Lawmakers Yet To Settle On Budget Rebalancing Approach

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — As Louisiana's special legislative session nears the end of its first week, no consensus has emerged for how to rebalance the budget.

The Senate is in a holding pattern, because most budget and tax bills must begin in the House. And the House hasn't settled on its approach yet.

Lawmakers are negotiating behind the scenes, with Republicans showing resistance to Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards' tax proposals and pushing for deeper cuts.

The House tax and budget committees have held daily hearings on tax proposals and spending cut scenarios, but have yet to vote on proposals.

Edwards is seeking cuts, short-term fixes and taxes to close a gap ranging from $850 million to $950 million for the budget year that ends June 30.

The session must end by March 9.