EDITORIAL: Act now for the future (Paper Calls for Constitutional Convention)
News Star (excerpt)

Louisiana lawmakers already are warning us that deeper state budget cuts are ahead. "The cliff we were on this year was Driskill Mountain," said House Appropriations Chairman Jim Fannin, D-Jonesboro, referring to the highest point in Louisiana at just 535 feet in Bienville Parish. "In 2011, it's going to be Pike's Peak."

That's because in 2011, Louisiana won't have the benefit of $1 billion in federal stimulus money that it had this year and again in 2010. We don't need to wait two years to address those dire predictions. Higher education and health care, the two areas not constitutionally protected from major cuts, cannot provide the kinds of quality education opportunities and quality care the citizens of Louisiana deserve when cut beyond the bone. Something else will have to give.

We urge Gov. Bobby Jindal to act now for the future. It certainly is time to consider convening a constitutional convention to rewrite and streamline Louisiana's often-amended guiding document. It certainly is time to consider downsizing some areas of government while protecting essential services for the state's future.

Picture: Driskill Mt. (535 ft.)