House Approves Budget With Little Pain, More Federal Cash

The Louisiana House approved a nearly $17 billion budget Sunday that managed to avoid some drastic health care cuts previously predicted. However, the House did agree to strip $720,000 from a condom distribution program and to instead create a new program to inform elderly residents about prescription medication discounts offered by drug companies and other programs. Rep. Lydia Jackson (D-Shreveport) said removing those dollars would also eliminate $2.5 million in federal funds as part of an HIV/AIDS prevention program, but the amendment passed 69-29. The budget bill was sent to the Senate Sunday night, and the Senate Finance Committee was scheduled to begin its discussion of the budget Monday.

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