VILLE PLATTE ROTARY CLUB

AUGUST 11, 2015

     The Ville Platte Rotary Club today (Tuesday) heard  from State Senator Eric Lafleur  discuss highlights from the recent legislative session in Baton Rouge.

      Lafleur said once again, the legislature used one time money to balance the budget. By using non recurring money, lawmakers will have to meet again early next year to overcome a one billion deficit.

      The senator said all of the major candidates for governor have announced if they are elected they will call a special session to help tackle once and for all the spending problem they face each year .

      This year, the state balanced the budget by raising certain taxes. For example, a tax on utility bills for large companies and industries was implemented.

      Senator Lafleur said Governor Jindal would not allow federal Medicaid dollars to expand Medicaid coverage for the working poor in the state. Over 30 states have expanded Medicaid coverage. He said it would provide medical benefits for low paid workers and would be beneficial to the state.