Jay Dardenne

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne that it was primarily the new, seven year, 4.45% sales tax that was the major determining factor in the Moody's decision.

The rep says, "The Governor keeps referring to the $650 million as the compromise.That wasn't the compromise. That was the governor's 'my way or the highway' bill."

The Commissioner of Administration says that talks to reach an agreement in the House broke down because "Compromise did not happen. We've got a mess on our hands."

The Commissioner says it's up to the House to alter their budget to match the Senate's version: "The House took the position it's our way or the highway."

The Commissioner of Administration says, ""It's pretty obvious that the legislature is unable or unwilling to make the cuts that are reasonable."

Louisiana's Commissioner of Administration says, "Certainly the budget (the legislature) has sent to the Governor is anything but responsible."

The Commissioner of Administration says that "we ought not to have a budget right now and we ought to wait until the special session arrives."

The Commissioner of Administration paints a bleak picture for the future of charity hospitals if the budget from the House Appropriations committee becomes law.

Does it make sense that a politician would want to mandate an increase in the minimum wage, only to turn around and take it away in the form of increased taxes?

Seaker Taylor Barras disputes comments made by Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne that a pre-session deal to solve the budget shortfall had been made.