BATON ROUGE, La., (KNOE 8 News) - Report says last fiscal year's budget surplus about $180 million.
The Legislature's chief economist says Louisiana closed the last fiscal year with a surplus of $180 million.
Greg Albrecht gave the news to the state income forecasting panel, the Revenue Estimating Conference, on Thursday.
Albrecht says the better-than-expected financial performance for the budget year that ended June 30 was largely tied to corporate tax collections, which were significantly higher than forecast.
Opinions differ on how the money can be spent.
Commissioner of Administration Paul Rainwater, the governor's chief budget adviser, wants to use the money to fill a Medicaid shortfall.
But House Appropriations Committee Chairman Jim Fannin says law requires the first draw on leftover cash must be used to repay withdrawals from the state's "rainy day" fund.
Friday, May 24 2013 3:05 PM EDT2013-05-24 19:05:16 GMT
FORT SMITH, Ark. (AP) - Three lawsuits filed in Sebastian County this week target the Whirlpool Corp., which operated a plant at Fort Smith until a year ago.
FORT SMITH, Ark. (AP) - Three lawsuits filed in Sebastian County this week target the Whirlpool Corp., which operated a plant at Fort Smith until a year ago.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:06 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:06:12 GMT
Monroe, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Police arrested Thomas Wroten this afternoon following a domestic dispute. At 9:15pm last night Monroe Police received an emergent call for help in the 5300 block of Blanks.
Monroe, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Police arrested Thomas Wroten this afternoon following a domestic dispute.
Friday, May 24 2013 2:38 PM EDT2013-05-24 18:38:44 GMT
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - The Mississippi Department of Education has suspended the license of a Jackson school principal for one year for interfering in mandated state testing in 2011.
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - The Mississippi Department of Education has suspended the license of a Jackson school principal for one year for interfering in mandated state testing in 2011.
