(The Center Square) − The Louisiana Senate Committee on Finance took testimony Thursday on the state’s proposed $45 billion operating budget for the 2026 fiscal year, hearing directly from advocates for individuals with disabilities, those battling addiction, survivors of domestic violence, and low-income students.

The budget, which includes constitutionally mandated funding for K-12 education, also outlines major appropriations for health, human services, and infrastructure. As lawmakers begin parsing through the spending plan, nonprofit and community leaders are pressing for renewed or increased investments in social safety net programs.

Tracy Garner, president and CEO of Easter Seals Louisiana, a nonprofit providing support to people with disabilities, urged the committee to approve $465,000 in state funding through House Bill 1. The money would go toward support coordination services — a vital link between individuals and the care they need.

Other organizations made similar appeals. Jamie Duplechine, chapter coordinator for People First of Louisiana, asked the committee to restore $110,000 in funding that had been cut from the group, which advocates for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Several people with disabilities testified in support of the organization’s work. Charles Romera also voiced gratitude for a previous $250,000 allocation to the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council, but noted the funds have yet to be reallocated in the current proposal.

Several advocates and protestors rallied in support of disability services funding.

The behavioral health and addiction treatment community also turned out in force.

Lonnie Granier, policy and advocacy manager at Odyssey House Louisiana−one of the state’s largest behavioral health nonprofits−thanked lawmakers for an additional $10 million in the State General Fund for substance use disorder treatment. 

Granier warned, however, that without sustained investment, “addiction Medicaid rates will be cut” once temporary funding enhancements expire. Granier called on legislators to support $31 million in total for substance use disorder Medicaid treatment rates.

Scottie Thompson, a peer support specialist at Serenity Treatment Center, also testified, requesting recurring funds for addiction services, though did not specify an amount.

Brian Patchett, president and CEO of the Louisiana Association for the Blind, requested an additional $11 million in funding, calling it “an investment that would yield $35 million” in return.

Domestic violence services were also the subject of advocacy.

Mariah Wisneski, executive director of the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, noted the Legislature has allocated $7 million in state funds for victim services in the current budget.

She requested an additional $3 million, citing tangible results from past funding: over 200 new shelter beds and 11 outreach offices, many in rural areas.

“Investments from the last two years have been incredibly successful,” Wisneski told the committee.

Also appearing before the panel was Laurie Adams with the Pelican Institute for Public Policy, who asked lawmakers to prioritize full funding for the Louisiana GATOR scholarship program to ensure that all eligible applications are supported.