Louisiana leaders cautiously optimistic about surplus; House Speaker suggests repaying rainy day ...

Louisiana leaders cautiously optimistic about surplus; House Speaker suggests repaying rainy day fund

“Surplus" has been seldom uttered at the State Capitol over the past decade, but officials say that it appears Louisiana closed out its most recent budget cycle with more than $100 million left over.

A state economist offered several cautions when he broke the news to the panel that gauges the state budget outlook: The figure is unaudited and spending hasn’t been calculated.

"These are preliminary numbers," cautioned Manfred Dix, an economist in the Division of Administration.

But state leaders, who have had to reckon with at least 15 shortfalls in the past decade, are at least eyeing where the estimated $143 million surplus may go.

Read more: http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/politics/article_66ab3c58-9ef4-11e7-9546-1792f60a2188.html