After over two weeks of bickering, name calling and passing the buck, The Louisiana legislature on both sides informed the Governor they were going home without a plan in place to raise taxes to bridge a one billion dollar budget deficit. New Orleans Democratic Representative Walt Leger says he is truly disappointed they couldn’t find a way to end the stalemate…
(CUT 29) (06) “consequences are.”
Governor Edwards has said if no compromise was found, TOPS education funding, health care and several other services would be drastically cut. Baton Rouge Democratic Representative Denise Marcelle said all this session did was cost a lot money…
(CUT 30) (09) “political games.”
The one-cent sales tax will fall off the books the end of June, causing the shortfall.
Now that it’s over, Metairie Republican Representative Cameron Henry says the Governor called this special session without much forethought and blames Edwards’ own party on not getting the budget gap fixed.
(CUT 28) (11) “black caucus.”
Political analyst Clancy Dubos says the same partisan divides that tanked the February Special Session will still exist going forward.
(CUT 27) (11) “of uncertainty.”
Once the regular session starts next Monday March 12th, no tax bills will be able to be discussed. Governor John Bel Edwards is expected to speak on the failure of the special session later today.