Gov. John Bel Edwards: Deadline for special session is flexible but time frame is tight

Gov. John Bel Edwards is continuing meetings with legislative leaders to try to shore up the state's finances ahead of a looming $1 billion-plus budget shortfall as the window for reaching an agreement ahead of the "fiscal cliff" narrows.

Edwards, a Democrat who took office in January 2016, has set a Jan. 19 deadline for lawmakers to come up with a proposal that he will use to call a special session in February, but he indicated Monday that the deadline is flexible if the state Legislature is making progress.

"If we are making progress, then there is some flexibility," Edwards said during the Press Club of Baton Rouge luncheon. "{But} if you're just looking at the calendar, you can't wait forever."

Later in the day, the governor met privately with several legislative leaders including House Speaker Taylor Barras, House GOP Caucus Chair Lance Harris and House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry at the State Capitol.

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