Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration outlined plans to shrink spending across state government by $74 million dollars in the upcoming budget year that begins July 1.
Ideas include: Thinner asphalt for some paving projects, fewer toll-free numbers across state agencies, allowing pregnant women on Medicaid to use midwives instead of traditional, more expensive delivery rooms, and expanded rehabilitation programs for inmates.
Commissioner of Administration Kristy Nichols says the ideas came from a consulting firm hired to find ways to cut state costs without eliminating services. The savings expectations were included in the House-approved version of next year's nearly $25 billion budget.
Nichols outlined the plans Monday to the Senate Finance Committee, which was reviewing House spending recommendations for the 2014/2015 budget year. She said agency secretaries believe they can reach the savings.