A proposal to gradually return the state sales tax to four-percent, where it was for many years prior to the Edwards administration clears out of the House Ways and Means Committee. The current state sales tax rate is 4.45 percent, but Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says it’s helping to produce surpluses
The state sales tax increased to five-percent in 2016 to to address a massive budget shortfall. It was lowered to 4.45 percent last year as part of a budget deal and Marksville Representative Robert Johnson is concerned Harris’ legislation will return the state to budget deficits…
Cut 13 (10) “…somewhat refreshing.”
The Edwards administration opposes the legislation. Revenue Secretary Kimberly Robinson says an improving economy is creating budget surpluses and rolling back the state sales tax will make it more difficult to fund state services.
A case filed by Angola death row inmates that accused the facility of cruel and unusual punishment for it’s refusal to air condition their cells has been conditionally dismissed after the two sides came to an agreement. Legal analyst Tim Meche says the state fought tooth and nail to keep from having to buy window units for the prisoners, racking up over a million dollars in legal fees, and is likely now spending even more money on the remedial activities than they would have if they agreed to the initial demands…
Cut 11 (10) “…this case.”
The dismissal could become final by November.
A study in Louisiana looks for a connection between blood sugar levels early in life and mid-life brain health. The study is called the Bogalusa Heart Study and began in the 70s with about 200 child volunteers. Co-principal investigator Dr. Owen Carmichael, with LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center, says now they will test those same volunteers now that they are in their 50s.