Louisiana Budget Skirmishes Continue

A proposed $490 million spending cut a Louisiana House committee approved earlier this week to smooth passage of the fiscal 2014 budget was rejected by the full House.

The House Appropriations Committee Monday approved the elimination of $490 million in spending supported by one-time money from property sales and legal settlements from the $24.7 billion spending plan proposed by Gov. Bobby Jindal. The full House voted down the amendment Tuesday on a 71-23 vote.

The amended plan would have avoided the House rule that requires two-thirds approval to consider a budget that appropriates non-recurring revenues for recurring annual expenses. Debate in the House on the amended House Bill 1 budget measure is set for May 9.

The budget-cutting amendment was recommended by Rep. James Fannin, D-Jonesboro, sponsor of the budget bill and chair of the appropriations committee.

"This is just to open the door," Fannin said. "It's all about hearing the bill."

Speaker Chuck Kleckley, R-Lake Charles, said the disagreement in the House over the use of non-recurring revenue means the final version of the fiscal 2014 budget may have to be worked out in the Senate.

The House in 2012 removed almost $300 million in non-recurring revenue from the fiscal 2013 budget, but the spending cuts were restored by the Senate.

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