Despite a barrage of criticism, a state money panel refused Tuesday to reconsider its decision to spend $45 million on new construction projects even as the state faces devastating budget problems and seeks federal aid for hurricane recovery needs.
The projects approved last week — everything from health labs and water wells to livestock facilities and a sports complex — have generated complaints on editorial pages and from legislators.
Some lawmakers said the construction projects will damage Louisiana's efforts to secure federal hurricane relief aid because it appears that the state hasn't reined in its own spending to help itself before asking for federal assistance.
But on Tuesday, urged by an official with Gov. Kathleen Blanco's administration, the Bond Commission voted 12-2 to end its meeting without considering a request put on the agenda by state Treasurer John Kennedy, head of the commission, to take another look at the projects.
