Governor John Bel Edwards presented a proposed budget for next fiscal year that calls for a 792-million dollar reduction in state funding. Under the proposed spending plan, DHH would receive a 409-million dollar cut and higher education’s cut would be 46-million dollars. Edwards says this is not the budget he wanted to present to lawmakers and it’s why another special session is needed…
cut 3 (07) “…revenue needs”
The proposed budget also calls for a 183-million dollar cut in TOPS, which could mean recipients will only have part of their tuition paid for.

In the House Civil Law committee this morning, they’ll discuss the “Pastor Protection Act.” Bossier City Representative Mike Johnson says it will allow a clergy member or religious organiziation to deny participation in a same sex marriage….
cut 11 (07) “….against”

This afternoon, the Senate is expected to vote on a bill to require employers to pay men and women equally for similar work. Governor John Bel Edwards supports the measure. He says it’s a carefully crafted piece of legislation that would not be too onerous on businesses…
cut 5 (10) “…rectify it”
Business groups are opposed to the legislation.

Southern University will hold a memorial tonight for the two students fatally shot while attending an off-campus party in Baton Rouge. Lashuntae Benton and Annette January were killed. Interim athletic director Roman Banks says Benton, who was from Lake Charles, volunteered her time as an athletic trainer.
cut 16 (09) “…eventually”
One person has been arrested in connection with the shooting and police are expecting to make another arrest.