Governor John Bel Edwards has sent a letter to congressional leaders urging the protection of Medicaid expansion. The governor’s communications director Richard Carbo says with the debate underway in the nation’s capital to repeal and replace Obamacare, Edwards is standing behind the program he signed into law on his first day in office…:
Cut 13 (10) “this year’s budget”

The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics finds Louisiana’s unemployment rate has seen little change overall in the past year, but manufacturing and the oil and gas industry continue to see big losses. LSU economist Dr. Loren Scott says Houma lost 6,000 jobs over the year, and Lafayette lost 9,000…:
CUT 10 (11) “too low”
Louisiana’s unemployment rate is just under 6-percent statewide.

The state Legislative Auditor’s Office launches an investigation into the travel spending of Louisiana State Police. The inquiry comes amid an ongoing investigations into the agency by the Governor’s Office. Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera hopes this probe will lead to policy changes…
Cut 3 (09) “in the future”
LSP is conducting their own internal investigation into the side trips and possible overtime pay. State Police Col. Mike Edmonson hopes the findings of all these probes can be turned into new policy and accountability practices…:
Cut 5 (09) “welcome that”
There’s speculation Edmonson may resign, but the Colonel says he has no plans to do so.