Dear Governor Bobby Jindal,

As a Louisiana resident, I am concerned with the direction you are planning to take with my state.

I listened intently to your speech following President Barack Obama's address. You contended that Americans can do anything without the support of the government. I respectfully disagree. As you stated, America is "...the Nation that cast off the scourge of slavery, overcame the Great Depression, prevailed in two World Wars, won the struggle for civil rights, defeated the Soviet menace, and responded with determined courage to the attacks of September 11, 2001." Have you forgotten that it was with the help and leadership of the American government that allowed us to prevail over such hardships? Without the government's role in appropriating legislation or providing federal funding to aid such crises, you would not be able to stand before a nation declaring the greatness of America and the ability of Americans to "do anything".

The rejecting of $98 million dollars in stimulus money for expanding Louisianans unemployment benefits during the time of a recession is irresponsible. The decision to withhold funding towards the state's growing unemployed is nothing more than a way to gain republican support. Those who need the money most will suffer while you gain approval from fellow republican constituents.

Other states will experience economic progress as they aid their unemployed with funding and assistance to foster growth. Meanwhile, here in Louisiana our economic growth will be curbed as the unemployed grow in numbers with no vision for recovery. All Louisiana residents - whether democratic and republican, are negatively impacted by decisions that impede growth as the unemployment rate continuities to fester.         

I urge you to reconsider your notion to reject stimulus funding for the unemployed. If not, you have lost my vote.

It is your civic duty to be knowledgeable about the direction of your state and to take action when you disagree. It is not too late for Governor Bobby Jindal to change his decisions. Take action by signing this letter to your Governor if you disagree with his decision to reject stimulus funding to expand unemployment benefits in a time of a recession.