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Jindal uses taxpayer money for a helicopter to shuttle him to church. A report by The Advocate in Louisiana finds that state taxpayers have been paying for Gov. Bobby Jindal (R) to go to church…in a helicopter:
In May, June and July, there was rarely a Sunday when the governor didn’t board a taxpayer-funded helicopter to attend church services in far-flung parts of the state. He traveled by helicopter to churches less frequently in March and April. Over five months, Jindal took more than three dozen helicopter trips. Fourteen were to attend church services, according to state records. [...]
At least two aides usually accompanied him along with his security detail and State Police pilots. The public pays their salaries as well as the fuel and upkeep for the helicopter.
The helicopter that the governor uses the most costs $1,200 an hour to operate — about $45,000 for five months of church visits.
Last week, Jindal said that he “visits a church when he receives an invitation” and often “schedules meetings with local officials” afterward.
-------------------- Wise men learn more from fools than fools from the wise. Posts: 3827 | From: beautiful California | Registered: Sep 2008
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Pastor says Jindal should reimburse taxpayers for his helicopter trips to church.
The Lousiana newspaper the Advocate recently reported that Gov. Bobby Jindal (R-LA) has been using tax dollars to fund helicopter trips to and from church. Now, a Lousianian pastor who heads a national interfaith group, the Interfaith Alliance, says Jindal should reimburse taxpayers for the trips:
The Rev. Welton Gaddy, president of the liberal Interfaith Alliance, sent a letter to the governor this week, saying Jindal should reimburse the state for the trips.
“It appears that you owe the people of Louisiana an apology and the treasurer of the state a reimbursement of at least $45,000 in addition to whatever money was spent in the period not covered by the Advocate’s investigation. No taxpayer money should have been used for your travel,” Gaddy wrote.
A spokeswoman for Jindal responded to Gaddy’s request by attacking the Interfaith Alliance rather than addressing the issue: “This political group opposes putting crosses up in honor of fallen policemen, has attacked the National Day of Prayer and advocates for same-sex marriage, so it’s not surprising that they are attacking the governor for accepting invitations to speak at Louisiana churches.” Last year, Jindal also came under scrutiny for taking state helicopters to attend Chamber of Commerce banquets, a fishing rodeo, and a halftime appearance at a basketball game. Comments 11 SharePermalink
-------------------- Wise men learn more from fools than fools from the wise. Posts: 3827 | From: beautiful California | Registered: Sep 2008
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I say all politicians should foot the bill for all of their travel. I say they get a flat salary and that's it.
Posts: 2965 | Registered: Aug 2005
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-------------------- Wise men learn more from fools than fools from the wise. Posts: 3827 | From: beautiful California | Registered: Sep 2008
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