I keep hearing “John Bel Edwards’ budget.” I don’t think Gov. Edwards is the only person that assembled the budget. Who are the architects of the latest budget now being prepared?

The administration’s budget proposal is the product of “a monthslong development process” that begins with state agencies’ requests, which must be submitted by Nov. 15, said state Division of Administration spokesman Jacques Berry.

The requests go to the Division of Administration’s Office of Planning and Budget, whose analysts work with state budget managers to review them and draft a preliminary budget, Berry said.

“The governor was limited in budget development by the revenues certified available by the Revenue Estimating Conference. …,” he wrote in an email.

“Budget analysts and OPB management met with the commissioner of administration — the governor’s chief financial officer — to discuss details and review the preliminary budget proposal, including what was funded and what was not.”

Each agency is given a chance to appeal the commissioner’s budget decisions, Berry said.

Ultimately, he said, the budget reflects “an ongoing conversation” involving Edwards, agency heads and the commissioner of administration — all of whom must balance needs with funding availability.

State lawmakers will take up the budget when the regular legislative session begins on April 10.

www.doa.la.gov.

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State law addresses parking practices

Are there any laws in Lake Charles concerning the parking of vehicles on or across sidewalks, including when they are in a residential driveway?

State law prohibits people from parking on sidewalks.

Other parking prohibitions listed in the statute, R.S. 32:143:

“In front of a public or private driveway.”

“Within an intersection.”

“Within fifteen feet of a fire hydrant.”

“On a crosswalk.”

“Within twenty feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.”

“Within twenty feet upon the approach to any flashing beacon stop sign, or traffic control signal located at the side of a roadway.”

“Within fifty feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing.”

“Within twenty feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station, and on the side of a street opposite the entrance to any fire station within seventy-five feet of said entrance, when properly posted.”

“On the roadway side of any vehicle stopped or parked at the edge or curb of a street.”

“Upon any bridge or other elevated structure upon a highway or within a highway tunnel.”

“Any place where parking will obscure or obstruct visibility of any traffic control device.”

Online: www.legis.la.gov.