The House approved a budget proposal before taking off for the weekend. House Appropriations Chair Jack McFarland says the 47-billion-dollar budget proposal for the fiscal year that begins July 1st will not raise taxes and speeds up investments in better classrooms and more high-paying jobs.
Cut 13 (11) “…for our citizens.”
The House’s budget proposal contains the funding Governor Landry is seeking for the LA GATOR Scholarship program. But Senate leaders oppose Landry’s proposal to double the funding for the program that provides taxpayer dollars to pay for private school tuition and other education expenses.
Other highlights of the budget bill include 125-million dollars to Louisiana Economic Development for new projects and 50-million dollars to replenish a fund to face future emergencies, such as hurricanes.
A bill heading to the Senate floor would set up a process for the Louisiana Legislature to use the courts to remove a public official from office for malfeasance or gross misconduct. West Monroe Senator Jay Morris is proposing that the Legislature can file a civil lawsuit to oust an official and it would take a two-thirds vote by either the House or Senate for the lawsuit to be filed.
Cut 7 (09) “…easier to prove.”
Senate Bill 425 passed on a four to three vote. Democrats oppose the measure; New Orleans Senator Gary Carter says with Republicans holding a super majority in the House and the Senate, the G-O-P could use this method to get rid of Democratic officials they didn’t like.