Greg Albrecht Archives - Louisiana Budget Project

September 26, 2018

Food insecurity on the rise in Louisiana

Louisiana has seen the largest increase in food insecurity in the last decade, with 1 in 6 households struggling each year to afford a consistent, healthy diet, according to a new report from the United States Department of Agriculture.

Number of the Day

23,400 - Number of jobs Louisiana is predicted to add in 2019, a 1.2 percent increase. (Source: Baton Rouge Advocate)

May 7, 2018

The rush to adjournment

This morning marks the annual ritual when members of the public are invited to testify to the Senate Finance Committee about the state budget.

Number of the Day

3 percent - Amount that local school boards could charge teachers’ unions for collecting dues on their behalf, under legislation backed by business interests. The costs would likely be passed on to teachers. (Source: Will Sentell, The Advocate)

February 5, 2018

A new stall tactic

State legislators have had nearly two years to prepare for the $1 billion-plus “fiscal cliff” that Louisiana faces on July 1, when a host of temporary taxes expire.

Number of the Day

$145.7 million - Amount of money Louisiana consumers pay annually in fees on short-term “payday” loans with interest rates of at least 300 percent APR. (Source: Center for Responsible Lending)

August 15, 2017

Cassidy wants cuts to care

Sen. Bill Cassidy remains committed to ending the Medicaid expansion that is covering more than 430,000 low-income Louisianans, eliminating individual market subsidies for middle-income people and capping and cutting the traditional Medicaid program.

Number of the Day

1,639 - Full-time staff positions eliminated at the Department of Children and Family Services from the 2008 fiscal year to the 2017 fiscal year. A recent audit showed the cuts led to high caseloads and improper oversight of the foster care program. (Source: House Fiscal Division via LBP)