La. governor calls for state investment

BATON ROUGE, La., March 10 (UPI) -- Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal opened the second special legislative session since he took office by asking for a cut in taxes and hike in spending.

Jindal said the financial changes are a logical next step to the ethics laws approved at the first special session, The Times-Picayune of New Orleans reported.

"This session is critical because not only do we have an opportunity to eliminate burdensome taxes on our businesses and transform our economic climate, but we also have an incredible opportunity to invest in priorities for Louisiana's future," Jindal said.

Most of Jindal's tax cutting involves accelerating cuts previously approved when Kathleen Blanco was governor. Jindal played down a plan to reduce taxes for parents who send their children to private schools.

Louisiana had a $1.1 billion surplus at the end of the last fiscal year, June 30, 2007. Jindal wants to use $515 million for transportation infrastructure and $300 million for coastal restoration and safeguards against hurricanes.

Jindal, a Republican, promised during his campaign to curb "out of control" government spending.