Legislative Leaders Propose Standstill Budget For Themselves

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Despite the state's $1.6 billion shortfall, the Louisiana Legislature's spending isn't on the chopping block.

A panel of legislative leaders Monday recommended a $98.4 million budget to finance the House, Senate and other legislative agencies in the upcoming fiscal year. That's the same amount the Legislature received this year.

The proposal comes as colleges and health services are threatened with deep cuts and most state departments are slated for reductions next year.

House and Senate officials say they'll have a longer legislative session next year, plus an organizational session after the fall elections.

Senate President John Alario said the budget proposal reflects what's needed for the Legislature to fulfill its constitutional duties.

The legislative budget still needs House and Senate approval. It rarely changes from the leadership's recommendation.

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