The state began the session with a $1.6B shortfall in the 2011/2012 budget due to a loss in federal stimulus dollars, declining revenues and rising healthcare costs. On Tuesday, June 21st, the House unanimously approved the Senate version of Louisiana’s $25B operating budget. The Senate version restored roughly $200M in cuts, the bulk of which would have impacted healthcare. While the House and Senate made significant changes to Governor Jindal’s executive budget, the final product averted deep cuts to healthcare and higher education.
In a successful attempt to keep the Tobacco Tax Renewal legislation alive, author Representative Harold Ritchie (D-Bogalusa) attached the measure to a TOPS funding bill on the House floor. The TOPS funding bill by Senator John Alario (R-Westwego) is a constitutional amendment which will be decided by voters this fall. Both the House and Senate approved the tobacco tax renewal legislation, but Governor Jindal vetoed the legislation citing his opposition to any tax increases. The House then failed to override Governor Jindal’s veto. If passed, this constitutional amendment will retain $12M in revenues annually (drawing up to an additional $48M in federal funds) and will be dedicated to healthcare. March of Dimes joined with many groups and the majority of the general public in support of the tobacco tax renewal. The constitutional amendment is currently in conference committee to work out the remaining technical issues. Governor Jindal has indicated that he will not oppose the changes.
HB 7 by Representative Labruzzo which called for random drug testing of welfare recipients died on the calendar having failed to obtain the 2/3 vote required for late passage approval. This legislation was opposed by MOD, and the MOD position was placed on record throughout the legislative process.
House and Senate Resolutions were passed urging BrightStart (the state’s Early Childhood Advisory Council) to study the merits of, and possible planning for expansion of the evidence-based Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) and to report back to House and Senate Health & Welfare committees by the end of January 2012.
MOD Day at the Capitol was a productive and successful day. MOD staff and volunteers were fully engaged in advocacy work, relaying key messaging to Legislators. Lunch was held with the key legislative leadership, including Senate Finance committee members and House and Senate Health & Welfare committee members.
Resolutions were presented by the Senate and House Health & Welfare committee chairpersons, Senator Mount and Representative Katz, recognizing MOD Day at the Capitol.
