The regular session began at the state capital, and although many legislators are not satisfied with the way special session ended, they’re looking forward to making big steps over the next few months.

Governor John Bel Edwards began his opening speech of the 2016 regular session by offering his prayers for all Louisianans affected by the recent flooding.

He quickly dove into addressing the special session. Cuts were made and taxes were raised, but we still have yet to break even.

“Much progress was made but, not enough.”

The state’s financial woes for the current fiscal year will leave us in a hole at the sum of 30 to 60 million dollars.

“For the next fiscal year our deficit is somewhere in the $800 million range, again, we don’t know.” Governor Edwards said with uncertainty.

District 24 Senator, Gerald Boudreaux says, there was little progress during the special session and he’s disappointed legislators could not balance the budget for this year.

“We didn’t take care of all the people’s business.”

Now, he says, telling KLFY’s Dalfred Jones, it’s time to stop the talking, and get to work.

“Let’s restructure this government. Let’s put it in a posture where we can look at positive things. No one wants to close hospitals, no one wants to have universities, every semester, wondering about where the next dollars going to come from.”

The regular session will last about 12 weeks and adjourn no later than 6 p.m. on Monday, June 6th. If there is a need, another special session can be called following the regular session.