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BATON ROUGE – Legislators celebrated the adjournment of the 2023 Legislative Session touting the passage of a budget that includes record savings for tax payers and significant reductions to retirement debt.

Using historic amounts of excess and surplus dollars accumulated as a result of conservative budgeting and planning, lawmakers this year were able to strategically invest in infrastructure improvements including roads, bridges, sewer/water systems in desperate need of repair, deferred maintenance at colleges and universities, coastal protection and restoration initiatives, as well as port projects – all critical to economic development.

“This is the culmination of four years of historic, strategic, conservative budgeting and lawmaking,” said Speaker of the House Clay Schexnayder. “Listening to our constituents we heard loud and clear they wanted limited growth in government, but needed priority projects funded to accelerate the growth of the economy and improve their lives. We heard them, we worked hard to find solutions and we have delivered a budget that is record-setting in many ways.”

“We have invested in improving the quality of life of our citizens for decades to come,” said Senate President Page Cortez. “The actions of the chambers sends money sitting in the treasury back to the taxpayers providing critical services and reducing barriers to economic success.”

Support for educator pay raises and increases to direct payments to law enforcement for supplemental pay were also a priority for lawmakers, as well as the reduction of state debt to free up state dollars in future years. Both chambers of the legislature completed their work adjourning Sine Die as required by law no later than 6 o’clock on June 8, 2023.

“This fiscal session has been a lesson in trusting the legislative process,” said Cortez.  “We saw extensive debate on issues that are important to the people of the state.  Hearing from both sides on controversial issues surrounding parental and LGBTQ+ rights, concealed carry and future carbon capture projects members were able to vote on behalf of the people living in their districts.”

“That’s what voters sent us to Baton Rouge to do.  They ask us to be their voice,” said Speaker Schexnayder. “It can be difficult, but at the end of the day, it has been a productive time here at the Capitol. The House, and our colleagues in the Senate, worked hard accomplishing our individual and collective goals. It’s been a solid Session.”