Today is the last day of the special session called to tackle the state’s massive budget deficit. Speaker of the House Taylor Barras urged House members to come together on a deal to prevent big cuts to higher education and healthcare. He says this won’t be easy but they must take action.
CUT 8 (10) “next year”

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed into law the bill that raises the cigarette tax from 86-cents to $1.08. Consultant with the Invest in a Healthy Louisiana Campaign Randy Hayden says the legislature should’ve increased the tax on all tobacco products not only on cigarettes and millions of dollars have been left on the table.
Cut 11 (10) “opportunity”

 
Multiple homes in north Louisiana are under water after a huge storm has dumped more than half a foot of rain. Glenn Springfield with the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office says evacuations are ongoing throughout the parish. Many roads have been closed because of high waters. And he says it doesn’t look like the storm is letting up anytime soon.
CUT 6 (10) “get worse”

Springfield says people should avoid driving today if possible.

Cleco has asked state regulators for another hearing on the company’s proposed sale to a foreign investment group for nearly $5 billion. Public Service Commission chairman Clyde Holloway says he isn’t in favor of another hearing. He says the commission and an administrative law judge have already heard enough testimony from the company.
cut 14 (06) “my ratepayers”

Cleco’s attorney says the commission’s vote was flawed because it wrongly decided on the merits of the transaction.