Lawmakers back to square one after voting down bill that would’ve covered most of fiscal cliff

BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - Lawmakers are back to square one after voting down a bill that would have covered most of the $507 million fiscal cliff.

Republicans and Democrats are divided over how much of the state sales tax to extend. The difference between the two sides is one cent on a $10 purchase. The House killed the Democrats' option Thursday, and the Democrats will not vote for the republican plan that raises less.

In a rare speech, House Speaker Taylor Barras, R-New Iberia, asked lawmakers to brainstorm new ideas and continue to work together toward a solution.

"We are at an extreme deadlock between four tenths of a penny and half of a penny. We are continuing those negotiations with anyone who's willing to talk about it. We have explored options," Barras said.

The deadline to find a solution is Wednesday, June 27. The House is scheduled to try again on the same bills Friday.