Will Sentell Archives - Page 2 of 10 - Louisiana Budget Project

August 20, 2018

The cost of college keeps rising

Today marks the first day of class for many Louisiana college students, and those who attend school in the LSU or Southern University system could be in for some sticker shock.

Number of the Day

65 percent - Increase in the cost of child care in the United States since the early 1980s (Source: The New York Times)

June 13, 2018

Budget cuts impact would be widespread

The budget bill passed by the Legislature in the waning minutes of the last special session includes across-the-board cuts to agencies and programs throughout state government that would wreak havoc on essential services.

Number of the Day

$16.16 - The hourly rate a Louisiana worker needs to afford a two-bedroom rental without spending more than 30 percent of their income on housing. (Source: National Low Income Housing Coalition)

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)

May 3, 2018

Farm bill will hit rural families and economies hardest

The federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) currently keeps more than 400,000 households in Louisiana, including 407,000 children, from going hungry. A recent analysis of the House Agriculture Committee’s version of the federal farm bill lays out why it would increase food insecurity and hardship across the country.

Number of the Day

18.3 - percentage of households in Louisiana that are food insecure, which is 5.3 percentage points higher than the U.S. average. (Source: United States Department of Agriculture)