House Appropriations Committee advances HB1 with no new taxes despite major shortfall
BATON ROUGE, LA – The House Appropriations Committee advanced House Bill 1, the state’s primary budget legislation, clearing the way for the full House to consider the bill later this week. Authored by Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland, HB1 delivers a balanced budget — without raising taxes — through targeted cuts and smart fiscal discipline.
The budget initially submitted by the Division of Administration was essentially a standstill plan — reflecting minimal changes from the current year, despite an estimated shortfall of nearly $200 million. Under Chairman McFarland’s leadership, legislators built a responsible, taxpayer-focused budget that reins in government spending while maintaining essential services.
Key savings included:
· Blocked $91 million in new vehicle and heavy equipment purchases for state agencies
· Scrubbed Medicaid rolls, cutting $28.5 million in benefits for ineligible recipients
· Saved $26.3 million by implementing Gov. Landry’s state worker hiring freeze
· Paid down debt early, saving $25.5 million in interest
“In tough times, families tighten their belts. We made sure the state government did the same — responsibly, and without asking more from taxpayers,” said Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland.
“This is what conservative leadership looks like — we balanced the budget, protected taxpayers, and made government more accountable. And we’re just getting started. These cuts lay the groundwork for long-term reform and financial stability,” said House Speaker Phillip DeVillier.
The full House will take up HB1 on Thursday, May 15, continuing the regular budget process with a bill that makes sensible cuts and avoids raising taxes — reflecting the priorities voters consistently have asked lawmakers to address.