Jimmy Leblanc Archives - Louisiana Budget Project

January 24, 2018

Unemployment rate continues to drop

Now at 4.6 percent -- its lowest since March 2008 -- the unemployment rate in Louisiana continued to drop for the eighth consecutive month in December.

Number of the Day

5,500 - The net number of new jobs added to the market over the past 12 months in Louisiana. (Source: Economic Policy Institute)

August 18, 2017

Contingency planning

Louisiana’s 2017-18 budget is currently balanced. But Republican state lawmakers don’t believe the state’s revenue projections will hold up, and have asked Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne to provide a list of $60 million in potential mid-year cuts.

Number of the Day

$54 million- Amount the state saved by refinancing $377 million in Gasoline and Fuels Tax Revenue Bond debt, which can be used for highway and bridge projects. (Source: The Advocate)

May 17, 2017

A tale of two sales tax exemptions

The Louisiana House of Representatives resoundingly voted down a bill sponsored by Rep. Jay Morris that would have permanently removed some exemptions to the state’s sales tax.

Number of the Day

72,400- number of Medicaid expansion enrollees living in rural Louisiana (Source: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities)

May 3, 2017

Leaders blast “appalling” budget

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne said the budget bill advanced by a House committee this week is a “non-starter” that would devastate critical health and public safety programs.

Number of the Day

$70 million - Proposed cut to the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services after counting loss of federal matching dollars. (Source: DCFS via The Advocate)