We're at the halfway mark of the Louisiana Legislature's 2026 session, and today, lawmakers are beginning to consider bills pertaining to next year's budget. The House Appropriations Committee is taking up the first of those budget bills in its meeting today.
The million-dollar question is: where will the state put its surplus dollars?
"This is going to be the first chance we get to see what those legislative priorities, at least on the House side, look like," LAPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford told WWL's Tommy Tucker. "This is going to be the first time this session where we get kind of a definitive look at legislative funding priorities for the upcoming budget year and what lawmakers think about spending available surplus dollars."
Alford says lawmakers likely prioritize two areas that are commonly discussed during campaign season.
"Funding for higher ed and healthcare are always at the top of the list," Alford said.
Speaking of education, Alford notes that Governor Jeff Landry continues to push to double funding of the LA GATOR Program despite objections from Senate President Cameron Henry.
"The governor wants to double funding for the program and bring it up to $88 million," Alford said. "(Henry) doesn't think it's a sustainable approach to take."
Alford notes that even if the House signs off on that proposal, it will face a challenge in the Senate because of Henry's objections.
"The House is a much more friendly audience for the governor, so we'll have to see what comes out of that committee."
Lawmakers have until the session adjourns on June 1 to pass the 2027 budget.
