Have policies at the national and state level so stacked the odds of success against the city's next leader that the chances of an economic turnaround are minimal?
John Schroder says that although the Moody's upgrade is a step in the right direction, it is also necessary that Louisiana make changes to its budget process.
Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne that it was primarily the new, seven year, 4.45% sales tax that was the major determining factor in the Moody's decision.
Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says, "We're pushing legislation that would require a five or ten percent import fee so that we can hire (more) inspectors."
University of Louisiana System President Dr. Jim Henderson says, "I don't know that there's a better investment of our resources than developing talent."
Alan Seabaugh says, "We're the only southern state with more people moving out than in and coincidentally, the only southern state with a liberal, Democrat governor.
Daniel Erspamer, Executive Director of Louisiana's Pelican Institute, says that the proposed half penny sales tax could cost the state as many as 2,800 jobs.