Louisiana House Approves $47 Billion Budget!

The Louisiana House of Representatives has unanimously approved a $47 billion state budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, advancing a plan that focuses on education, economic growth and debt reduction without raising taxes.

The primary budget bill, House Bill 1, passed in a 104-0 vote and now moves to the Louisiana Senate for consideration, along with several related funding measures.

House Speaker Phillip DeVillier, R-Eunice, said the budget reflects a commitment to fiscal responsibility while investing in the state’s future.

“I’m proud that the House came together in overwhelming unity today to build the budget our voters sent us here to build,” DeVillier said.

Rep. Jack McFarland, R-Jonesboro, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and author of the bill, said the plan positions Louisiana for long-term growth.

“With this budget, we’re investing in classrooms and workforce training while helping attract new industries to the state,” McFarland said.

Lawmakers also approved the state’s construction budget, House Bill 2, which includes a plan to streamline project funding by redirecting unused dollars from delayed projects to those ready to move forward.

Rep. Tony Bacala, R-Prairieville, said the approach aims to reduce delays and improve efficiency.

“We’re being careful with taxpayer dollars while making sure projects that are ready can move ahead,” Bacala said.

Key investments in the proposed budget include:

• $420 million for early childhood education
• Full funding of the state’s K-12 education formula
• Increased per-pupil operational funding for school districts for the first time since 2009, raising it from $100 to $147 per student
• $87 million for the LA GATOR scholarship program
• $125 million for economic development initiatives
• $50 million set aside for emergency response needs
• $144 million to reduce state retirement system debt

The budget package now heads to the Senate, where lawmakers will continue negotiations ahead of the June 1 end of the legislative session.