Governor Bobby Jindal could demand deep budget cuts to close a one point six billion dollar state funding gap which could mean the Louisiana’s health department might have to eliminate or cut back services.

But the agency refused to provide documents about possible cut scenarios, in response to a public records request filed by the associated press. The department claimed records, spreadsheets and emails discussing the cuts were shielded

Spending on services that take care of Louisiana’s poor, elderly and disabled could fall by as much as $800 million in lost state and federal funding for the year that begins July 1, under the scenarios up for consideration by the Jindal administration.

The governor will present his recommendations for closing the $1.6 billion gap in the upcoming fiscal year to lawmakers on Feb. 27.