Special Session Winds Down; Legislators Making Progress

By Carey Martin, Voice of Louisiana Agriculture Radio Network

Louisiana Farm Bureau Legislative Specialist Joe Mapes

The clock is ticking as lawmakers try to plug the 304 million mid-year hole in the state's budget, but it appears that some last-minute deals are being made.

"It looks like the House and Senate, regardless of party, are starting to come together," said Louisiana Farm Bureau Legislative Specialist Joe Mapes Tuesday afternoon.  "They are working very hard on some legislation that may not meet 100 percent of the budget deficit, but it should put us a lot closer."

Mapes said that should put legislators in a much better position to tackle budget issues when they return for the regular session on April 11th.

When it comes to agriculture, Mapes said it's too early to tell if there will be any cuts.

"This session won't be over until Thursday.  Until then, I can only tell you that we're good so far."  he said.  "We've been in a couple of pieces of legislation, but right now we're doing good.  Let's just keep our fingers crossed that we can hold what we've got until the end of this special session."