Legislators in the Louisiana House approved legislation that would use nearly $250 million – one-time money – from funds scattered across state government.
The House voted 63-38 to approve House Bill 822.
Some Republicans in the House disagree with grabbing money that likely will only materialize once to pay recurring expenses. That stance puts them at odds with the Jindal administration.
“It’s fiscally irresponsible. I’d just suggest to you that you need to think real hard before you vote on this,” said state Rep. Brett Geymann, R-Lake Charles.
Other legislators argued that rejecting the bill would hurt critical services such as health care.
“I cannot go home and tell my folks that I did not vote for Louisiana families,” said state Rep. Patricia Smith, D-Baton Rouge.
