Louisiana Illuminator
Senate walks back commitment to $130 million settlement
The Louisiana Capitol Building, April 8, 2021. (Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator).
Gov. John Bel Edwardsâ administration had been hoping to settle the $300 million judgment by paying out less than half of the amount due — $130 million — over the next five years. The governorâs office hoped the flood victims would agree to the deal, in order to ensure they would receive any money at all.Â
The House got on the board with Edwardsâ plan earlier this month. The lower chamber included $30 million in this yearâs budget plan for the first payment to the flood victims. The initial installment was supposed to be followed up with four more payments of $25 million over the following four years. The state also would have had to get a judge to sign off on the compromise.Â