In a recent column ( here) in the Baton Rouge paper, Mark Ballard, laments the lack of “transparency” of a state “slush fund” (uncommitted money) of over $400 Million.

As Ballard points out, how do we know that giving our money to some yet-to-be-landed, much less built, plant is the best use of our declining tax dollars if we don’t know the details of the “investment.”

Some folks might suggest a better “investment” would be in our existing businesses by lowering their taxes.  New jobs cannot be created at a fast enough rate and in sufficient quantity to make up for the loss of existing ones.

I find the Jindal Administration’s lack of transparency in any area of the state budget in direct conflict with his own statements.  Just a month ago, Bobby Jindal made these comments:

I have advocated for transparent government, as I believe that the bright light of transparency and public access should extend to every corner of the state budget.

An honest government has nothing to fear from openness…

- Governor Bobby Jindal

I see no exception in the statements above for the $400 Million “slush fund.”

To quote Bobby Jindal: “It’s time to match action to our rhetoric.”

It’s time to hold Bobby accountable.

C.B.