February 9, 2010 – Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal was our guest speaker at today’s weekly meeting.  He outlined his “Louisiana Way Forward” for facing anticipated budget shortfalls, and described the differences between his plan and the “Washington Way” – referring to President Obama’s multitrillion spending plan that would boost the national deficit to a record-breaking $1.56 trillion.  Jindal vowed instead to cut government spending by streamlining programs and eliminating unneeded jobs.  Jindal stressed primary, preventative care in favor of costly emergency room visits to help reduce costs.  He also proposed more public-private partnerships, such as a recent $14 million investment to expand Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge to better serve Medicaid and uninsured patients currently served at the state-run Earl K. Long Hospital.

Every week, certain Kiwanis members receive a tongue-in-cheek award from President Carey Chopin – this week’s award went to Governor Jindal for for his efforts to keep the New Orleans Saints in Louisiana.  WHODAT!!

Jindal said the team’s Super Bowl win was a significant step in the state’s efforts to rebuild after hurricanes Rita and Katrina.  “I think it shows the world that Louisiana is coming back better than we were before,” he said.

For more information about upcoming speakers, see our schedule.