Senate Finance approved a spending plan that cuts nearly 25 percent of the budget of many state agencies. Becca Dill has more.
Students Graduating from LSU this morning were treated to a commencement speech by Alumnus U.S. Congressman Steve Scalise. Scalise’s speech was full of funny stories as he described getting phone calls from leaders all over the world. He says he was truly humbled by the attention which inspired him.
Cut 4 (09) “back up”
A Senate Committee will review a controversial bill that would renew Harrah’s Casino’s contract for another 30 years. The bill has received opposition from statewide leaders like Senator John Kennedy who say Louisiana should hold out for a better deal, and legislators concerned about a provision that would cut the capital out of future negotiations. But many in New Orleans are hailing the bill, which would see the city take more control over future contract discussions, and calls on Harrahs to invest in a new Hotel. DuBos says that’s not the only bonuses for the Crescent City.
A constitutional amendment requiring unanimous jury verdicts in all criminal trials will be taken up by the House today. Louisiana is one of two states that does not require unanimous jury decisions. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says Louisiana’s outlier verdict system influences DAs to charge suspects with crimes that have longer sentences, just to have a better chance at conviction.
The amendment would have to survive a popular vote before being put into law.
Meche says non unanimous jury requirements lead to more innocent people pleading guilty to crimes they did not commit.