Louisiana Budget Plans In Negotiation Phase

Red River Radio | By Chuck Smith

Published February 21, 2017 at 9:19 AM CST

Governor John Bel Edwards has asked for $119 million from the state’s “rainy-day fund”, but the House plan only taps $75 million, the Senate’s plan takes $99 million; the differences will have to be made up in cuts to state agencies. So lawmakers are now focusing on negotiation. Added to the mix is House Speaker John Alario’s bill - HCR 1, which plans to start using a portion of dedicated funds to pay state debt, beginning July 1st. The Senate Finance committee will consider that measure this morning, with House Appropriations starting their meeting once they see what the Senate committee does.

HOUSE SPEAKER'S BILL- Sen. John Alario (R) Westwego has added HCR-1 which would use some dedicated funds to pay state debt beginning July 1st.

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Chuck Smith

Chuck Smith brings more than 30 years' broadcast and media experience to Red River Radio. He began his career as a radio news reporter and transitioned to television journalism and newsmagazine production. Chuck studied mass communications at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia and motion picture / television production at the University of California at Los Angeles. He has also taught writing for television at York Technical College in Rock Hill, South Carolina and video / film production at Centenary College of Louisiana, Shreveport.

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