Baton Rouge, LA – The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) released the following statement on Governor Edwards’ budget proposal announced earlier this week.

“The governor’s proposed budget is simply the opening salvo to what will be a critical and multi-faceted debate on the budget this year,” said LABI President and CEO Stephen Waguespack. “The end result must be a targeted, responsible budget that is efficient and effective. Efficient in ensuring one-time dollars are used for critical priorities like infrastructure, community fortification and debt reduction rather than reoccurring expenses that will only make the 2025 budget cycle even more challenging than we already know it will be. Effective in investing core priorities like workforce development, public safety, education and reforms that result in a more competitive tax structure. We look forward to kicking off this important process when the legislative session begins in a few weeks.”