Governor Edwards was on the receiving end of harsh criticism today at a Congressional hearing examining the federal and state response to the historic flooding that hit south Louisiana last year. Utah Congressman Jason Chaffetz says he doesn’t understand how one-point-six billion dollars in flood recovery dollars approved by Congress last year still hasn’t made it into the hands of flood victims…
cut 6 (11) “…the process”
Edwards says the state is waiting for the federal government to make the money available so the state can use it.

Legislation has been filed that would place regulations on the ride share services like Uber and Lyft. Jackson Representative Kenny Havard says one of the proposed rules would be mandatory background checks for drivers…
cut 8 (07) “…the nation”

Franklin Representative Sam Jones has filed a bill that would increase the state’s gasoline tax by seven-cents. Supporters of raising the gasoline tax say it will help improve our highway system. Jones says the key to passing a gasoline tax hike is that the public must have certainity the extra money will be used to improve roads and bridges…
cut 12 (12) “…to pass”

Former St. Tammany and Washington Parish District Attorney Walter Reed received a four-year prison sentence on corruption charges. A jury determined Reed was guilty of using his campaign funds illegally, but legal obeservers expected a tougher sentence. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says it sounds like the judge may have felt Reed’s attorneys had a good case…
cut 14 (08) “…criminal one”
Reed will remain out of prison, until his appeal is heard.