Public School teachers are hitting the hip when it comes to paying for school supplies for their students. A new survey released says teachers are spending about 480 dollars a year on notebooks, pens, and other supplies without reimbursement. Les Landon is a spokesperson for the Louisiana Federation of Teachers.
He says it’s Louisiana’s turn to shake up the status quo.
Teachers who spend their own money for supplies are able to take a $250 federal tax deduction.
A recent 5-cent rise in gas prices puts the state average at $2.61 a gallon. AAA fuel analyst, Don Redman, says multiple factors are all conspiring against the consumer. Redman has some good news though, he does not project that Louisiana will reach 3-dollars a gallon during the summer.
Redman says the Baton Rouge Metropolitan area averages around $2.54 a gallon.
A bill that would allow riverboat casinos to come up out of the water passed is heading to the governor’s desk. The legislation would “modernize” riverboat casino regulations, allowing them to expand onto land near where they are berthed, and it changes the rules on gambling space. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton and Lake Charles Representative Stephen Dwight discussed just how much gaming contributes to the state.
The Louisiana Senate has approved a budget proposal that’s described as more of a demonstration rather than an actual budget. The bill passed 27-10 with democrats making up those opposed. Most in the upper chamber agree the final version will be hammered out in the special session. The bill now heads back to the house for concurrence. The special session starts next Tuesday.