Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry today announced his opposition to the City of New Orleans plan to borrow up to $125 million to help fill a massive budget gap.
Landry posted, "I urge Louisiana Republican Legislative Delegation and Louisiana Senate Republicans to deny the city’s request to accumulate debt on the backs of its citizens."
The governor further went on to say that the state has cleaned up its financial house, and New Orleans must do so, too.
"Over the past 20 months, both I and the Legislature have diligently worked to establish fiscal stability in this State. We have implemented tax reform, reduced insurance costs, and historically revitalized this economy. It is imperative that the City of New Orleans address its financial matters promptly."
Landry further wants state officials to take action to review the city's finances and fix them for New Orleans if need be.
"I am calling on John Fleming Louisiana State Treasurer, Office of the Louisiana Attorney General, and Louisiana Legislative Auditor to convene an emergency meeting of the Fiscal Review Committee. They must utilize all necessary measures to thoroughly review the city’s fiscal affairs and, if deemed necessary, appoint a fiscal administrator."
Political Analyst Clancy Dubos says this is an effort by Landry to seize more control.
"Landry is trying to make a power grab so he can take over the city, which he has always wanted to do," Dubos insisted. "He wants to take over and control everything."
Dubos says with Landry seeing sagging approval ratings, he is trying to win political points at the expense of New Orleans.
"He is trying to grandstand and do anything he can to make it look like he is doing something."
Political Analyst Jeremy Alford with LA Politics says a big battle is shaping up between the governor and the city.
"Looks like it is gonna be a good, old fashioned brawl," he explained.
He says this continues a trend of Landry trying to expand state influence over New Orleans.
"We have seen the governor make some moves to add some permanence to the relationship between the state and New Orleans."
Alford says the formation of Troop NOLA is number one on that list, with putting a permanent Louisiana State Police in the city for the first time ever.
He notes, however, that even if the state does step in to try and fix the city's finances; it would not be forever.
"A fiscal administrator in practice is a temporary position."