Jindal Speaks To Editorial Board
by Greg Hilburn - News Star (excerpt)

Gov. Bobby Jindal celebrated a successful first day for his ethics reform package but promised to keep the pressure on lawmakers by taking his platform to the people.

Soon after addressing legislators in the Capitol on Monday morning, Jindal flew to Monroe to meet with The News-Star's Editorial Board on Monday afternoon.

"It's a great first day," Jindal said. "When there were amendments filed to dilute or weaken the reforms, they were defeated in the (House and Senate governmental affairs committees). But there is more opposition coming."

Jindal said Louisianians must keep the heat on the Legislature to get his ethics package passed.

"This isn't my agenda; it's the people's agenda," he said. "We need them to be engaged, which is why I'm going directly to the people. I hope they call their legislators and demand that these reforms are passed. It's important that regular citizens speak for themselves."

Jindal's massive package would increase financial disclosure requirements for legislators and lobbyists, restrict legislators from doing business with the state and install criminal penalties for ethics violations, among many other reforms.

He said that ethics reform will be the foundation for everything else he does as governor.

"That's why I'm using all of my political capital and momentum to start here," Jindal said. "There is a sense of urgency. We have a unique opportunity now, and if we don't seize it then it's not likely to come today."

Jindal said it's "essential that we restore people's trust in government."