CCA- Another Epic Failure

[3FLa]

CCA failed again. During this legislative session, HB 490 was filed. This bill would have prevented Jindal from raiding the Coastal Reef and Restoration Fund, something he has done twice to the tune of 45.1 million dollars. He did so to fill budget gaps caused by mismanagment of various public agencies unrelated to the purpose of the fund. This fund was created as dedicated funds and was to be only used for Coastal/Erosion issues. HB 490 would have made it impossibel to use any moneys from the fund other than its intended purpose.

The HB went unopposed in house committee and in the full house. When it got to the Senate, a committee hearing was set (May 7, 2014). The author, seeking support for the bill from conservative groups asked for appearances at the Senate hearing. La. Wildlife Federation spoke, Miss. River Coalition spoke, PAR spoke, Chamber SWLA spoke, Audubon-La spoke, and Telley Madina (Oyster industry) spoke.

Guess who failed to appear at the hearing, despite numerous request to speak on behalf of the bill-CCA.

Today,the bill died in committee.

Although, it is disgusting enough that CCA failed to appear to protect conversation funds, it leads to other questions.

If CCA does not care about this so-called "dedicated" fund, do you really think it was sincere when CCA stated it only supported the saltwater license increase because the additional revenues were going to a "dedicated" fund.