Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy is the front-runner in the race to replace outgoing US Senator David Vitter, according to a new poll. Halen Doughty reports…
Voicer 4 (25) “I’m Halen Doughty”

The House Ways and Means Committee started hearing tax bills today that would raise revenue to close a massive budget deficit. One measure would increase the state sales tax on a pack of cigarettes by 22-cents. New Orleans Representative Walt Leger is authoring one bill seeking to raise the cigarette tax and says the higher price will discourage people from smoking.
cut 14 (05) “the product”

Metairie Senator Conrad Appel has written a letter to Higher Ed Commissioner Joseph Rallo calling on the Board of Regents to create a plan for organization reform. Appel says it’s obvious we have grossly underfunded higher education but there is no prospect of that changing in years to come. He says extra money isn’t going to fall from the sky…
CUT 9 (09) “the future”

Appel says redesigning the system doesn’t necessarily mean the closing of campuses but all options should be on the table.

Louisiana Tech University has plans to tear down Wyly Tower and Prescott Memorial Library, but LA Tech spokesperson Dave Guerin says the demolition won’t happen any time soon. He says for right now, Wyly Tower is still open.
CUT 6 (08) “24 months”

Guerin says they will be replaced with new up to date facilities for students.