A second special session is underway that’s been called to address a 600-million dollar revenue shortfall. Governor John Bel Edwards is asking legislators to raise revenues so the state can fully fund the TOPS program and hospitals that provide care for the poor and uninsured. Edwards is optimstic legislators can raise the necessary cash…
cut 10 (05) “…the future”
The governor’s call for the special session would allow legislators to reduce tax breaks for businesses and individuals, change individual income tax brackets and limit the itemized deductions taxpayers claim on their state returns.

But House Republican leaders, like Metairie Representative Cameron Henry, is skeptical on whether some of these proposals will actually generate the revenue that’s promised…
cut 5 (08) “…at this point”
The special session must end Thursday May 23rd at midnight.

UNO is in the process of building a new digital animation lab on campus. It’s big news because the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the number of jobs for multimedia arists and animators is growing substantially. UNO fine arts instructor Jeff Rinehart says increased demand is due to the growing need for animation in TV, movies and other multimedia projects…
cut 13 (03) “…like that”
Rinheart says the school has secured a 94-thousand dollar grant to help make the animation lab a reality.

Natchitoches has unveiled plans to improve its riverfront. Mayor Lee Posey says they want to improve handicap accessibility, install new bathrooms, double the size of the stage on the river and add new landscaping. He says the project will cost four-million dollars and the city and private agencies will split the costs…
cut 15 (10) “…electrical department”
Posey says the improved riverfront area should be ready by the Festival of Lights in 2017.