I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments and compromises achieved during the last legislative session of this four-year term.
When legislators arrived at the capitol in April, we came prepared to tackle an estimated $1.6 billion shortfall for state government's operating expenses. We left in June having passed a balanced budget that meets the state's current and future needs, not necessarily our wants. We did so by passing standstill budgets for state agencies that maintain the reductions implemented last year. In addition, we drew on monies sitting unused in funds, froze state employee salaries for another year, and eliminated about 3,500 state positions, the vast majority of them vacant. It is a budget that makes responsible cuts while protecting vital services, such as health care and education, even while limiting the use of one-time money for recurring expenses. Though some tough choices had to be accepted, I believe this was a fiscal session of which Louisianans should be proud.
Louisiana citizens should benefit in many ways from this productive session. The legislature passed laws that will touch the lives in every Louisiana family. In addition to budget issues, the legislature addressed public safety, higher education, health care standards, consumer protection, veterans benefits, tax deductions for school tuition, economic development, and much more. Legislators also passed five constitutional amendments that voters will consider during this fall's elections.
Please know that it is a privilege and an honor to serve as your voice in Baton Rouge. Do not hesitate to contact me regarding any issues that affects our district and our state. Your input is important to me, and I welcome your comments as we work together to build a stronger Louisiana.
Sincerely yours,
Major Thibaut State Representative
Local Funding Secured in 2011 $720,000 for Pointe Coupee Parish Port capital
improvements
$110,000 for new terminal facilities at False River Regional Airport $100,000 for regional fence line monitoring project $270,000 for gas main line replacement on Hwy. 78 from U.S. 90 to Cooley Street
For more information, please contact: Rep. Major Thibaut, Jr. District Office: 2004 False River Drive, New Roads, LA 70760 Phone: 225-638-3811