Play “Solve The Budget!” Online Game – Can You Fix Louisiana?

While I'm certain this wasn't the intent of those involved, it would almost appear that some have made a "game" of Louisiana's budget crisis.

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Literally! In a story from the Louisiana Radio Network, we find that the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana or PAR, has teamed with LSU and The Advocate to create a new online game entitled "Solve The Budget".

According to PAR President, Steven Procopio, this "game" is designed to give players a good look at the challenges faced by lawmakers trying to put together a fiscally responsible budget that mirrors the wants and desires of Louisiana voters.

Speaking with the Louisiana Radio Network, Procopio said,

"It really puts you in the shoes of the governor or the legislator who has to make these decisions.  You can lower the state sales tax rate.  You can eliminate income tax. You can give corporations more breaks. You can increase the gas tax so you have more money for infrastructure and things like that."  Procopio goes on to say, "We have questions on the LA GATOR Program, or the Educational Savings Accounts or vouchers.  We have the teacher pay raise in there, early childhood education, college and university spending, transportation is also a part of it, (as is) healthcare."

For those who believe they could do a better job formulating Louisiana's budget, the game "Solve The Budget", which will stay live throughout this entire Louisiana Legislative Session, gives players a list of budget items to choose whether or not they should be included and the amount of money they would add to or take away from the state's budget.

Procopio added, "If you want to just cut taxes, that’s great, but then you’ve got to figure out where you’re going to cut them from.  At the end of the day it’s all about money, and you need to have it to spend it. And if you need it, you need taxes."

Who knows, legislators might actually monitor the site, and if you've got a couple of good ideas, they could possibly implement them.  Stranger things have happened.