The number of people employed in Louisiana has reached its second highest level ever. Jeff Palermo has more…
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Eyes across the state are on the kick off of the third special session. Governor John Bel Edwards was 7 votes away from closing in on his wishes to renew a half-cent sales tax in the most recent special session, so now the attention has been turned toward legislators whose votes can tip the scales to approving a definitive tax plan. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says that even though the discussion has been focused on renewing a sales tax that is either a third of a penny or a half of a penny, there may be discussion of an amount somewhere in between the two amounts.
Cut 11 (10) “…cutting the budget”

The third special session of the year kicks off today, with some legislators expected to go to battle for the last time this year over the state’s persistent budget issues under the specter of deep cuts to TOPS and other state services. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says passing the half penny sales tax renewal will be the focus, because it fully funds the government.
If the legislature manages to pass a revenue bill, it will likely be a short term deal lasting at most 6 years. That means half a decade from now, the whole process will likely start again. Dardenne says he’s disappointed that it came down to another sales tax, instead of permanent structural tax reform.
Cut 9 (09) “years ahead.”

The half-cent sales tax came just 7 votes short of passage on the last night of the previous session, but 20 Republican legislators in the House are at odds with plan, and would prefer a third penny and 126 million dollars in across the board cuts. House Democratic Caucus Chairman Robert Johnson says Democrats won’t let that happen.
Cut 5 (08) “the board.”