Lawmakers struggling to balance next year’s budget and avoid deep cuts to colleges and health services are trying to follow a complicated set of rules set by Gov. Bobby Jindal.

Jindal won’t support any tax changes he – or national anti-tax activist Grover Norquist – considers a net tax increase. The Republican governor has closely guarded his record on taxes as he builds a likely presidential campaign.

The House didn’t bother meeting Jindal’s criteria with its budget-balancing plan. But senators are seeking to meet the parameters and avoid the threat of a veto of the financing plans.

Lawmakers are looking for loopholes and creative financing ways to help Jindal claim Louisiana hasn’t raised taxes, while still raising new revenue.

Two weeks remain in the legislative session to craft a deal.