Budget Council approves standstill budgets for legislative offices; contract extension and small Law Institute increase also adopted

Alan Boxberger, speaking for the Legislative Fiscal Office, told the Budget Council the office is seeking a "standstill" budget for fiscal year 2027. He said the office extended a contract for REC services with Greg Galbraith through the next fiscal year and that new hires will allow in‑house economists to take over the revenue forecast at the end of next fiscal year. When the Chair called for objections on the item, none were raised and the motion to adopt the budget item carried.

A representative of the Law Institute asked the council for a modest budget increase of $27,376 to cover retiree insurance costs and a small cost‑of‑living adjustment for staff; members asked no questions and the Chair moved to adopt the request without objection. Aaron Barrett, representing the House of Representatives, requested a standstill budget "just under $33,000,000" similar to last year; the council approved it. JW Wiley, speaking for the Louisiana Senate and for legislative budgetary control counsel, reported the Senate likewise seeks a standstill budget; the Chair noted Senator Millam was favorable and the motion carried.

All of the items reported in this meeting were adopted by voice with no objections recorded in the transcript. The Chair then moved to adjourn and members closed the meeting.