Urge and request the governor, through the commissioner of administration, in preparing and submitting the Fiscal Year 2011-2012 general appropriation bill to exclude any expenditures which are not "for the ordinary operating expenses of government, public charities, pensions, and the public debt or interest thereon"
Impact
The proposed HR178 is likely to have a significant impact on the state's fiscal management and budgetary process. By restricting appropriations to essential public expenses, the bill aims to safeguard limited state resources in light of economic challenges such as declining tax revenues and the effects of the Gulf oil disaster. This could result in a more focused allocation of state funding, prioritizing essential services and reducing funding for less critical programs.
Summary
House Resolution 178, introduced by Representative Carter, urges the governor of Louisiana, through the commissioner of administration, to submit a general appropriation bill for the 2011 Regular Session. The resolution advocates for the exclusion of expenditures that do not align with the ordinary operating expenses of government, public charities, pensions, and the public debt or interest. This request is anchored in the stipulations laid out in Article III, Section 16(C) of the Louisiana Constitution, which mandates that the general appropriation bill must contain only specified appropriations.
Sentiment
Sentiment surrounding HR178 appears to be supportive among fiscal conservatives who advocate for stringent budget controls and fiscal prudence. These supporters argue that the proposal is crucial in ensuring that the state operates within its means, especially during financially challenging times. However, there may be concerns from various constituencies about potential cuts to programs that do not fall under the 'ordinary' operations but are nonetheless important for community welfare.
Contention
Notable points of contention related to HR178 may stem from differing perspectives on what constitutes 'ordinary operating expenses.' Stakeholders might debate the impacts of restricting appropriations to certain categories, especially in areas like social services, education, and public safety. Critics could argue that such limitations might jeopardize valuable community programs that do not align with the resolution’s strict definitions, potentially leading to adverse effects on local government services and community support systems.
Requests the governor, through the commissioner of administration, in preparing and submitting the 2011-12 general appropriation bill to exclude all expenditures that are not "for the ordinary operating expenses of government, public charities, pensions, and the public debt or interest thereon"