GOP Jobs Program: Life Of Crime

We’ve been trying for a while to figure out what the pinch-fisted GOP’s jobs program actually is, and today Louisiana gives us the tell (as they say in poker):

A new bill to outlaw panhandling is quickly moving its way through the Louisiana legislature. HB 1158 would criminalize solicitation, making it a misdemeanor punishable with a maximum fine of $200 and up to six months in jail. The bill is targeted not just at panhandlers, but hitchhikers and those engaged in prostitution as well.

The bill passed the Louisiana House last week by a vote of 89-0. There was no floor debate. It is now being taken up by the Senate, where it will be acted on Tuesday.

So, besides opposing anyone getting subsidized healthcare, cuts to food assistance, unemployment insurance, and now literally begging in the streets, what does the GOP think desperate people are going to do? My guess is thievery and prostitution, what else is left?

Also/too: I thought that the Roberts Supreme Court has told us rather clearly that money was equal to free speech, so I have a feeling this law might end up on the SCOTUS docket and that ought to put the Fab Five’s knickers in a twist.

By: Tengrain

Fully caffeinated with twice the sugar, unabashedly liberal. Award-winning Americans United blogger, blogs at Mock Paper Scissors, and sometimes at Crooks and Liars.

You can follow @Tengrain on Twitter, or you might see him enjoying coffee somewhere in Seattle at any given moment of the day.