Research: Citizen's Guide to the Louisiana Budget

Louisiana’s budget at the beginning of fiscal year 2023 was $47 billion, which is an increase of 63 percent over
the last decade. With a state population of 4.6 million, and shrinking, this is a spending burden of more than
$10,000 per person. While nearly half of the money in the state budget comes from the federal government,
Louisiana’s taxpayers are still on the hook for the total. This growth in state spending is unsustainable given
the lack of growth in the state’s economy and a history of net outmigration. This report offers an overview and
brief history of Louisiana’s operating and capital budgets and outlines how the state can begin to create a more
responsible, sustainable budget over time that remains adaptable to the needs of citizens.

Originally published at Pelican Institute.