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. Comments are closed.
|
Vance Ginn, Ph.D.
|