Louisiana’s new Republican House Speaker Taylor Barras looks forward to discussing spending changes in the upcoming special session. Halen Doughtyhas the story….
cut 3 (30) “…I’m Halen Doughty”

A feud over what to do with a lawsuit that attempts to get Louisiana out Common Core continues to grow between Governor Edwards and Attorney General Jeff Landry. Edwards wants to terminate the federal case, but Landry wants to continue the appeal process and believes the constitution gives him the final say on the matter.

The Public Affairs Research Council has published a nine-page report that contains several suggestions on how to control state spending. PAR president Robert Travis Scott says one suggestion is to do away with various tax credits the state gives, like the tax deduction parents receive for sending their child to a private school…
cut 11 (05) “….like that”
Another PAR recommendation calls for no merit pay increases for state employees next year.

A little bit on the cool side, but otherwise it’s a picture perfect Fat Tuesday across Louisiana. There will be big crowds for parades along the I-10 corridor today. Mardi Gras expert Arthur Hardy says the early carnival season did not draw a record number of revelers, but the crowds were still good…
cut 6 (08) “….this entire season”
It will be a little bit windy for parade goers today.