Governor John Bel Edwards is proposing to raise the cigarette tax by 22 cents but one organization doesn’t think that’s enough. Emelie Gunn has more…

cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

For the week ending January 16th, initial unemployment insurance claims in Louisiana dropped by over 700 claims. In figures released by the state labor department Friday, initial claims fell to 3,485 from 4,203 the week before. Continued unemployment claims rose by over 550 claims during the same time period.

The Edwards administration has told higher education leaders that a cut in state funding to public colleges and universities is likely this fiscal year because of the budget crisis. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says their goal is to come up with a plan that will not burden taxpayers but at the same time prevent drastic cuts in state funding…

cut 12 (08) “are provided”

Darden says higher ed could face a cut of up to $131 million.

New Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson starts a statewide tour today, emphasizing small business growth. Pierson says economic development starts small and on the local level. He says LED stands ready to help small business flourish with 10 Small Business Development Centers throughout the state…

cut 6 (07) “these centers”

He says 97-percent of employers across Louisiana are small businesses.