Food banks, relatives of the disabled, rural hospitals, a science attraction and meals programs asked legislators for funding Monday. All of the groups that appeared before the House Appropriations Committee want to be included in Gov. Bobby Jindal’s $26.7 billion proposed state operating budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1.
The groups are known in state government lingo as nongovernmental organizations or NGOs. NGOs often are derided as being “slush funds” because they often are important to legislators’ districts rather than statewide. Proponents argue that the organizations serve a good purpose.
Speaker Pro Tem Karen Peterson, D-New Orleans, told the organizations it would be tough because little money is available. “Either you have to rob Peter to pay Paul … or you have to raise revenue,” she said.
