Georgetown University Health Policy Institute for Children and Families

A Medicaid trust fund for the elderly. The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. The health plan for state workers. Pension fund payments for probation and parole officers. Those are just a few of the funds that state legislators raided in recent years so the money could be spent on ongoing government operations.

Number of the Day

$2.4 billion - Decrease in net state assets from 2013 to 2017, thanks in large part to the Legislature tapping dedicated funds to pay ongoing expenses in government. (Source: Louisiana Legislative Auditor)