Numerous homes and cars in north Louisiana are dealing with flood water as the result of a colossal storm that has dumped over a half a foot of rain — with more on the way. Lt. Bill Davis, with the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, says flood waters have kept them busy…:
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Glenn Springfield with the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office says many residents in northeast Louisiana are also getting lots of rain…:
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The flood watches in effect in those areas will move into the central and southeast portions of the state tonight into tomorrow and through Saturday.

Lawmakers are in rush mode now at the Capitol as they are up against a 6pm deadline where the special session called to repair the state’s massive budget shortfall must end. Matters still on the table include hiking the sales tax a penny and removing exemptions — and for how long.

Employer confidence is not at its best as the National Federation of Independent Business says small business optimism has fallen to a 2-year low. State Director of the NFIB, Dawn Starns, says that trend is being seen in Louisiana as well, and when it comes to what’s going on at the Capitol, instead of increasing taxes on businesses and consumers, their members would like state government cut spending…:
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She says sales trends have declined and small business owners do not plan to increase hiring or spending as expectations for future conditions remained negative.

Meanwhile a measure to raise the state’s cigarette tax has been signed by Governor John Bel Edwards. So on April 1st, the tax on a pack of cigarettes will go from 86-cents to a $1.08 in Louisiana. The measure will provide an additional 11-million dollars in state revenues this fiscal year.