Recent editorials from Louisiana newspapers:
May 13
The Advocate, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on the state budget:
“It’s a complex process with a lot of moving parts.”
Wiser words were never spoken by Gov. Bobby Jindal, who viewed with apparent calm a revolt against his budget plans in the state House of Representatives.
Depending on the count, about $600 million to $700 million in reduced tax credits and exemptions, and a small increase in the cigarette tax ($68 million) are part of the House’s plans to fill the holes in Jindal’s incomplete budget.
Such independence of thought among lawmakers is new, albeit forced on members by the consequences of Jindal’s proposed cuts to universities and to health care.
Better to trim back tax credits and exemptions than face a collapse in higher education or fail to open the gleaming new hospital in New Orleans, or other serious consequences of the Jindal budget …
The moving parts are one issue. The raft of revenue-raisers have to go to the Senate, whose President John Alario, of Westwego, is the acknowledged master of the dark legislative arts. He seeks to reconcile the governor’s doctrinaire opposition to most of the House-passed bills with the need for revenue to plug the budget holes.
We do not know if that is possible.
Even if it is mathematically possible, the moving parts will require a remarkable level of cooperation among members of the House and Senate, the business lobbyists with such great influence and a governor who is prone to use his veto pen to burnish his anti-tax credentials on the national stage.
Even with the lobbyists swarming, the House votes were a revolt against business as usual. The governor’s calm reflects an awareness that he still holds aces in his hand.
The problem for the state is that a budget structured along Jindal’s original proposal would be a catastrophe for Louisiana communities and our future. It’s high stakes and not just a game of cards.
Online:
https://theadvocate.com
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May 13
American Press, Lake Charles, Louisiana, on graduation season:
In the next few weeks, thousands of Southwest Louisiana students will graduate, moving from high school to college and from college into the so-called real world.
Graduation is a time of celebration - celebration of students’ accomplishments, celebration of making it through years of school, and celebration of the beginning of another chapter in young lives.
Graduation isn’t so much a certificate as it is recognition of moving from one step in life to another, taking lessons learned and applying them toward a new opportunity.
Graduation may seem like an ending, but it’s actually just the beginning. Education doesn’t stop after you graduate.
“You’re not going to get very far in life based on what you already know,” said philanthropist Charlie Munger in a 2007 commencement address at the University of California Law School. “You’re going to advance in life by what you’re going to learn after you leave here.”
Where to from here? The answer to that question is as varied as the students who make up this year’s graduating class.
Here’s a bit of advice for you that is universal:
Live your life with integrity.
Have some kind of vision for your life, even if you don’t know the plan.
Accept failure and learn from it.
Bequeath to the next generation a world better than the one you were handed.
And last but not least, thank those who paved the way for you - your parents included. As most graduating students know it takes family support to make it through to graduation. That might include helping with homework, more often includes them cheering in the stands at extracurricular activities and always includes financial support.
We have all heard the saying “it takes a village to raise a child” but we also must understand that good children grow up to be good people and make a village strong. Education is a part of that process, but how you use your education is the key to not only your success, but the success of any good community. We congratulate the class of 2015 and welcome them into our village.
Online:
https://www.americanpress.com
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May 11
The News-Star, Monroe, Louisiana, on preventing West Nile:
Springtime in northeastern Louisiana brings rain, which is laying the groundwork for summer mosquito breeding - which means West Nile virus. Shannon Rider, director of the Ouachita Parish Mosquito Abatement District, said the steady rains actually help flush standing water. It’s when that flow stops in the heat of the summer that the pools termed “septic” become prime breeding grounds for the West Nile-carrying Southern House Mosquito.
The abatement district began spraying for mosquitoes from trucks a couple of weeks ago. Rider said nighttime spraying comes in the summer when the test pools indicate the presences of West Nile.
For humans, the virus’ effects can be flu-like symptoms, no symptoms or paralysis, brain damage and death.
It is not too early to prepare for West Nile virus. The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals has the Fight the Bite program (www.dhh.louisiana.gov/fightthebite) with information on combating the disease.
Protect yourself
.When outside wear a mosquito repellent containing DEET. Repellants should contain no more than 30 percent DEET when used on children. Insect repellents are not recommended for children younger than two months old. Follow the recommendations appearing on the product label.
.Apply repellent on exposed skin and clothing. Do not apply under your clothes or on broken skin.
.To apply repellent to your face, spray it on your hands first, then apply on your face with your hands.
.Adults should always apply repellent to children.
.Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors for extended periods of time.
.Avoid perfumes and colognes when outdoors for extended periods of time.
.Make sure your house has tight-fitting windows and doors and that all screens are free of holes.
Protecting Your Home
.Reduce the mosquito population by eliminating standing water around your home, which is where mosquitoes breed.
.Dispose of tin cans, ceramic pots and other unnecessary containers that have accumulated on your property. Turn over wheelbarrows, plastic wading pools, buckets, trash cans, children’s toys or anything that could collect water.
.Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers.
.Routinely clean roof gutters.
.Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens can become major mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate.
.Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used. Be aware that mosquitoes may even breed in the water that collects on swimming pool covers.
Online:
https://www.thenewsstar.com
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