Governor John Bel Edwards has put out the call for a special session that would begin May 22nd, and end June 4th. During the special session, revenue could be raised that would potentially plug the 648 million dollar budget shortfall resulting from expiring sales taxes. The February special session fell apart just days into the process, but Edwards is optimistic that the second time is the charm.
Cut 10 (10) “catastrophic”
Governor Edwards is in Alexandria at this hour. He’s touring the Cabrini Clinic and the Rapides Clinic, before speaking to the Alexandria Rotary Club. At the Rotary Club he’ll discuss his efforts to fund health care services, including partner hospitals.

With a special session beginning next Tuesday, legislators only have a few more days to finish their work in the regular session. Numerous bills will receive final passage this week. One of them is the measure that toughens the law against bestiality.
Another Senate committee will take a look today at proposed legislation that would allow Harrah’s to continue to operate its land-based casino in New Orleans for another 30 years. It passed on a 4-3 vote in Judiciary B yesterday, despite strong opposition….
cut 27 (12) “….twenty five”
The Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs committee will review the legislation this afternoon.

Final legislative passage has been given to a constitutional amendment that would require a unanimous jury verdict in most felony cases. Albany Representative Sherwin Mack led the discussion on the House floor and had this simple appeal to his colleagues…
cut 15 (05) “…right thing”
The amendment needs voter approval and it will appear on the November ballot.