INDReporter

Lawmakers question Jindal budget

by Walter Pierce

Among the concerns are what are being characterized as "what-ifs" in the budget - that is, budgetary items that hinge on contingencies elsewhere.

A handful of mostly Democratic state lawmakers are raising questions about the $25.5 billion proposed budget submitted Thursday by Gov. Bobby Jindal, according to a report today by Capitol reporter Mike Hasten of Gannett. Among the concerns are what are being characterized as "what-ifs" in the budget - that is, budgetary items that hinge on contingencies elsewhere. Some solons are also frowning at the governor's reliance on roughly $230 million in one-time money to cover recurring expenses as well as a proposal to sell and privatize some state correctional centers.

And while Jindal's budget does not include cuts to higher education this year, the governor does appear to be forcing universities' hands on tuition hikes because the budget relies on tuition increases to offset what would otherwise be cuts to higher ed.

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