Louisiana’s US Senate race is just 6 months away, but so far things have been fairly quiet from the candidates vying for the seat being vacated by David Vitter. ULM Political Science Professor, Dr. Joshua Stockley, says right now, the focus is on the state’s budget problems and the legislative session:
cut 11 (10) “attuned”
He says the presidential election will likely play a role in who wins this Senate seat.

The House Appropriates Committee is expected to push cuts to the Department of Health and Hospitals in order to fund TOPS when they present the proposed budget today. Chairman Cameron Henry of Metairie says TOPS is a priority for a majority of House members and if state agencies receive less funding next fiscal year, they’ll have to make do…:
Cut 15 (07) “for them”
The governor says $183 million dollars in cuts to other state agencies would have to be made if TOPS is fully funded.

A bill that would ban open burning of munitions and explosives may be withdrawn from House consideration. Minden Representative Gene Reynolds says the major opposition came from Colfax Clean Harbors, which open burns waste. He says lawmakers and the company are trying to meet in the middle…:
CUT 5 (10) “in statue”
He feels everyone would win this way.

St. Joe residents in Tensas Parish may soon have their brown murky water cleared up, as leaders from the Governor’s office visit the town today to address the matter. Deputy Chief of Staff, Julie Baxter Payer, hopes concern citizens will come out to a 5pm meeting to discuss the water…:
Cut 9 (10) “to come”
She says there is money available to repair the system, but the town has to complete an audit first.