The final act of this year’s special session trilogy is less than a week away, with the administration and many legislators scrambling to find some extra cash for programs like TOPS, which is facing a 30 percent cut. House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry recommended a gradual fade out of whatever taxes are passed to lead to more manageable budget situation.
Cut 5  (09) “dollar amount”

The session starts Monday

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It’s a disciplinary action that has been around for years, but now a study involving Tulane University researchers finds that about three out of four pediatricians are saying spankings are no longer recommended.  Tulane associate professor Catherine Taylor says it’s important to remember that even though spankings are no longer recommended, discipline in a child’s life is still crucial.
cut 8 (09) “…it always has been.”

Taylor recommends consulting with your pediatrician for advice at to see what the best disciplinary actions are for your child.
The feds are pumping 40 million dollars into the state’s Childcare Assistance Program, that helps working and middle class parents pay for child care services. That means 4,000 more families will get help finding a safe environment for their pre-kindergarten age children while they’re at work.  The program has had to cut back dramatically in the last decade, as the state cut off all funds for Childcare Assistance after years of budget cuts. Louisiana Policy Institute for Children Executive Director Melanie Bronfin says those cuts kicked 25 thousand families out of the program.
Cut 11 (12) “years ago”

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US Senator John Kennedy is weighing in on President Donald Trump’s historic summit meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. He says it took a certain kind of person to break through the Hermit kingdom’s tough outer shell, after decades of failed attempts.
Cut 12 (09)   “baby step.”