BATON ROUGE, La.– It might have been Mother’s Day, but for some, the slashes by the House Appropriations could end up as the mother of all budget conflicts.Gov. Bobby Jindal, based upon the actions of the House committee is getting part of what he wants but the House Appropriations Committee is clearly flexing its muscles with the reduction of $120 million from Bobby Jindal’s approximately thirty-billion dollar budget.Hit hardest in a Sunday House meeting was Medicaid, public colleges, and elementary and secondary education.
However, the committee has increased the spigot by adding over 140 million for various local projects favored by the Appropriations committee.
Also being considered is whether to put millions of dollars into savings or to grant tax reductions.
Taking a big hit is Medicaid and K-12 education—both have been pre-session favorites by Governor Jindal.
Despite the emphasis on workforce development by Governor Jindal, the Committee reduced the amount proposed by Governor Jindal for public colleges.
On Friday, the Revenue Estimating Conference projected an additional 800 million dollars for which the state will consider allocation.
Although the Committee has certain pet projects it wants to fund, Governor Jindal has veto authority.
Based upon the House Appropriations committee, the big losers are the poor and education.The fiscal conservatives have also been urging a tax reduction which will need to be funded which could pit tax deductions versus Appropriations Committee pet projects.
The proposals have moved from Appropriations to the House.
I am glad the buzzy staff finally got around to writting something other than a bunch of 'image' crap.... exmpl; """"""""""""Although the Committee has certain pet projects it wants to fund, Governor Jindal has veto authority"""""""""""""" And there you have it.... VETO power..... Now, along the lines of advocacy,,,,,, I would wonder where Piyush's true priorities or alliances are????? Written by Dan G.
on 5/12/2008
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I overheard some legislators talking about these cuts in the hallways. I'm almost sure I heard them calling it the "Let's Bait Tee Dub" amendment. Written by an Insider.
on 5/12/2008
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"...various local projects..." - - - these projects contain most of the wasteful spending in both Baton Rouge and D.C. as often it is political payoff (vote for my bill and I'll vote for yours) or simply those legislators with the most seniority flexing their clout. I hope Jindal will veto much of this. Written by kpf
on 5/12/2008
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