Nathan Stubbs

Jindal to hold weekly meetings on economy

by Nathan Stubbs

Yesterday, Gov. Bobby Jindal held the first of what he says will be weekly briefings on the economy with key cabinet members Louisiana has been an anomoly in the nation’s recent economic downturn. Hurricane recovery has buoyed home prices and the recent rise in oil prices has left the state flush with revenue. But, now, with oil prices falling and the nation’s economic forecast turning especially bleak, state leaders are beginning to get apprehensive that the nation’s recession will begin hitting home. Yesterday, Gov. Bobby Jindal held the first of what he says will be weekly briefings on the economy with key cabinet members. In a prepared statement announcing the meetings, Jindal says, “As we continue to focus on our state’s recovery and rebuilding efforts, we must also keep a steady pulse on the national economic climate so we have the most up to date information on economic shifts and trends that can affect our Louisiana businesses, workers, oil prices, housing market, and even our state revenue. In order to ensure that we are fully engaged and ready to proactively address evolving national economic conditions relating to our state, we will hold weekly economic briefing meetings with key economic advisors for the next several months.” Cabinet members participating in the meetings include Division of Administration Commissioner Angele Davis, Economic Development Secretary Stephen Moret, Natural Resources Secretary Scott Angele, Revenue Secretary Cynthia Bridges, Workforce Commission Director Tim Barfield, and Office of Financial Institutions Secretary John Ducrest.