A column in The Ouachita Citizen outlines the fiscal reform measures dealing with “statutory dedications” proposed by Governor Jindal, and urges that they “be embraced by state lawmakers.”
Speaking to a joint session of the Legislature to mark the beginning of the 2009 regular session, Jindal alluded to legislation that would give a governor the authority to cut up to 10 percent in state funding for statutorily protected budgetary items in tough economic times such as the one Louisiana is enduring today….
Jindal wants to raise the 5 percent figure to 10 percent. The joint budget committee would retain its authority to sign off on the cuts.
Giving a governor the authority to cut some 10 percent of the budget that's protected by law supposedly would spare higher education and health care from absorbing a disproportionate share of mid-year budget cuts in tough economic times….
Also, the Jindal-backed proposal would enact a four-year sunset on all statutorily created appropriations, beginning at the end of the 2009-2010 fiscal year. Supposedly, the Jindal administration and the Legislature would use information as of Dec. 31, to determine which statutorily protected programs would continue to receive funding in the new fiscal year, or the one that begins July 1, 2010….
It goes without saying that discussing some of the details of legislation that's intended to clear up the budgetary process in state government is about as interesting as watching paint dry. It's important, though, that we engage legislation that's intended to streamline the process a governor and the Legislature utilizes in appropriating state funds. After all, the money belongs to the people.
