The legislative session begins today in Baton Rouge. It’s expected to be a difficult one as lawmakers will tackle a spending plan that takes into account a one-point-six billion dollar shortfall. Senate President John Alario says reforming the state’s film tax credit program is one of the priorities, as a recent study paid for by the Department of Economic Development found that the state is only getting 23-cents back for every dollar spent on tax credits…

cut 14 (09) “on the expenditure”

He says legislators are looking at ways to generate more state revenue

Governor Bobby Jindal will provide the opening address for the session. Many wonder how involved the governor will be as lawmakers grapple with the massive budget deficit. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s not about the amount of time the governor spends at the capital…

cut 5 (09) “his national image”

Pinsonat says very few governors are around the capital very much during the session.

The huge budget deficit will by far be the biggest issue this legislative session, but there are still many other issues on the agenda as well. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says even with the budget issues and the complicated tax situations on the table, lawmakers will still find time to touch that third rail of Louisiana politics…

cut 8 (07) “in the classroom”

He says Common Core will be one of the major items that will distract from the budget.

Monroe Representative Marcus Hunter has filed legislation that would raise the base pay for severs from $2.13 per hour to at least minimum wage. Hunter says they want to get the conversation started between employers and employees…

cut 11 (06) “$16 a day”

Hunter says even though people argue that servers make at least minimum wage when you count their tips, it shouldn’t be assumed that they will achieve that.