In the final hours of the legislative session, lawmakers approved the SAVE tax credit. Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater told House members a vote against the SAVE fund will result in a 282-million dollar cut to higher education…

cut 15 (11) “trained work force”

The measure is needed to prevent Governor Bobby Jindal from vetoing revenue generating bills.

Legislators approved a 50-cent hike on the state’s cigarette tax. At 86-cents, Louisiana’s cigarette tax would surpass Mississippi’s tax rate, but remain lower than Arkansas and Texas. During debate on the House floor, Leesville Representative James Armes stood up for smokers…

cut 8 (08) “wanna smoke”

Revenue raised from the higher cigarette tax will go towards Medicaid funding.

Louisiana Radio Network’s fourth question in our Governor Q&A asked the four major candidates how they would handle transportation issues in the state. Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle says building roads and bridges are fundamental to our economic development. He says it’s time we put the trust back into the Transportation Trust Fund…

cut 11 (09) “other areas of government”

You can find all candidate answers at louisianaradionetwork-dot-com.

The Red River has crested in the Shreveport area and now it’s moving toward Alexandria. Jonathan Brazzell, with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says residents can expect waters to continue to rise for the next few days…

cut 4 (06) “next week”

Brazzell says property in Alexandria, Pineville, and areas north of the levee system are at risk of flooding.