Louisiana currently has an $827 million budget surplus, and – without any spending changes - is expecting additional surpluses for the current year of over a billion dollars. Some people argue that these surpluses should be used only on “one time” items that do not commit future state spending, while others argue the money should be used for recurring items that would have to be funded in future years.

What about you? Do you think the money should be used on “one time” items or do you think it would be ok to spend the money on recurring items?

Some suggestions for ways to use the state budget surplus which assume the money will be used for one-time expenses. Please tell whether you strongly favor, favor, oppose or strongly oppose each proposal: 

Build and repair roads and infrastructure

Some suggestions for ways to use the state budget surplus which assume the money will be used for one-time expenses. Please tell whether you strongly favor, favor, oppose or strongly oppose each proposal: 

Pay off the debt on pension and retirement programs for teachers and state workers

Some suggestions for ways to use the state budget surplus which assume the money will be used for one-time expenses. Please tell whether you strongly favor, favor, oppose or strongly oppose each proposal: 

Use the money for hurricane-recovery related projects.

Some suggestions for ways to use the state budget surplus which assume the money will be used for one-time expenses. Please tell whether you strongly favor, favor, oppose or strongly oppose each proposal: 

Provide a ONE-TIME tax rebate or tax cut.

Now for items that include recurring budget items and would commit future state funding. Please tell whether you would strongly favor, favor, oppose or strongly oppose each proposal:

a. Provide pay raises for teachers in state public schools

Now for items that include recurring budget items and would commit future state funding. Please tell whether you would strongly favor, favor, oppose or strongly oppose each proposal:

b. Provide pay raises for all state employees

Now for items that include recurring budget items and would commit future state funding. Please tell whether you would strongly favor, favor, oppose or strongly oppose each proposal:

c. Provide PERMANENT tax cuts

Now for items that include recurring budget items and would commit future state funding. Please tell whether you would strongly favor, favor, oppose or strongly oppose each proposal:

d. Provide health care for people without health insurance

Would you say the government is pretty much run by a few big interests looking out for themselves or that it is run for the benefit of all the people?

How much attention do you feel the government pays to what the people think when it decides what to do -- a good deal, some, or not much?