By: Lady Liberty
As the Louisiana Senate prepares to vote on HB461, a controversial bill proposed by freshman Representative Steven Jackson (D 4/10), questions arise about the standards and accountability expected from our lawmakers. The bill, which seeks to add exemptions, exceptions, and limitations to public records requests, could keep certain information confidential for up to two years. This raises a critical question: what information might local policymakers try to hide if passed?
Representative Jackson’s history is fraught with troubling incidents that the public (and his fellow legislators) may be unaware of. For instance, Jackson was once involved in an incident where he drove an unmarked police SUV and falsely identified himself as a police officer. In another case, he faced allegations of stalking and harassing his ex-girlfriend, cutting the air conditioning cord to her home, and sending inappropriate messages to her nine-year-old daughter, prompting her to seek a restraining order. Additionally, Jackson has been ticketed multiple times for driving a vehicle with a switched license plate, having no proof of insurance, and failing to register the vehicle.
These examples from Jackson’s past are alarming. The question then becomes: why would Republicans, who recently supported a special session on crime, align themselves with a bill proposed by someone with such a checkered history? HB461, if passed, could allow politicians to manipulate government contracts for personal gain while keeping their actions hidden from public scrutiny for years. Even the Louisiana Press Association opposed the bill, arguing it would severely hamper transparency.
This legislation is a disservice to Louisiana taxpayers. It’s perplexing why some Conservative lawmakers support a measure that could conceal critical government contracts and spending from the taxpayer. Are legislators unaware of Steven Jackson’s criminal past, or is there a broader agenda aligning with the interests of a unified political establishment in Louisiana?
The upcoming Senate vote on Monday, May 13th, will reveal where our legislators truly stand on transparency and accountability. Will they follow a lawmaker with a questionable past, or will they uphold the principles of government transparency? The decision will undoubtedly have significant implications for the future of public trust in Louisiana’s political landscape.
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Give us the tools, and we will finish the job.
Churchill’s rallying cry echoes today: “Give us the tools, and we will finish the job.” Here's how you can help hold the line for Louisiana’s conservative values.
One historical figure I frequently look to for inspiration is Winston Churchill. With little more than grit and determination, he rallied his countrymen to overcome overwhelming odds and save the world. He had a plan and a team, but on February 9th, 1941, he needed resources to further stimey the evil forces bearing down on England.
He closed his radio broadcast on that fateful day, saying, "Put your confidence in us. Give us your faith and your blessing, and, under Providence, all will be well. We shall not fail or falter; we shall not weaken or tire... Give us the tools, and we will finish the job."
Here we are some eighty years later, and evil again bears down upon us. To be sure, Donald Trump will do his part in Washington, DC. However, Louisiana and her local communities are our jobs - yours and mine. It's up to us to hold the line against the Left's encroachment in Louisiana. That's the work Citizens for a New Louisiana has already been doing for nearly eight years. We've shored up our gains in Lafayette, Livingston, and St. Tammany parishes. However, many more parishes are currently undefended! Will you help us to expand more Conservative bulwarks into other parishes?
Churchill knew that success was only possible with additional resources. That remains true today. We can only continue this critical work with support from friends like you. We don't just think Louisiana is worth saving; we're doing our part to accomplish it, one little bit at a time. Are you on board? Here's your chance to prove it. Partner with our movement or chip in monthly so this critical work continues.
If everyone who read this article contributed just $10 a year, we could double our reach. Your support now ensures Louisiana’s conservative future—don’t wait—contribute today!
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