There’s about a month left for state lawmakers to pass a budget for next fiscal year. Governor Bobby Jindal says there’s still time to come up with a budget that everyone can live with….

cut 12 (09) “doesn’t raise taxes”

The House has approved legislation to raise the cigarette tax by 32-cents and reduce tax refunds or tax breaks that businesses currently enjoy. These bills now head to the Senate.

Construction is underway to build a “lazy river” on the LSU campus in the shape of the letters L-S-U and some wonder if this is appropriate considering the potentially huge budget cuts facing the school. Student Body President, Andrew Mahtook, says the funding for this project is completely separate from any state appropriations…

cut 4 (10) “assessment fee”

Those opposed to constructing the “lazy river” say this shows a flaw in how colleges prioritize funds.

A bill that would provide free HIV tests for inmates being released from prison will be discussed on the House floor. Natchitoches Representative Kenny Cox says this would help prevent AIDS from spreading further in the state. He says Louisiana has the fourth highest number of men and women living with AIDS in the nation…

cut 15 (06) “be treated”

Cox says that in 9 state prisons, about 3 percent of inmates are HIV positive.

Cancer Center of Acadiana at Lafayette General Medical Center is looking for adult multiple myeloma patients to participate in a clinical trial for patients not eligible for stem cell transplants. CCA Oncologist Sal Malad says there seems to be a disproportionate number of patients in south Louisiana who have multiple myeloma…

cut 9 (10) “transplant”

Call 337-289-8658 for more information on this clinical trial.