Louisiana’s brightest college students could have their TOPS scholarships trimmed again next year under Gov. John Bel Edwards’ initial budget plan presented a joint panel of state senators and representatives today.
As the USA Today Network of Louisiana reports, the plan—presented just one day after lawmakers closed a $304 million midyear deficit during a 10-day special session—would also cut payments to safety net hospitals, rural hospitals and trim at least 2% from virtually every state agency.
Lawmakers will consider Edwards’ recommendations when the two-month regular session begins in April, though they have ultimate control over what to fund and what to cut.
“Obviously, this is not the budget we want to present to you,” Edwards’ Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne told members of the Joint Legislative Budget Committee. “We think we have more needs.”
The governor’s budget is based on a $440 million projected shortfall in state revenue, but the actual budget would grow by $1.4 billion to about $29.7 billion under his plan, although all of the growth is from federal funds, mostly relating to health care.
As presented, TOPS would be funded at 70%, the same amount funded this year.
“(TOPS) will be at the top of the list to be funded in the event new revenue is recognized,” Dardenne said.
