Republican lawmakers unraveling the details of Gov. John Bel Edwards’ deficit-closing proposal tell The Associated Press they’re concerned it contains too many short-term fixes and too few long-term cuts.
Edwards’ plan, released on Monday, recommends cutting about $60 million in state agencies and using more than $240 million in reserves and other financing to close the $304 million deficit for the fiscal year that ends June 30.
Lawmakers will consider the proposal in a 10-day special session that begins Monday, called by the Democratic governor to rebalance the budget.
Rep. Lance Harris, leader of the House GOP delegation, says the state needs to cut its spending more deeply to compensate for economic declines across Louisiana, rather than patch its way through another budget year.
“To me, all we’re doing is kicking the can into next year again,” Harris says. “You’re perpetuating the overspending.”
Rep. Jack McFarland, R-Jonesboro, says the cuts in Edwards’ plan appeared to be “minimal.” He questions whether they would represent permanent savings to the $27 billion operating budget or short-term reductions like delaying hiring plans.
Edwards, meanwhile, has described the approach as responsible financial management until the state can make long-term changes to its budget and tax structure in the regular legislative session that begins in April.
“To force cuts at this point in time, with this little time left in the fiscal year is very difficult for agencies to do, especially when heaped on previous cuts,” says Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne, Edwards’ chief budget adviser.
