La. Republican Proposals Want Less "Rainy Day Funds" and More Cuts

Red River Radio | By Chuck Smith

Published February 16, 2017 at 11:33 AM EST

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Rep. Cameron Henry (R) Metarie - Proposed a plan backed by Republicans to use only $74.6 million from the "Rainy-Day Fund" and cut $44 million from several state agencies including education, healthcare, and others.

Credit Courtesy: La. Legislature.gov

BUDGET PLANS ADVANCE -House Republicans started advancing two budget-rebalancing proposals Wednesday that would cut more deeply than Gov. John Bel Edwards wants and hit agencies the Democratic governor wanted to protect. Approval of the competing plans by the House Appropriations Committee came a day after budget negotiations broke down between House GOP leaders and Edwards over how to close the state's $304 million deficit in the short special session called by the governor. Both plans were backed by the committee in largely party-line votes, with Democrats in opposition. The special session ends February 22nd.

VOICING CONCERNS - Rep. Walt Leger (D) New Orleans shared his concerns in opposition to the Republican budget plans to lower use of "Rainy-Day Funds" and instead raise cuts to agencies.

Credit Courtesy: La. Legislature.gov

LA. BUDGET PROPOSALS ADVANCE - Louisiana Republicans presented 2 counter proposals to Governor John Bel Edwards' plans to use $119 million from the state's "Rainy-Day Fund". Instead the Republican proposals would lower the amount used from the fund and instead raise budget cuts to agencies including education and healthcare.