BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana House of Representatives has passed a balanced state budget for Fiscal Year 2026 that prioritizes education, public safety, and healthcare—without raising taxes. House Bill 1 (HB1), along with a series of related budget bills, now moves to the Senate for consideration ahead of the June 12 session adjournment deadline.
The House’s proposed spending plan reflects what lawmakers called a “responsible, conservative approach,” eliminating government waste and redirecting savings toward key programs.
Key Investments in HB1:
- $93.5 million for the LA Gator Program, expanding school choice for Louisiana families
- $25.3 million for the Office of State Police, supporting public safety despite reduced self-generated revenue
- $49.4 million for the Office of Behavioral Health, funding three new mental health hospitals
- $33.6 million for the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, replacing the Conservation Fund with state general funding
- $32.1 million to rebase Medicaid rates for nursing homes
Additional funding priorities include:
- $199.5 million to provide $2,000 stipends for teachers and $1,000 for support staff
- $7 million for domestic violence shelters
- $2.5 million for school safety programs
- $2.9 million to fund 750 Community Choice Waivers for senior care
- Continued strong funding for early childhood education
House Leadership Responds
“We began this budget process facing a significant funding gap,” said House Speaker Phillip R. DeVillier. “The House met that challenge by making responsible cuts, eliminating waste, and protecting key priorities like education. While there’s more work ahead, this budget is a strong starting point that moves the state forward.”
House Appropriations Chair Jack McFarland added that lawmakers “scrubbed agency budgets” to find savings. “This budget reflects disciplined, conservative leadership that protects core services without growing government.”
Tax Reform on the Table
In addition to passing the budget, House members advanced a package of tax reform measures they hope will serve as a simpler alternative to the broad constitutional amendment defeated by voters in March. The proposed reforms include:
- Reducing the personal income tax rate to 2.75%
- Modifying the standard deduction for seniors
Ways and Means Chair Julie Emerson emphasized the focus on reducing burdens while maintaining essential services. “We’re working on a modern tax structure that returns more money to Louisiana families while investing in the priorities that matter most.”
The legislative session will conclude no later than 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 12.