Most state lawmakers are still recuperating from clearing the budget hurdle in the last legislative session. It doesn't help that the track to re-election is poised with another looming budget shortfall.
"We're hearing discussions now about a mid-year cut in the neighborhood of $300 to $400 million dollars," says Ouachita Citizen publisher Sam Hanna Jr., a panelist in KEDM's Policy And A Pint Tuesday. He says, however, its likely those talks won't take place until after the general election.
Hanna says the handling of the budget is already creeping into one senate race. "McAllister took some shots at Walsworth, aligning him to Governor Jindal," he said. A reference to former U.S. Congressman Vance McAllister, who is running against District 33 Senator Mike Walsworth.
He feels Senate District 35 candidate Stewart Cathey could target the budget issue in his campaign against Rep. Jim Fannin. Fannin has led the House as Appropriations Chairman. The two are seeking the seat vacated by retiring senator Bob Kostelka.
Election 2015 is the topic in KEDM's Policy And A Pint on Tuesday, September 15, at Warehouse No. 1 Restaurant. A meet & greet begins at 5 p.m. The discussion begins around 5:30.
