A $3.5 million mid-year budget cut for the Department of Tourism means layoffs and reduced hours for the state's parks and museums.
Lieutenant Governor Jay Dardenne say the reduction is part of Governor Jindal's paln to address a $103 million shortfall to finish out the current fiscal year. He contends the amount cut is disproportionate to what other agencies are experiencing from this latest move.
"These sites are enjoyed by so many people and they bring in money. Obviously with the shortfall, government got a problem, and everyone needs to be a part of the solution," said Dardenne.
He says hopefully lawmakers will realize the revenue these parks bring in and that will be a factor when the state addresses a $1.6 billion gap in the budget for next fiscal year.
