The state legislature must wrap up its business by 6 tonight, and House & Senate members are working to reach a budget deal both chambers can live with. Yesterday, lawmakers from both approved a resolution to lift the expenditure cap, and they reached a deal on how much to spend and what on. The compromise agreement allows spending of $250-million for the current fiscal year, which ends in three weeks. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says many lawmakers hope to quickly get some of the money down to local governments in those coming weeks…:

CUT 11(09)      “…win-win either way.”

They’ve also agreed to invest $400-million in surplus to pay down state retirement system debt.

The state branch of the NAACP is asking its parent organization to issue a “national travel advisory” for Louisiana because of legislative policies and actions that it believes target and marginalize certain groups, including African Americans. They feel some of the bills being passed are detrimental to the black community.

Legislation that creates an oyster shell recycling tax credit for restaurants is headed for the Governor’s desk. Tieko Foxx reports…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Foxx.”

One-in-five doctors is expected to exit the profession within the next 2 years. LSU Healthcare’s Dr. Richard DiCarlo says many are retiring, but a great many are also just exhausted…:

CUT 07(08)      “…burnout.”

He says a real shortage of doctors looms in the years ahead.