The House Appropriations is taking a different approach to funding proposed teacher pay raises. Chairman Jerome Zeringue says instead of providing more money in the state budget, the panel proposes using state funds to pay down debt in the teacher retirement system, freeing up funds for local school systems to give teachers a raise.
The committee sent a proposed budget to the House floor that does NOT contain 197 million dollars in K-through-12 teacher pay raises. It also has fewer dollars for higher education and early childhood education than the governor proposed. While speaking to the Baton Rouge Press Club, Governor Edwards got word of what House Republicans are proposing…
Cut 13 (08) “…in the process.”
A bill to extend the state’s film tax credit passes in the House. The legislation renews the current tax credit for a decade when the current incentive expires in July of 2025. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the incentive has a $6 return on investment for every dollar spent, but Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson says the ROI is only 23 cents.
Cut 14 (11) “…Louisiana either.”
New Orleans Representative Mandy Landry says the film industry is not only important to her district but also to those Louisiana residents whose livelihood depends on the entertainment industry.
Cut 15 (12) “…health insurance.”
The bill to continue the $150 million annual cap on the Film Tax credit passed in the House on a 74-24 vote and heads to a Senate Committee.