Regards a budget plan for funding established by a standstill budget and includes priority programs.
Impact
If enacted, SR178 seeks to shift the state's approach to budget management by enabling a reduction in sales tax collections, which would yield an estimated revenue of approximately $402 million. This action is positioned to close the gap between projected revenues and expenditures. Additionally, the resolution emphasizes the necessity for the state legislature to collaborate on identifying further expenditure cuts and revenue options to maintain a sustainable budget, thereby affecting not just tax policy, but also fiscal discipline across various state-funded sectors.
Summary
Senate Resolution No. 178, introduced by Senator Donahue, centers around a comprehensive budget plan aimed at addressing Louisiana's fiscal challenges through potential reductions in the state sales tax. Specifically, the resolution proposes reducing the current collection from five cents to four and one-half cents per sales and use tax, thereby alleviating the tax burden on citizens while still generating significant revenue. This measure is part of a broader effort to balance the state budget for Fiscal Year 2018-2019 amidst projected deficits and to prioritize funding for essential programs such as Medicaid and education.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SR178 appears to be cautiously optimistic among proponents, who view the resolution as a means to ease the financial burden on residents while addressing critical funding shortages in key areas. However, there are underlying concerns regarding the implications of tax reductions on the overall state budget and the ability to fund essential services. As budget discussions unfold, there is significant scrutiny from both lawmakers and constituents on how these proposed changes will impact long-term fiscal stability and service delivery in the state.
Contention
Notable points of contention regarding SR178 include the delicate balancing act of reducing taxes while ensuring sufficient funding for vital state programs such as Medicaid and education. Critics argue that reducing sales tax may hinder the state's ability to adequately finance these programs, potentially placing additional strain on the budget in the future. Moreover, the discussions surrounding SR178 bring to light the broader debate over fiscal policy in Louisiana, as stakeholders weigh the benefits of tax reductions against the sustainability of state-funded services.
Provides for modifications to the standstill budget to include means of finance substitutions for discretionary and nondiscretionary requirements. (8/1/18) (EN NO IMPACT See Note)
Provides for the requirement of the division of administration to produce a non-discretionary adjusted standstill budget. (7/1/17) (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)
Makes various changes to school funding and budgeting laws; eliminates use of census-based funding for special education aid; establishes reimbursement program for school district fuel costs.
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.