Legislative leaders are optimistic the February special session will end with a deal to fill the one billion dollar budget gap that’s the result of the expiration of sales taxes in July. The session will begin February 19th, and House Democratic Caucus Chairman Gene Reynolds says the two sides are getting close on an agreement.
Cut 10 (09) “this done”
Governor Edwards has pushed for replacing the expiring one cent sales tax by eliminating certain sales tax deductions that benefit businesses. House Republican Caucus Chairman Lance Harris says he’s open to eliminating those deductions, if it’s coupled with spending reductions.
Cut 13 (11) “payers pockets”
The session must come to end by March 7th

Governor John Bel Edwards and state Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson are in Washington DC today to participate in a roundtable discussion at the White House about President Donald Trump’s plans to improve infrastructure across the country. The White House has indicated states may be required to put up additional matching dollars to get access to the potential wealth of federal infrastructure dollars. If so, Wilson says failing to pass a gas tax increase could make it tough to get those funds.
Cut 6 (10) “federal dollar.”