K-through-12 public schools will see a cut in state funding as a result of a spending plan approved by the Senate finance committee. The head of the Louisiana School Board Association, Scott Richard (Ree-shard), says if schools receive fewer state dollars, it will jeopardize the successes that have taken place in public education….
cut 14 (07) “…reading scores”
But Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns supports the idea that public colleges shouldn’t be cut any further…
cut 16 (06) “…young people”
So on an 8-2 vote, the Senate Finance Committee decided not to give public colleges a reduction in state dollars, instead K-12 public schools would be put on the chopping block. This spending proposal still has to be approved by the full Senate and House.

There’s uncertainty involving next fiscal year’s budget as the second special session ends today. Lawmakers have approved legislation that raises tax revenues by $258 million. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says there could be one more attempt to raise even more revenue, as the Edwards administration is pushing legislators to approve a bill that would reduce a tax break many upper income earners enjoy.
cut 28 (07) “…governor wants”
Pinsonat says it’s unlikely the House will go along with the attempt to reduce the excess itemize deduction that can be claimed on state income taxes. He says the governor’s level of success in this second special session will come down to this bill.
cut 29 (10) “on it”