French program not funded in Gov. Jindal’s budget proposal

BATON ROUGE – An organization that oversees programs to nurture the French language in Louisiana is on the chopping block in state budget negotiations.

The Council for the Development of French in Louisiana received $300,000 from the state this year for its work to recruit and train teachers for public schools.

But Gov. Bobby Jindal proposes to strip the money in next year’s budget, as the state grapples with a $1.6 billion shortfall.

Lawmakers on the House Appropriations Committee were unhappy Thursday with that cut. It was discussed as the committee looked at the proposed budget for the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism.

Crowley Rep. Jack Montoucet, a Democrat, said CODOFIL is important to Louisiana’s educational system. He said he’ll seek to restore funding for the fiscal year that begins July 1.