There was little drama in the State House as it unanimously passed the state’s budget. It renews stipends for teachers and support staff – two-thousand dollars and one-thousand dollars, respectively. That will cost almost 200-million dollars, and the House found that money by making cuts to equipment purchases, the Health Department’s budget and intensive tutoring. Steven Procopio, the president of the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, says House members were very reluctant in slashing funds for tutoring.

Cut 4 (10) “…its funding restored.”

The House also devoted all 93-million dollars to the L-A GATOR Program that Governor Landry had sought. Procopio says that might be a hard sell in the Senate.

Cut 5 (12) “…Senate Finance Committee.”

The House Education Committee revised a bill to prevent hazing, initially requiring a semester-long course for students joining campus groups. University officials estimated millions in expenses to implement the course. Vacherie Democrat Ken Brass amended the bill to update current law, doubling required training time and adding penalties for non-compliant student groups.

Cut 7 (11) “…get money allocated.”

Although she was disappointed, the bill’s author, New Orleans Democrat Delisha Boyd, called the change a starting point. She emphasized educating students on hazing’s legal consequences, as many remain unaware it’s a felony.

Cut 8 (06) “…across our state.”

Boyd filed the bill in the wake of Southern University student Caleb Wilson’s hazing-related death. It now heads to House Appropriations for debate.