budget cuts
LA governor hopes to reverse some budget cuts
Gov. Jindal's administration attempted to persuade senators to reverse a series of budget cuts, indicating that the cuts would have dire consequences for LA. Jindal wants the Senate Finance Committee to restore more than $200 million in state spending to the 2011-12 budget. Full article.
House debate over budget stalls
The Louisiana House stalemated over next year's $25 billion budget.Lawmakers rejected the use of the one-time spending -- but then also rebuffed proposed cuts to the state health department. Full article.
Jindal's newest proposal would shut four CENLA prisons
A revised proposal from Governor Jindal would close four Central Louisiana prisons. Under the new plan, Avoyelles Correctional Center in Cottonport and the J. Levy Dabadie Correctional Center in Pineville, would closed, as would the privately run Allen and Winn correctional centers. Full article.
LED Secretary Stephen Moret Re: House Appropriations Committee Amendments Cutting $81.8 Million of existing Mega-Projects Funds
Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Stephen Moret issued the following statement on the impact of the proposed cut to the Mega-Project Development Fund: "…Thanks to policy reforms implemented by Gov. Jindal and the Louisiana Legislature over the last few years, we now have the strongest pipeline of mega projects that our state has ever had. Louisiana has been selected as a finalist state for 14 high-potential mega-projects, most of which will select a final site in the next two to four months. Collectively, these projects could produce more than 9,000 direct jobs and 16,500 indirect jobs, for a total potential job impact of roughly 25,500 new jobs in Louisiana. The companies involved are considering sites in virtually every region of Louisiana, including Lafayette, Shreveport/Bossier, Monroe, Alexandria, Southwest Louisiana, Baton Rouge and the New Orleans area…” Read entire statement
Mayor Roy offers city budget compromise
Alexandria Mayor Jacques Roy recently presented what he calls the "perfect compromise" to balance Alexandria’s 2011-12 budget. Roy spoke during the Finance Committee meeting about fee increases for the zoo, transit system, garbage pickup and stormwater management program. Full article.
City Budget calls for furloughs, higher insurance premiums
Mayor Roy recently indicated that a decline in projected sales tax revenues and increased unfunded state mandates created a shortfall of more than $7 million. The revised budget calls for every classified city employee is expected to take 32 hours in furlough time, or the equivalent of one day, each quarter, and employee contributions to health insurance will more than double. Full article.
City Budget calls for furloughs, higher insurance premiums
Mayor Roy recently indicated that a decline in projected sales tax revenues and increased unfunded state mandates created a shortfall of more than $7 million. The revised budget calls for every classified city employee is expected to take 32 hours in furlough time, or the equivalent of one day, each quarter, and employee contributions to health insurance will more than double. Full article.
Alexandria budget discussions continue
The Alexandria City Council's Finance Committee, Mayor Roy and council members met for the fourth and final budget meeting to discuss the city's proposed budget for 2011-12. Mayor Roy also stressed the importance of maintaining the city's more than $12 million surplus, despite the 2011-12 budget requiring 32-hour furloughs for all of the city's classified employees. Full article.
Budget 'talks' proceed in Alexandria
Mayor Jacques M. Roy presented council members with two versions of the operating budget, and Council members, meeting as the Finance Committee, recently met to start reviewing them. A second meeting is set for 3 p.m. April 4th and a public hearing is scheduled for the April 5 council meeting. The budget must be passed before May 1, the start of the city's fiscal year. Full article.
Rapides School Board votes to close L.E.A.D. Center
The Rapides Parish School Board recently voted to cut more than $7 million from its budget to make up for a projected shortfall. The largest chunk came from eliminating about 60 positions by holding schools close to their allotment of staff. The second-largest cut comes from closing the L.E.A.D. Center for expelled students, which costs the district about $1.4 million to operate annually. Full article.
