NFIB

Status of the state's checkbook
Louisiana received a welcomed message when the Bush administration decided to extend the payback period from three years to 30 years for its $1.8 billion share of levee improvements to the federal government. In turn, this meant hundreds of millions of dollars free to direct toward other projects, such as coastal restoration and hurricane protection. With oil prices well above state revenue projections and a $94 million Mineral Board lease sale, Gov. Bobby Jindal declared it a "billion dollar day" for the coast.

The state Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority agreed Wednesday to spend $300 million in 2007 budget surplus money on a variety of hurricane protection and coastal restoration projects, including $100 million that will help speed completion of 100-year east and west bank levees in the New Orleans area. Combined with previous commitments, the state now plans to spend more than $1 billion in state money on levee and restoration projects during the next four years with the vast majority of it dedicated to construction.

On another note, within the Louisiana state budget are items called NGOs, non-governmental organizations, which request and typically get a piece of the pie with little supporting evidence needed for the request. Gov. Jindal laid out criteria this year for an NGO to qualify for the state funds and ultimately vetoed $16 million in appropriations for the organizations because they did not meet the criteria. However, the capital outlay budget seems to contain even more bloat for NGOs. An example, one organization's request for $100,000 was vetoed by the governor but is set to receive $1 million in the capital outlay budget. Part of the problem is that Gov. Jindal committed to honoring the capital outlay projects that Gov. Blanco approved, and those do not have to meet the criteria.

PSC energy emergency
The Public Service Commission declared an energy emergency this week for Louisiana residents, which means that three investor-owned utility companies are ordered to offer a relief program for customers of Entergy, Cleco and SWEPCO. Just as across the country, Louisiana residents are reeling from higher bills resulting from summer heat and the high price of natural gas.

Legislation creating the energy emergency program was approved in 2001, but this is the first time it has been implemented by an official PSC declaration. If certified by a local community action agency as meeting low-income and age standards (no more than 1.5 times the poverty level and age 65 or over), being a social service recipient or in need of electricity to power medical equipment, customers can defer payment of the portion of their bills that exceed what they paid a year ago. The PSC order allows customers one month to go through certification procedures and file the paperwork needed to defer the payments. They will have up to 12 months to pay the deferred amount.

Races
After wrapping up legislative races in 2007, right around the corner are even more elections. Louisiana has all seven congressional districts, two legislative seats and judicial races up for grabs over the coming months. There will be more to come with information on the candidates and important election dates.

It is not only crucial that small business owners get out and vote but also pay close attention to the positions that your elected official is taking on important issues, such as big labor pushes, the energy crisis and taxes. For more information on congressional delegates, go to www.nfib.com/page/politicsHome.

• U.S. Senate race: Mary Landrieu, Democrat; Richard Fontanesi, Libertarian; John Kennedy, Republican
• U.S. Representative, District 1: "Jim" Harlan, Democrat; M.V. "Vinny" Mendoza, Democrat; "Steve" Scalise, Republican
• U.S. Representative, District 2: James Carter, Democrat; Troy "C" Carter, Democrat; James L. "Jimmy" Fahrenholtz, Democrat; William J. Jefferson, Democrat; Byron L. Lee, Democrat; Helena Moreno, Democrat; Cedric Richmond, Democrat; Kenya J. H. Smith, Democrat; Malik Rahim, Green; Gregory W. Kahn, Libertarian; Anh "Joseph" Cao, Republican
• U.S. Representative, District 4: Willie Banks, Democrat; Paul J. Carmouche, Democrat; Artis "Doc" Cash, Democrat; John Milkovich, Democrat; John Fleming, Republican; "Chris" Gorman, Republican; "Jeff" Thompson, Republican
• U.S. Representative, District 5: Rodney Alexander, Republican; Andrew Clack, Republican
• U.S. Representative, District 6: "Don" Cazayoux, Democrat; William "Bill" Cassidy, Republican
• U.S. Representative, District 7: Donald "Don" Cravins, Jr., Democrat; Charles W. Boustany, Jr., Republican
• Associate Justice, Supreme Court, District 1: Roland Belsome, Democrat; Greg Guidry, Republican; "Jimmy" Kuhn, Republican
• Associate Justice, Supreme Court, District 5: Jefferson D. Hughes, Republican; Catherine D. "Kitty" Kimball, Democrat
• State Senator, District 9: Conrad Appel, Republican; Allen "Al" Leone, Republican; "Polly" Thomas, Republican
• State Representative, District 18: Troy Grezaffi, Democrat; Audrey A. McCain, Democrat; Major Thibaut, Democrat; "Billy" Ward, Democrat; Russell Young, Democrat

Ethics round-up
The Louisiana Legislature approved ethics legislation earlier this year in accordance with the desires of the governor for our state to be the gold standard in ethics reform. It now seems that there has been a flurry of activity from every corner of the state rounding up those accused with ethics violations. Just recently, those in hot water from alleged violations include the Mandeville city government, Mandeville police department, New Orleans Affordable Homeownership program, Belle Chasse District Judge William Roe, Northeast Louisiana District Attorney William Coenan, reservoir developer Mike Thompson, not to mention State Senator Derrick Shepherd. As soon as the nearly all positions are filled on the State Board of Ethics, they are going to be busy just trying to catch up.

NFIB meetings in your area
Plan to attend the Small Business Legislative Forums. NFIB/Louisiana will hold four Small Business Legislative Forums in October with local legislators in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Shreveport and Monroe. This is a great opportunity for you to share your concerns about the business environment and health care in Louisiana with your legislators. State Director Renee Baker also will give a recap of the legislative session. More information will be coming soon. If you have any questions or are interested in attending a forum in your area, please contact Katie Jones, member support manager.

Federal Watch: H2B visas and expansion of ADA
With Congress poised to expand ADA and still needing to resolve the H2B visa problem, NFIB is looking for members who are willing to share their personal stories. We need to know how the ADA law has posed significant burdens to your small business. Conversely, we need to hear your positive experiences using the H2B visa program. To share your story, please contact Katie Jones, member support manager.