During his monthly call-in radio show, Governor John Bel Edwards defended the decision to raise taxes in the last legislative session. He says cutting the budget sounds easy, but it’s painful for the agencies and the people they serve.

Cut 8 (11) “…deliver education”

Edwards says there isn’t an overnight fix for the state’s budget problems.

Some state lawmakers are calling for Napoleonville Senator Troy Brown to resign after being convicted of his second domestic violence charge in four months. Senate President John Alario says Brown was suspended from serving on committees when he was arrested in July.

Cut 14 (09) “to take”

Governor Edwards called for Brown to resign after the arrest, but Brown said he has no plans to leave office.

A public hearing will be held tonight in Baton Rouge to discuss the proposed Bayou Bridge Pipeline, which would run from Calcasieu to St. James parish. Director of the Bucket Brigade, Anne Rolfes, says craw fisherman are concerned this will hurt their business.

Cut 3 (09) “the water”

But Acting President for the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association Gifford Briggs says the pipeline will bring more jobs to Louisiana.

The Bayou State will receive $18 million from a Volkswagen settlement after the company admitted to cheating on air emissions tests. Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Chuck Brown says the money has to be used to clean up the air, which is why they’re considering replacing diesel engines in some state owned vehicles.

Cut 11 (12) “their ferries”