Legislation that results in more state dollars going towards improving roads and bridges was approved by lawmakers in the final hour of the 2021 legislative session. Jeff Palermo has the story…
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A progressive advocacy group recommends that this fall people vote against a tax swap proposal passed by the legislature. Matt Doyle has more…
Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle”
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It is an ideal weekend to go fishing and it’s also the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ Free Fishing Weekend this Saturday and Sunday. LDWF spokesperson Gabe Giffin says the annual event is a great opportunity for residents and visitors to cast a line with family and friends.
Cut 3 (08) “…license.”
Another reason the annual Free Fishing Weekend is held in June is that fishing licenses in the state run yearly beginning in June. Giffin says the free weekend gives anglers a grace period and serves as a reminder to renew.
Cut 4 (12) “…this month.”
The free weekend includes both fresh and saltwater fishing. Giffin says it’s also the perfect weekend to introduce the sport to someone who’s never been before and possibly recruit a new fishing buddy.
Cut 5 (07) “…every day.”
Outside of this weekend, anyone 16 or older must possess a Louisiana fishing license when fishing in any public waters in the state.
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Governor Edwards says he’ll look closely at a bill that would gradually increase funding for roads and bridges by an additional 300-million dollars per year. Edwards is concerned that the money is coming out of the general fund, potentially creating shortfalls in other areas of state government, especially after federal coronavirus aid is spent
Cut 6 (09) “…surely won’t”
Supporters of the proposal say the state has made major investments in education, health care, and other areas while roads and bridges continue to deteriorate. But the governor is concerned about taking money out of the general fund to put towards roads, when the general fund will see fewer dollars in 2025. when a temporary sales tax expires…
Cut 7 (12) “…alone”
The transportation funding bill received overwhelming support in the House and Senate. Starting in 2023, it would begin to shift sales tax revenue from vehicle purchases from the general fund to another fund for highway projects. Edwards supports the idea of investing more dollars into roads, but not at the expense of other key government services…
Cut 8 (11) “..crticial investments”
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A tense exchange between two lawmakers ended in threats, tears, and the removal of a bill. On Wednesday Bogalusa Representative Malinda White and Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh had a heated exchange over her bill and White allegedly said to Seabaugh “let me get my gun and finish this or I’m going to get my gun and we can finish this.” White then pulled her bill.
Cut 9 (11) “…about.”
House Bill 159 would provide a civil definition of domestic abuse. White who has previously shared that she’s a victim of domestic abuse herself was visibly emotional over the withdrawal of her bill.
Cut 10 (13) “…House Bill 159.”
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The Louisiana Budget Project recommends voters reject a “tax swap” tax reform proposal passed by the legislature at the fall ballot.
The constitutional amendment would lower income tax rates in exchange for eliminating the ability to deduct federal taxes. Executive Director Jan Moller says this doesn’t do anything for most Louisianans.
Cut 11 (11) “…taxes”
Tax rates on income over 50,000 dollars a year would be slashed by 1.75 percent while rates on income below 50,000 dollars a year would only fall half a point or less.
Moller says the “tax swap” also features some unfortunate inclusions like an automatic trigger that would further cut taxes should the state see a surplus and a hard income tax cap of 4.75 percent.
Cut 12 (10) “..finish line”
Should those two features go into effect opponents argue the state could have to make deep cuts to healthcare and education should the economy tank in the future.
Moller says because the proposal disproportionally benefits upper-income earners and includes some bad long-term tax policy…
Cut 13 (09) “…needs.”
Supporters of the tax swap say it simplifies the state tax code and will make Louisiana more attractive to businesses.
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The Advocate newspaper reports retired Oregon State Coach Pat Casey is unlikely to become the next coach at LSU. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says LSU hiring a coach who allowed a sex offender to play on Oregon State’s 2018 national championship team would not be a good look.
Cut 14 (12) “….the energy”
Another name to watch in the school’s search for a new coach is former LSU catcher and current Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco. Bianco has spent the last 20 years as the coach in Oxford and Higgins believes he could do a good job as the head man in Baton Rouge.
Cut 15 (11) “…a lot”