Two of the four amendments on Saturday’s ballot have to do with passing budgets in the legislature. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
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LSU Coach Brian Kelly says National Signing Day felt more like Tax Day instead as money is becoming more of a factor in getting players to sign with a school. Sean Richardson has the story…
Cut 2 (30) “….I’m Sean Richardson”
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Two of the amendments you’ll be voting on on Saturday have to do with passing budgets in the legislature. Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala (BAH-ka-lah) authored amendments 2 and 3. Amendment 2 would require a 48-hour waiting period before voting on budget-related legislation. Bacala says a situation arose in the 2023 regular session that prompted this amendment.
Cut 3 (09) “…even review them.”
Amendment 3 would allow a session to be extended by two days to finish work on the budget if necessary, and it would permit up to three such extensions. Bacala says under the current law, failing to pass a budget bill on time would trigger a lengthy – and costly – special session.
Bacala says the two amendments are designed to work hand-in-hand.
Cut 5 (05) “…both passed together.”
The legislature passed both amendments nearly unanimously, clearing the way for their placement on the ballot.
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Republican Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming announced his 2026 U.S. Senate candidacy, challenging incumbent Sen. Bill Cassidy. Fleming, a former naval officer and senior Trump advisor, emphasized his dedication to America First principles, highlighting his service in Trump’s administration. ULM Political Science Professor Dr. Pearson Cross says it will be an interesting race.
Fleming, who served as a U.S. Representative from 2009 to 2017 and co-founded the House Freedom Caucus, criticized Cassidy for voting to convict Trump during his impeachment trial, arguing Cassidy betrayed Louisiana conservatives. Cross says its likely Flemmings has gotten assurances Trump will endorse Flemming…
Cut 7 (05) “…consider him loyal.”
Congressman Clay Higgins may be another challenger to Cassidy for his Senate seat in 2026. Cross suggests Trump’s endorsement will likely determine the race’s outcome among Republican contenders.
Cassidy’s spokesperson questioned Fleming’s motives, citing his brief tenure as state treasurer and alleging his eagerness to leave Louisiana for Washington.
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LSU football coach Brian Kelly sounded off on the NIL landscape that’s dominating recruiting. The veteran head coach says recruiting used about relationships, now it’s about the dollars…
The Tigers signed 23 players to start the early signing period. Recruiting services rank LSU’s class anywhere between sixth and eighth. Kelly is pleased with the class he brought in, but it will take more financial support from Tiger fans to remain competitive…
Cut 10 (08) “…one or two guys.”
LSU lost out on a few elite prospects in the final two weeks leading up to the early signing period. LSU can make up for those losses by signing players out of the transfer portal, but again it will take money….
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Governor Landry signs the tax reform bill this afternoon in a ceremony at the Capitol. Standing before lawmakers, Landry said passing the complex was a true team effort.
Cut 12 (15) “…our job creators.”
The package that Landry signed includes an across-the-board tax cut to a flat three-percent and the elimination of the corporate franchise tax. Landry says this tax reform package is the dawn of a new era.
Cut 13 (11) “…pro-business environment.”
Landry says thanks to this overhaul of the tax code, Louisiana can now bridge the gap with neighboring states and keep its home-grown talent here.
Cut 14 (10) “…it’s frustrated us.”
Landry, however, did not get the broadening of the sales tax base he had been seeking. Instead, the tax package calls for an increase in the state sales tax rate to five-percent.