Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne is warning lawmakers they can NOT cut their way to a balanced budget for next fiscal year. Dardenne testified in front of the House Appropriations Committee today and reiterated the governor’s call to wrap up the regular session in early May, so a special session can be called to raise revenue to close a large budget gap. Dardenne has a challenge for lawmakers who disagree.
Cut 14 (07) “the budget.”
House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry has expressed optimism they can pass a budget while making large cuts.

Governor John Bel Edwards is once again calling on the legislature to approve a higher minimum wage. Edwards says the current minimum wage isn’t fair to workers.
Cut 28 (11) “two years”
Business groups say the market should set wages, not government.

House and Senate committees will meet Wednesday to discuss legislation that would trigger a constitutional convention. Much of the interest is due to the state’s current law that restricts cuts to only higher ed and health care when faced with a budget deficit. Senator Troy Carter, is one of several lawmakers calling for a constitutional convention.
Cut 30 (08) “21st century”
1974 was the last time Louisiana had a constitutional convention.

School safety will be a topic in this legislative session. West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth has a bill that would make it legal for a student to bring a bulletproof backpack to school. Walsworth says they cost anywhere between 150 to 200 dollars on the internet….
cut 29 (08) “…specially made”
Walsworth says his legislation is a quick way to provide added safety for students.