Louisiana

What Are the Budget Issues Facing Louisiana?

In 2009, Louisiana faces a $341 million budget gap representing 3.7% of the general fund. In 2010, Louisiana is looking at an even greater $2.0 billion shortfall, 21.7% of the general fund.

What the Federal Stimulus Proposal Will Mean for Children in Louisiana

The economic stimulus recently passed by the United States Congress and signed into law by the Obama Administration will provide significant investment in the health, education, and safety of America’s children over the next two years. It also provides significant support to their parents and grandparents. Highlights include:

• $1,660,000,000 in relief for Louisiana’s Medicaid costs. Medicaid provides health care coverage for low-income children and seniors.
• $579,600,000 in relief to the state of Louisiana to prevent cuts to programs for school-aged children.
• $279,500,000 for the Title I academic achievement of the disadvantaged program.
• $192,000,000 services to children with disabilities in Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funding.
• $46,500,000 for other education programs in Louisiana’s schools.
• $461,000,000 in food stamps for 712,000 Louisiana men, women, and children.
• $25,400,000 in emergency shelter grants for 5,600 households.
• 277,000 Louisiana children will benefit from the child tax credit provisions of the legislation.
• $40,014,136 in Emergency Child Care and Development Block Grant funds to provide child care to 11,890 Louisiana children.
• An increase in unemployment benefits to 137,353 Louisiana families.
• $13,600,000 in additional child support enforcement matching funds.
• $20,200,000 in youth training employment services.

How Have Louisiana’s Senators Have Voted on Important Children’s Legislation in 2009?
David Vitter (R)

Mary Landrieu (D)

Sources: State Budget Information, Stimulus Information