Louisiana revenue standoff complicates agency budgets

Gov. John Bel Edwards and the House Republican leadership’s continuing standoff over state revenue projections is complicating preparations for several state agencies’ budget proposals later this month.

The state’s Revenue Estimating Conference for the fourth time in four months failed to adopt higher state revenue estimates Monday (Feb. 11). Economists had recommended the group raise the forecasts for the current budget year by $122 million and the next budget year that starts July 1 by at least $90 million.

Now, some state agencies technically have a budget of zero dollars available for the next budget cycle that begins July 1.

When no new revenue forecast is adopted, the state relies on its old revenue forecasts. In this case, that includes estimates approved in June that don’t include any projections for fees and dedicated funds, according to Barry Dusse, director of Edwards’ Office of Planning and Budget.

Read more: https://www.nola.com/politics/2019/02/louisiana-revenue-standoff-complicates-agency-budgets.html