What is expected to be a very difficult legislative session begins today in Baton Rouge. Lawmakers will have until June 11th to approve a spending plan that takes into account a one-point-six billion dollar shortfall. Senate President John Alario says legislators are looking at ways to generate more state revenue…

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Alario says reforming the state’s film tax credit program is one of the priorities.

Even though the massive budget deficit will by far be the biggest issue lawmakers will be dealing with this session, there are still many other issues on the agenda. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Common Core will be one of the major items that will distract from the budget…

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He says bills dealing with same-sex marriage and marijuana legalization will also be hot button issues.

Governor Bobby Jindal will provide the opening address as the legislative session gets underway today. The question is how involved will the governor be as lawmakers grapple with a $1.6 billion budget deficit? Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s important for Jindal to be active this session…

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Pinsonat says Jindal doesn’t have to be at the capital every day during the session, but he does need to pay attention to what’s happening.

Showers and thunderstorms continue across the state today. Most of southwest Louisiana is under a flash flood watch through this evening. Most of southeast Louisiana is under the watch through Tuesday evening.