariana: ]

I applaud the members who have said they will give the increase to charity.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:12 Mariana

12:12

Robert Scott:

Another view ... is it better to turn it down or give it to chairty?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:12 Robert Scott

12:13

[Comment From mm: ]

I don't have an issue with the raise itself...but I don't believe it should go into effect until after the next elections. I am glad that my rep. voted against it, and I think those people who did should not be re-elected.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:13 m

12:13

[Comment From SalSal: ]

"more than doubling base pay for legislators" seems rather extreme for a state that has many financial issues, doesn't it?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:13 Sal

12:13

Robert Scott:

A good question. In fact, the lege pay raise is a small drop in an ocean of spending

Friday June 20, 2008 12:13 Robert Scott

12:14

Robert Scott:

There are pay raise pressures across the board in state government - for employees directly and for techer, supplemental payments for law enforcement, DAs, school support workers...

Friday June 20, 2008 12:14 Robert Scott

12:14

Dwayne Fatherree, NOLA.co:

The base pay is one form of compensation, but two other bills are also set to add to the overall compensation for lawmakers and their staff: http://blog.nola.com/updates/2008/06/new_bills_could_increase_legis.html

Friday June 20, 2008 12:14 Dwayne Fatherree, NOLA.co

12:15

Robert Scott:

Last year Gov. Blanco gave pay raises to all state employees; the salaries and spending for state-supported public pay is still rising, even with Jindal admin effort to hold back new hiring

Friday June 20, 2008 12:15 Robert Scott

12:16

[Comment From liz Kosterliz Koster: ]

I was not pleased with Gov. Jindal's demeanor toward the reporters at the press conference who repeatedly asked him about a veto of the pay raise. He acted like it was joke..

Friday June 20, 2008 12:16 liz Koster

12:16

[Comment From Jeff StephensJeff Stephens: ]

Do you think this will affect Jindal's chances of being selected as McCain's VP nominee?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:16 Jeff Stephens

12:17

Robert Scott:

The key issue here for Jindal nationally probably has less to do with the actual pay raise than is does for his image of strength or weakness

Friday June 20, 2008 12:17 Robert Scott

12:18

Robert Scott:

Some of the blogs are referring to him as "Piyushover"

Friday June 20, 2008 12:18 Robert Scott

12:19

Robert Scott:

Either as an ineffective cowboy herding the legislature, or as a governor who lacks the courage to say aboslutely no to the pay raise, those are the images that he should be concerned about

Friday June 20, 2008 12:19 Robert Scott

12:19

[Comment From KVKV: ]

So we'll see a "Send Tucker's grandchildren to college" non-profit set up and recieve a large donation!

Friday June 20, 2008 12:19 KV

12:19

Robert Scott:

We'll certainly be looking for that kind of donation, although I would bet Tucker does not take that route

Friday June 20, 2008 12:19 Robert Scott

12:19

[Comment From Nathalie HendersonNathalie Henderson: ]

If they give the increase to charity, aren't they also giving themselves a big tax deduction as well?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:19 Nathalie Henderson

12:20

Robert Scott:

They can deduct the donation from their income, if properly given

Friday June 20, 2008 12:20 Robert Scott

12:20

[Comment From TerryTerry: ]

Is there any word on Jindal's position re: HB 1063 & SB 653 which would increase there expense budget from $6,000 to $12,000 and provide pay increases to their assistants?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:20 Terry

12:21

Robert Scott:

These bills could be heard today, both due on the House floor

Friday June 20, 2008 12:21 Robert Scott

12:21

Robert Scott:

At one point there were considered as bills that could be amended to roll back the pay raise

Friday June 20, 2008 12:21 Robert Scott

12:21

Robert Scott:

That initiative appears to be dead

Friday June 20, 2008 12:21 Robert Scott

12:22

Robert Scott:

And Tucker has said the bills are not germane to a lege pay raise, meaning that he has ruled thay can't be used to roll back the pay increase

Friday June 20, 2008 12:22 Robert Scott

12:22

[Comment From eddieeddie: ]

this is just another example of how this state manages to mismanage its affairs.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:22 eddie

12:22

[Comment From eddieeddie: ]

just curious, how does the pay our legislators compare with the rest of the Gulf South

Friday June 20, 2008 12:22 eddie

12:23

Robert Scott:

La. Will be well ahead in the South; in the Top 20 nationwide

Friday June 20, 2008 12:23 Robert Scott

12:23

[Comment From jcjc: ]

Public memory is notorious for being short-lived. Will the times-picayune "forget" too ?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:23 jc

12:23

Robert Scott:

I don't think our readers will let us forget....

Friday June 20, 2008 12:23 Robert Scott

12:23

[Comment From liz Kosterliz Koster: ]

What about his campaign pledge to the voters regarding a raise for legislators? He will not even address it.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:23 liz Koster

12:24

Robert Scott:

Fundamental problem for Jindal. He pledged one thing to voters, another to Lege. Now he has to betray one or the other

Friday June 20, 2008 12:24 Robert Scott

12:24

[Comment From SalSal: ]

I believe in pay raises, but to more than double is a lot. My prediction is some will give to charity until this issue is forgotten. Then the money will go in their pockets.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:24 Sal

12:24

[Comment From KVKV: ]

I think it will affect his chances of being a VP choice now

Friday June 20, 2008 12:24 KV

12:24

[Comment From RyRy: ]

I thought that it was against the LA constitution for state legislature to be full time. If their reason for the increase is because it is a full tie job, doesn't it make it unconstitutional? Can judges or lawyers question this?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:24 Ry

12:25

Robert Scott:

Yes, Constitution says the lege is part time

Friday June 20, 2008 12:25 Robert Scott

12:26

Robert Scott:

Also, the intent of the legislation would be important in determing whether the bill is Constitutional; the intent here, given floor speeches, is clearly that the higher pay is to move toward full-time lege jobs

Friday June 20, 2008 12:26 Robert Scott

12:26

[Comment From MerMer: ]

I think that Jindal would be very foolish to accept the Veep position alongside McCain. I don't think he would risk his chance at the White House on someone who's not a guaranteed winner.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:26 Mer

12:26

[Comment From MerMer: ]

But Jindal is in a lose-lose situation. If he vetos, he loses the support of the legislators. If he doesn't, he loses the faith of the people. Which is worse?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:26 Mer

12:27

Robert Scott:

Looks like he has chosen to side with the lege, while at the same time criticizing them. This is a key strategic decision for the governor. He wants to keep his distance and maintain his theme of being critical of the lege, but not lose them entirely

Friday June 20, 2008 12:27 Robert Scott

12:28

Robert Scott:

On this pay raise issue, he was probably hoping that in the end he could hang the public pressure on the lege, and that he could appear on the side of the public on this issue. That so far is not exactly working out for Jindal

Friday June 20, 2008 12:28 Robert Scott

12:28

[Comment From jcjc: ]

I don't believe McCain is actually considering Gov. Jindal as Vp but as perhaps cabinet member

Friday June 20, 2008 12:28 jc

12:28

[Comment From KVKV: ]

The Dems will have a field day in advertisements saying how Jindal promised voters one thing during election time and did something different whent he issue arose

Friday June 20, 2008 12:28 KV

12:28

[Comment From liz Kosterliz Koster: ]

So, is he perceived as strong or weak if he breaks his pledge to the millions of voters or keeps his word to the legislators....

Friday June 20, 2008 12:28 liz Koster

12:29

Robert Scott:

By letting this happen and to reach this point of public disgust, he has in many eyes already failed on ths issue

Friday June 20, 2008 12:29 Robert Scott

12:29

[Comment From RyRy: ]

Is the raise even allowed under the State's constitution?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:29 Ry

12:30

Robert Scott:

Raises are allowed; the question was whether full-time legislature is allowed

Friday June 20, 2008 12:30 Robert Scott

12:30

[Comment From jcjc: ]

our gov. certainly placed himself between a rock and a hard place: he definitely looks weakened on this issue. Yet, our legislators think they can hurt him politically, too.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:30 jc

12:30

[Comment From PrejeanPrejean: ]

Odd's on Jindal reversing his decision and vetoing..... or the lege's revisiting/amending the bill?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:30 Prejean

12:31

Robert Scott:

Odds on lege changing the pay raise themselves? about zero

Friday June 20, 2008 12:31 Robert Scott

12:31

Robert Scott:

Odds of a Jindal veto? It would be a monumental decision for him, public would like it. But his handling of it so far already not flattering to him

Friday June 20, 2008 12:31 Robert Scott

12:32

Robert Scott:

Many here believe that he'll veto the pay raise, right after the session is over and Jindal gets what he wants from the lege in the state budget, and pay raises for Jindal elite cabinet members

Friday June 20, 2008 12:32 Robert Scott

12:32

Robert Scott:

But I'm betting he won't -

Friday June 20, 2008 12:32 Robert Scott

12:32

[Comment From GeeGeeGeeGee: ]

So they are sneaking their assistants pay through the process as well?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:32 GeeGee

12:33

Robert Scott:

I wouldnt call it sneaking; It will be sneaky if they tried to make a major amendment at the last hour

Friday June 20, 2008 12:33 Robert Scott

12:33

[Comment From Frumious BandersnitchFrumious Bandersnitch: ]

Seriously Robert Scott, do you think Jindal is running into a buzzsaw of legislative political strength that he underestimated?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:33 Frumious Bandersnitch

12:34

Robert Scott:

The House under Tucker is showing extraordinary independence, given past standards of the La. Lege

Friday June 20, 2008 12:34 Robert Scott

12:34

Robert Scott:

By the way, what does "fruminous" mean?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:34 Robert Scott

12:35

Robert Scott:

I might want to use it in a story sometime

Friday June 20, 2008 12:35 Robert Scott

12:36

Robert Scott:

One of the messages lost in this pay raise debate is that Tucker has launched more initiatives this session than the gov himself, and he's gotten strong suport from his members

Friday June 20, 2008 12:36 Robert Scott

12:36

Robert Scott:

It's not all bad that the House is standing up to the gov

Friday June 20, 2008 12:36 Robert Scott

12:36

[Comment From Lou HernandezLou Hernandez: ]

Do you have any idea how many cumulative hours were spent in the House and Senate on giving themselves a raise? We should also demand that they return their pay and per diem for those hours, no?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:36 Lou Hernandez

12:37

Robert Scott:

Good question, we should add that up, with two special session, many extra committee meetings this year so far, and now the regular sessionl they have indeed been here in the building a lot in 2008

Friday June 20, 2008 12:37 Robert Scott

12:38

[Comment From KimKim: ]

It seems the Republicans are pressuring their own Representatives - their man in Alario's race was interviewed starting the recall against Tucker. and there were robocalls against Lopinto... Not to mention Wendy VItter emailing the House Committee against the raise...

Friday June 20, 2008 12:38 Kim

12:38

Robert Scott:

That's an important observation. The ridicule of this race is virtually unanimous

Friday June 20, 2008 12:38 Robert Scott

12:38

[Comment From JenniferJennifer: ]

So basically, there is nothing that can be done. We just have to accept it and try hard next election to remove those people from office and replace them with people who will actually work for the money they receive?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:38 Jennifer

12:39

Robert Scott:

Well, next year there's bound to be a bil to lower the pay raise; will be interesting to see if it gets a hearing

Friday June 20, 2008 12:39 Robert Scott

12:40

Robert Scott:

The lawmakers are kidding themselves if they think this is going away until the next term; more bills will be filed to put them on the spot again, next year and so on

Friday June 20, 2008 12:40 Robert Scott

12:40

[Comment From Frumious BandersnitchFrumious Bandersnitch: ]

Do you think Jindal HAS any palatable choices now? Either way, he's going to look weak

Friday June 20, 2008 12:40 Frumious Bandersnitch

12:41

Robert Scott:

Jindal is learning that in politics sometimes you have to choose the lesser of two evils, or two bad choices

Friday June 20, 2008 12:41 Robert Scott

12:41

Robert Scott:

Politics is not always a test you can study for and make an A

Friday June 20, 2008 12:41 Robert Scott

12:41

[Comment From liz Kosterliz Koster: ]

How many voters know that Jindal proposed about a $350, 000 salary for his economic secretary and a $272,000 for the deputy.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:41 liz Koster

12:41

Robert Scott:

Lot of discussion has been had about that -- Jindal not setting a good example on that front

Friday June 20, 2008 12:41 Robert Scott

12:42

[Comment From Frumious BandersnitchFrumious Bandersnitch: ]

lol, it's a line from "Jabberwocky" . . . Lewis Carroll . . . he made up words

Friday June 20, 2008 12:42 Frumious Bandersnitch

12:42

[Comment From rcjrcj: ]

Do these guys (legislators) really think that the public is in favor of all these raises, or do they just not care?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:42 rcj

12:42

[Comment From JMJM: ]

How much of Jindal's mishandling of this issue do you attribute to his inner circle of advisers (Teepell, Waguespack, Faircloth, Sellers) having zero state government experience when they came on board?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:42 JM

12:42

[Comment From Bill DBill D: ]

Why not create a law which allows pay raises only to be considered in an election year?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:42 Bill D

12:43

Robert Scott:

Great idea

Friday June 20, 2008 12:43 Robert Scott

12:43

[Comment From mccartneymccartney: ]

I saw Jindal dodging the question of no veto. Did anyone get to ask if there were any other campaign promises we should now regard as "inoperative"?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:43 mccartney

12:44

Robert Scott:

Jindal's scripted responses to questions eventually will wear thin with the public, if he keeps it up. It's too bad, because he's actually very good on his feet and his non-scripted answers would be better

Friday June 20, 2008 12:44 Robert Scott

12:44

[Comment From KimKim: ]

What about Jindal quietly creating an "Office of the First Lady" - a LA first - and hiring two assistants, both paid over $60,000.00...

Friday June 20, 2008 12:44 Kim

12:45

Robert Scott:

Supriya plans to be very active

Friday June 20, 2008 12:45 Robert Scott

12:45

[Comment From liz Kosterliz Koster: ]

Why are you betting he will not veto the pay raise after the session is over? Do you think that they are showing "extraordinary independence" (which I label as arrogant and self-serving) because they see him as a weak governor...yet he appears afraid to go against them because he thinks that his "new reform" will make look good to the citizens.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:45 liz Koster

12:47

Robert Scott:

Obviously he's concerend about losing the leash on the lege. I would argue that he has already lost a lot of that control - But he has gone straight to the public to get his reforms, and will continue to use that stategy, because generally it works

Friday June 20, 2008 12:47 Robert Scott

12:47

[Comment From CJHCJH: ]

Robert, have you herd any thing about a motion to suspend the pay until next session to allow for more debate?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:47 CJH

12:48

Robert Scott:

Yes, but we are told this cannot/willnot happen

Friday June 20, 2008 12:48 Robert Scott

12:48

[Comment From AuburnStinksAuburnStinks: ]

The national press seems more interested in Gov. Jindal's embrace of intelligent design than his mishandling of the pay-raise issue. How do you think the evolution issue will affect his political future?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:48 AuburnStinks

12:49

Robert Scott:

The public attention is more on the intelligent design issue, probably yes. But among Republicans and those that make a difference in his political career, his weakness issue is more threatening to him

Friday June 20, 2008 12:49 Robert Scott

12:49

[Comment From MerMer: ]

Liz, what's your source for that information?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:49 Mer

12:50

[Comment From KVKV: ]

I think it would be in his better interest to listen to the people who voted him into office rather than the legislators that he has to work with now. This could make or break his entire political career

Friday June 20, 2008 12:50 KV

12:50

[Comment From Mary JoMary Jo: ]

Does a recall of Jindal seem likely?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:50 Mary Jo

12:50

Robert Scott:

Almost impossible; one was tried on Blanco and got nowhere

Friday June 20, 2008 12:50 Robert Scott

12:50

[Comment From Mary JoMary Jo: ]

I agree with Bill D's recommendation. Can we pose that to the governor?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:50 Mary Jo

12:50

[Comment From liz Kosterliz Koster: ]

What frustrates me, Mr. Scott, is that Gov. Jindal naively believes that the citizens actually "SUPPORT HIS NEW REFORM" THAT HE IS DEFIANTLY FIGHTING FOR....

Friday June 20, 2008 12:50 liz Koster

12:51

[Comment From liz Kosterliz Koster: ]

On legewatch.com, there is information about the rally . Also, go to payraisetucker.com to sign up for recall.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:51 liz Koster

12:51

[Comment From JeffParishJeffParish: ]

Seems like he does non-scripted lines on national tv and repeats the same script here.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:51 JeffParish

12:51

[Comment From liz Kosterliz Koster: ]

Yes, I agree with you that his response to the veto on the raise is scripted. He probably taped it and listens to it as he falls asleep.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:51 liz Koster

12:52

[Comment From MIkeMIke: ]

Why is noone reporting that most of these guys will still have another FULL time job despite their claims that this is a FULL time job? Doubbledipping?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:52 MIke

12:53

Robert Scott:

It's supposed to be a public service position. Next year, when the new financial disclosure law kicks into action, we'll see their incomes and financial transactions, or at least good indications of them. At that point, people will be outraged again by the pay raises, because the public will focus on the wealthier members of the House and Senate

Friday June 20, 2008 12:53 Robert Scott

12:54

[Comment From nisienisie: ]

What effect do you think our presence at the Capitol will have?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:54 nisie

12:54

Robert Scott:

Do you mean, some kind of rally?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:54 Robert Scott

12:55

[Comment From BrendaBrenda: ]

It is a shame what our politicians are doing. Jindal has clearly expressed opposition to the raise yet he is doing nothing about it. What he is doing is no different that watching a crime occur and not reporting it. I will NOT vote for him and definitely any politician that voted for the raise. If I happend to forget when election comes around i'm sure there will be many candidates ready to remind me.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:55 Brenda

12:55

[Comment From liz Kosterliz Koster: ]

Why is Jindal willing to walk through the "Political Valley of Death" until July 8th and thereafter?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:55 liz Koster

12:55

Robert Scott:

The Jindal team is aware of what the next coupdle of weeks will be like

Friday June 20, 2008 12:55 Robert Scott

12:56

[Comment From RCHRCH: ]

It seems like the legislature, while they obviously want higher pay, are also trying to challenge Jindal to veto this bill and he's backing down because he doesn't want to lose favor with them this early in his term.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:56 RCH

12:56

Robert Scott:

That's one summary of it

Friday June 20, 2008 12:56 Robert Scott

12:56

Robert Scott:

Also, I think Jindal was hoping he could use the pay raise issue against them

Friday June 20, 2008 12:56 Robert Scott

12:57

Robert Scott:

So far, that idea has backfired, if that's what he had in mind

Friday June 20, 2008 12:57 Robert Scott

12:57

[Comment From JodyJody: ]

The office of the First Lady was created by Foster, not Jindal.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:57 Jody

12:57

[Comment From lrlr: ]

i agree with Mike.... they will still have another job

Friday June 20, 2008 12:57 lr

12:57

[Comment From confusedconfused: ]

why aren't more people upset at the legislators that proposed and passed the increase, instead of the governor who is obviously in a lose/lose situation?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:57 confused

12:58

Robert Scott:

Who holds the responsibility in the end? We will see

Friday June 20, 2008 12:58 Robert Scott

12:59

[Comment From jcjc: ]

I wouldn't want Jindal recalled anyway. He is still a good gov...for the time being. Re: full time vs part time they have been in BR since January...for me I couldn't do that. Its the COLA that concerns me most.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:59 jc

12:59

[Comment From CharlesCharles: ]

I agree, will this allow all state employees to have TWO FULL time jobs if they want?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:59 Charles

12:59

[Comment From N.O.inD.C.N.O.inD.C.: ]

Jindal took himself out of the Vice Presidential race this week because of the legislative pay raise stance from what we are hearing up here in DC. McCain is being attacked as a flip flopper and Jindal's stance would really cause his campaign indigestion.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:59 N.O.inD.C.

1:00

[Comment From N.O.inD.C.N.O.inD.C.: ]

The bigger issue that no one is talking about with the pay raise--NO ONE and I mean NO ONE has discussed how the pay raise will affect each legislator's pension.

Friday June 20, 2008 1:00 N.O.inD.C.

1:01

Robert Scott:

The chat hour is over, but I'm going to keep answering some of these questions in line here, so I'll run a little over

Friday June 20, 2008 1:01 Robert Scott

1:02

Robert Scott:

On retirement pay, about 17 state lawmakers are in a retirement program and could benefit from this pay raise; The lawmakers coming in in recent years will not be eligible for pension

Friday June 20, 2008 1:02 Robert Scott

1:03

[Comment From KimKim: ]

Just because someone may be wealthy - they should work for free and take verbal abuse?

Friday June 20, 2008 1:03 Kim

1:04

Robert Scott:

I was just pointing out that public will get a new look at their overall income next year, and that will give a new context to the pay raise

Friday June 20, 2008 1:04 Robert Scott

1:05

[Comment From lizliz: ]

Mr. Scott, what do you recommend we do to bring home to Jindal to veto the raise

Friday June 20, 2008 1:05 liz

1:05

[Comment From MikeMike: ]

It also seems like this will set the standard, the legi will hold Jindal at gun point over ALL issues ... its a shame.

Friday June 20, 2008 1:05 Mike

1:06

Robert Scott:

That's definitely a point to make; if the lege can back him off, they will continue to feel bold to do so

Friday June 20, 2008 1:06 Robert Scott

1:06

[Comment From AAAA: ]

Why would he want to use the raise against them?

Friday June 20, 2008 1:06 AA

1:08

Robert Scott:

He could use it as a strategy to villify the legislature to keep public opinion on his side as a kind of hero willing to take on the lawmakers; he has consistently been critical of the lege, painting them with a broad brush in his statements and even commercials

Friday June 20, 2008 1:08 Robert Scott

1:08

[Comment From KVKV: ]

Scott - so what affect do you think a rally at the Capitol would have on decisions being made?

Friday June 20, 2008 1:08 KV

1:09

Robert Scott:

Rallies depend on numbers (of people) and timing. Often we've seen them backfire when a big effort is made to rig a rally and then there's sparse attendance

Friday June 20, 2008 1:09 Robert Scott

1:10

Robert Scott:

Also, the lege is gone as of Tuesday

Friday June 20, 2008 1:10 Robert Scott

1:10

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

They are angry. Jindal is the only one that can stop it. You will see that anger refocus

Friday June 20, 2008 1:10 Guest

1:10

[Comment From lizliz: ]

Thank you, Mr. Scott, for this forum....I have emailed you in the past after reading your articles.