Edwards: House Action Hasn’t Done Enough To Close Budget Gap

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Gov. John Bel Edwards says the Louisiana House's action to rebalance this year's budget hasn't "come close to fixing the problem."

The Democratic governor said Friday while he appreciates the House tax votes so far, the majority Republican chamber hasn't passed enough cuts and taxes to fully close the shortfall.

He also says the 18-month expiration date added to a proposed 1-cent state sales tax hike is unrealistic.

The sales tax forms the centerpiece of Edwards' budget balancing plan, and he wants it to remain in place until lawmakers revamp Louisiana's tax structure. He says 18 months isn't enough time for that to take hold.

The House is considering additional tax bills, with more debate scheduled Monday. The Senate, meanwhile, has started reviewing the tax hikes received from the House.

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