A drop in oil prices has directly affected our state’s economy, contributing to the $570 million dollars we’re short of revenue expected for this year.

As Governor John Bel Edwards looks to balance the scales, Louisiana Residents weigh in.

“We now have more than $940 million budget deficit for this current fiscal year ending on June 30. In the year that starts on July 1, we are facing a two-billion-dollar budget deficit.” – Gov. Edwards

Edwards has proposed nine tax hikes, including cigarettes and alcohol.

Charlie Buckels, with the Louisiana Republican Party, says what the state needs in fundamental reform throughout state government.

“Not continue to put more taxes on the people of Louisiana who, frankly are hurting today.”

Governor Edwards says if we continue to operate in our current state, we could face devastating cuts to both healthcare and education.

Local resident Vincent Pierre tells KLFY’s Dalfred Jones, “We do not want to lose services. Education, health care are things that we need to continue to move our state forward.”

Because the Louisiana constitution only allows the government to raise taxes every other year, Governor John Bel Edwards says, legislature has only up until the legislative session begins to make a decision.