TRUST FUND RAID BILLS PASSED BY SENATE (They Still Don't Get It!)
by Jan Moller - Times-Picayune (excerpt)

BATON ROUGE -- A package of bills designed to make it easier to raid various protected state funds during lean budget times cleared the Senate today despite opposition from business lobbyists. Senators gave overwhelming approval to the bills, which are backed by Gov. Bobby Jindal and also have strong support from health-care interests. But they are expected to face steep opposition in the more conservative House, where Speaker Jim Tucker, R-Algiers, has said he doesn't think there is a two-thirds majority support needed for passage. The bills are a key part of the governor's strategy for dealing with a $1.7 billion projected budget shortfall in the 2011-12 fiscal year, when federal stimulus dollars expire and the state's contributions to the Medicaid programs are expected to rise. Opponents said there is no guarantee that money from the rainy day account would be used to support health-care and higher education. The administration estimates that about $3.9 billion in state dollars are locked away in protected funds that cannot be accessed when the state faces budget shortfalls.

COMMENTARY: Led by a Term Limited Democrat Senate President and a Term Limited Finance Committee Chairman, the "CinCOs' (Conservatives in Campaigns Only) followed like limmings off the political cliff. Obviously, They still don't get it!

The only votes against were: Alario, Amedee, Appel, Claitor, Gautreaux N., Riser and Walsworth. The only ones who have a good feel for public opinion apparently. (SMOR Polling showed 74% against raiding these funds.)

On to the House where we will find out who the 'CinCOs' are over there.