BY MICHAEL OLIVIER
2020 looked a lot different in January. A new and very independent Legislature was electing new leaders and preparing for its first regular session. The state’s finances were stable, there was a budget surplus and Louisiana’s economic outlook was optimistic. We are in a much different place today.
The art of legislating is like walking a tightrope. This year, circumstances will require even more from our legislators — a grand balancing act — one that must be accomplished amid an unfolding global pandemic and the resulting economic slowdowns and stoppages, without warning or time for preparation and practice. And without the guidance our state budget forecasts provide in more normal times.
RESET Louisiana’s Future is a targeted, nonpartisan effort led by The Committee of 100, the Council for A Better Louisiana, and the Public Affairs Research Council focused on four essential issues: education, state finance, criminal justice/public safety, and transportation/infrastructure.
All of these issues are critical to the safety and prosperity of the people of Louisiana, and RESET is committed to pursuing long-term solutions. As we try to restart the economy, RESET identified two immediate-term policy recommendations that are time-sensitive and speak to the grand balancing act:
Our legislators can pass a fiscal year 2020-2021 budget by June 30 that reflects a grand balancing act accomplished under great stress. We should all acknowledge the challenges they face and the difficulty of their work, and cheer them to this result.
MICHAEL OLIVIER
CEO, Committee of 100
Baton Rouge
Follow the link below to view the article with accompanying photos and links: