TOPS and Higher Education are facing cuts next fiscal year after a special session failed to address the loss of a billion dollars in expiring sales taxes. Higher Education Commissioner Joe Rallo says cuts to public colleges will hurt more than just students and faculty, it could cripple the state’s economy…
cut 9 (12) “…it deserves”

A Denham Springs man has been charged with a hate crime after he allegedly tried to steal an ATM from a conveinence store. Livingston Sheriff Jason Ard says the motive 27-year-old Chad Horsley gave is a little strange…
cut 15 (11) “…that nature”
Ard says Horsley also told those in the store he was an East Baton Rouge officer, but that is not true and they are not sure if he ever served in the military.

Governor Edwards is planning for another special session after legislators did not address the loss of a billion dollars in temporary sales taxes. Louisiana will receive an additional 300-million dollars in state tax revenues, because of changes made as a result of the federal tax overhaul. Edwards says even with the extra revenue, deep cuts will be needed and there will be more urgency to raise revenue in a special session that he hopes will begin in May…
cut 12 (11) “….this year”
But Kenner Representative Julie Stokes says the House is so divided that it will be difficult to agree on any significant tax reform policy…..
cut 6 (11) “…this situation”