© 2024 Red River Radio
Voice of the Community
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

La. Business Group Wants Better Website For State Spending Accountability

Courtesy: LABI

LABI CONFERENCE-  The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry held it’s annual meeting in Baton Rouge yesterday… an event billed as having top leaders in business, government, education, and in the community gather for innovative and thought-provoking conversations.  One topic was Government spending accountability and more specifically to have Louisiana’s budget transparency model something already in place in Ohio called the ”Ohio Checkbook"

Credit Courtesy: ohiotreasurer.gov
/
Courtesy: ohiotreasurer.gov

which has an easy-to-navigate / user-friendly menu complete with slick graphics.  It’s something that State Treasurer John Schroder wants for Louisiana. "From buying a pencil to buying an automobile,  I think the citizens of Louisiana ought to be able to see it." The newly-elected Louisiana state treasurer says with transparency comes more  accountability and he feels that could change spending habits.  The Louisiana Association of Business and 

Credit Courtesy: LABI
/
Courtesy: LABI
Stephen Waguesbeck, president LABI

Industry is behind the idea.  They're one of the more powerful groups inside the state capitol. Its president Stephen Waguesbeck says it's all about rebuilding people's trust in government."How do you rebuild trust? First thing that starts is being truthful,  putting the information out there." Governor Edwards' who appeared at the conference  luncheon  said  he doesn’t oppose the concept…and his administration is already working on something similar. (LaTRAC) But Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne explained getting all agencies on the same page isn’t as easy as it sounds…The Associated Press reports  back during Bobby Jindal’s administration…a statewide accounting and management computer system was begun that has cost the state $100 million so far and isn’t finished. Dardenne says it will cost another $26 million to complete.  But GOP lawmakers want legislation describing the plans for the “Louisiana Checkbook” website, and they've said they'll tie support for tax bills to its passage.  

Credit Courtesy: Louisiana.Gov
/
Courtesy: Louisiana.Gov

Chuck Smith brings more than 30 years' broadcast and media experience to Red River Radio. He began his career as a radio news reporter and transitioned to television journalism and newsmagazine production. Chuck studied mass communications at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia and motion picture / television production at the University of California at Los Angeles. He has also taught writing for television at York Technical College in Rock Hill, South Carolina and video / film production at Centenary College of Louisiana, Shreveport.