There are only a few hours left in the special session called to address the state’s massive budget deficit and there is still no revenue deal in place. Speaker of the House Taylor Barras pleaded to lawmakers reach an agreement to prevent big cuts to higher education and healthcare. He urges his fellow House members to come together so they can explain to the people of Louisiana that they’ve accomplished what they were asked to do.
CUT 9 (10) “direction”

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed into law the bill to increases the cigarette tax to $1.08 starting on April 1st. Consultant with the Invest in a Healthy Louisiana Campaign Randy Hayden says he was disappointed that the tax wasn’t increased more…
cut 10 (10) “health outcomes”

The bill to increase alcohol tax passed with a 71 to 23 vote in the House.

Numerous homes in north Louisiana have flooded as the result of a giant storm that has dumped nearly a half a foot of rain. Bill Davis, with the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, says they began evacuating people as flood waters rose during the night.
CUT 3 (07) “the waters”

Louisiana State Police closed Interstate 20 in Gibsland and several northwest parishes have declared a state of emergency due to flooding.

Cleco is asking state regulators for an additional hearing on the proposed sale to Macquarie Infrasturcture and Real Assets for $5 billion. Public Service Commission chairman Clyde Holloway doesn’t agree with another hearing. He says he has suspicions about the future of the company and its customers.
cut 15 (07) “very much”

He says he is concerned about a tax scheme related to the deal that would allow the investors to pocket taxes collected from the monthly rates.