06:30 Newscast, March 11th, 2016

Thousands of homes are under water and more rain is on the way today. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”
Governor John Bel Edwards and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser are traveling to north Louisiana today to visit shelters and assess storm damage. The governor has now declared a state of emergency for the entire state.

Several roads are closed across southeast Louisiana that’s getting pelted with rain right now, and the Tangipahoa Parish Office of Homeland Security is reporting residents in nearly 100 homes had to be rescued as the large system moves through the area.

A majority of Louisiana residents are willing to pay higher taxes to support education and roads, according to a new survey from LSU. Fifty-one percent of respondents want the state to spend more on K through 12 public education, and 50-percent say the same for higher ed. Michael Henderson, with the LSU Public Policy Research Lab, says those surveyed were asked if they’d pay higher taxes for public education and higher ed…:
CUT 13 (04) “are important”
He says a majority of respondents were also in favor of increased spending, and higher taxes, for healthcare.

Authorities remind the public to NOT attempt to drive through high water or cross barricades. You can log on to the DOTD website, 511la.org to get updated information on road closures or download the “Way to Geaux” app.