Budget threatens hospitals' services
by MICHELLE MILLHOLLON - Advocate (excerpt)

LSU officials told legislators Sunday that services at public hospitals across the state will decrease if Gov. Bobby Jindal’s proposed state operating budget stands. “We’re at the point where we are reducing clinical services,” said Dr. Roxane Townsend, chief of LSU’s Healthcare Services Division.

Members of the Senate Finance Committee spent Sunday afternoon at the State Capitol poring over the spending plan for the fiscal year that starts July 1 while singer Bruce Springsteen thrilled crowds at Jazz Fest 82 miles away.

With the session past the midway point, weekends are becoming part of the work week for legislators, regardless of whatever festivals are being held. “Thank you for coming in on a Sunday,” state Sen. Norby Chabert, R-Houma, told officials with the LSU health system.