Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, a Democrat, has proposed $792 million in cuts  that would include closing safety-net hospitals in four cities. He has been trying to deal with the massive deficit left by his heavy-tax-cutting Republican predecessor Bobby Jindal.

But Mr. Edwards hopes  that the cuts can be avoided by raising taxes. He plans to call a special legislative session as soon as June 7 to address the issue.

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals would have its funds slashed by $408.7 million under  his fiscal 2017 budget proposal.

Safety-net hospitals in Alexandria, Bogalusa, Houma and Lake Charles would close, while all other safety-net hospitals would receive a 3 percent cut.