The next Ronald Reagan: Bobby Jindal - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In mid-2009, The Advocate newspaper in Baton Rouge reviewed helicopter records obtained through public information requested and verified that from March 2, 2009 to July 20, 2009, Jindal used taxpayer funded helicopter and State Police pilots to travel to various parts of the state to attend church services and meet with community officials. A total of 14 trips were taken with a cost of $1,200 per hour to operate, about $45,000 in total. Jindal states that the Sunday services are not based on politics and he is invited to meet with rural worshipers. He argues that these events are valuable to "hear what the people have to say." In addition, after the church services, Jindal scheduled meetings with local officials who showed him schools, roads, and factories and shared with him their concerns. State Sen. Joe McPherson, D-Woodworth, said Jindal is a very accessible governor and that these Sunday trips provide an opportunity to reach out to the community. ???