On the opening night of the special session, Governor John Bel Edwards laid out his reasons on why the state legislature should use 119-million dollars from the rainy day fund to address a 304-million dollar shortfall. Edwards says without using it, cuts will likely have to be made to higher education, public schools and social services like foster care..:
Cut 10 (06) “public service”

He says he’s open to discussing further cuts that Republicans want to see, but won’t support budget gimmicks.

StopLouisianaWaste.com is a new website aimed to reduce wasteful spending in state government. Covington Rep. John Schroder says given the budget problems, legislators need to make sure they’re spending taxpayer money wisely. He says he will personally investigate each incident and provide the information to the proper agency.
Cut 14 (06) “anonymously.”

 
For the third year in a row, the Bossier Parish couple Lawrence and Varrie Player are the longest married couple in the state, as they celebrate 82 years together. Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says Will Henry and Virginia Teasley of Bienville Parish are the runners up, at 80 years of marriage. He says to honor the couple, they delivered a king cake to Virginia in hospice care.
Cut 6 (11) “for a lifetime.”

Every year the Louisiana Family Forum honors the top ten longest married couples in the state.

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for much of southwest Louisiana. The watch is in effect until 3:00 this afternoon. There is also the chance for severe weather in the area bringing in heavy winds, rain and hail.

And LSU has announced its spring football game on April 22nd will kick off at 7 p.m.