BATON ROUGE (AP) — Conservative lawmakers in the state House are devising a package of proposals that aim to expand the state budget areas that can be cut during shortfalls and to limit the use of patchwork funding for ongoing programs.

Rep. Brett Geymann, R-Lake Charles, is leading the “Budget Reform Coalition,” outlined the basic concepts Tuesday to a business organization. The bills will be unveiled next week.

Geymann says the group, which has been at odds with Gov. Bobby Jindal’s administration over spending tactics, wants more lawmakers involved in the budget.

He says the legislation will seek to expand places where spending can be reduced, so colleges and health care don’t take the bulk of the slashing when budget gaps appear.

Lawmakers will consider the ideas in the legislative session that begins in April.

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Rep. Brett Geymann

MBR