BUDGET FAILS, SPECIAL SESSION BEGINS: Yesterday Louisiana lawmakers had a dramatic show-down in state budget negotiations as the House and Senate ended the regular legislative session in a deadlock. At the heart of the matter: The Senate plan would’ve spent all money available, saving Higher Education and TOPS Tuition from further cuts…and addressing prisons, social services, and health care; WHEREAS the House wanted to keep about $50 million in reserve to offset any unforeseen circumstances.
At the conclusion of the regular session, Governor John Bel Edwards held a press conference, expressing his frustration over the regular session’s failure on succeeding in passing a budget. So the budget process starts from scratch with action in the House Appropriations Committee Monday, followed by the Senate returning Wednesday.