The Louisiana House of Representatives passed the linchpin of Gov. John Bel Edwards’ special session plan, a one-cent increase to the state’s four-cent sales tax that is expected to generate more than $200 million this fiscal year, on Thursday.
The sales tax increase now goes to the Senate, along with other measures passed by the House on Thursday—cutting state spending by $100 million, down from the proposed $117 million, and using $328 million from the “rainy day” fund and BP oil money to balance the more than $900 million shortfall this fiscal year.
The special session ends March 9, and the regular session begins March 14.
On Monday, the Baton Rouge Area Foundation unveiled a strategy to combat the city’s mental health crisis that the authors say will save the city-parish nearly $60 million in 10 years. The report calls for all community stakeholders to unite and adopt a population health strategy and create a mental health diversion center.
Also this week, the Planning Commission, at BRAF’s request, has asked the Metro Council to withdraw from its agenda the item formally creating the Baton Rouge Health District, following last week’s deferral by the Metro Council Zoning Commission.
