With the deadline looming for this latest special session of the Louisiana Legislature and with a sales tax proposal still in the balance, the state House passed a nearly $28.5 billion general operating budget. Also passed was a bill that includes $400 million that is contingent upon any revenue raised before this session ends.
“We have a lot of work to do in a short period of time,” House Appropriations Chair Cameron Henry, R-Metairie, said on the chamber floor before the House voted on his two spending proposals, House Bill 1 and House Bill 35, on Thursday.
The Senate was set to work through the weekend to approve the bills before the session deadline tomorrow.
The budget, according to The Advocate, funds 80 percent of TOPS and fully funds higher learning in the state. Part of that contingent $400 million would fund TOPS by 90 percent.
“I know the bill’s not perfect, we’re going to try to add some back,” Henry said of the proposed operating budget that would take effect July 1.
The Senate was also set to hash out differences with the House over House Bill 27 that kept part of an expiring sales tax. The Advocate reported that the Senate’s version of the bill, “significantly raised the amount of revenue that it would bring in to about $642 million, largely through allowing sales taxes to be charged to businesses and industries that currently receive breaks.”
“We’ve already discussed problems with that bill,” Henry said, noting that House members oppose tax hikes on manufacturing and agriculture sectors, in particular.
The Advocate’s report concluded, “The House rejected all proposals to tack on additional revenue that may be approved later, except a $17 million amendment to fund programs for private and parochial schools if money becomes available.”
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TONY MARKS