There are indications from both the Governor and legislative leaders that this will be the final week of the regular session. The chambers have 120 hours to come to a resolution on gaming issues, unanimous juries, a 15 week abortion ban, and possibly a budget. LaPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says the budget battles will escalate after Senate Finance passed a spending plan quite different from the House.
But it’s not just budget issues and fiscal cliffs. Alford says one of the most controversial issues, riverboat gaming on land, will come to a head later this week.
The Governor is calling for the special session, which could get the revenue needed to fund the budget, to begin Friday after the regular session ends.
Modern States Education Alliance is offering a “Freshman Year For Free” at their website which allows students to take CLEP eligible courses by nationally renowned professors, without paying thousands of dollars. Founder Steve Klinsky says the classes give credits that can be transferred to major colleges like LSU.
The project was founded, and funded by Klinsky, the Chair of Harvard’s Public education Policy Group. OR GO TO Modernstates.org
A Senate Committee will review a controversial bill today that would renew the state’s contract with New Orleans Harrah’s Casino for another 30 years. The bill has received opposition from statewide leaders like U.S. Senator John Kennedy, who say Louisiana should hold out for a better deal, and legislators are concerned about a provision that calls for less legislative scrutiny over future contract renewals. Political Analyst Clancy DuBos says he doesn’t see the bill passing in its current form, unless Harrah’s puts up more on its end.
A constitutional amendment requiring unanimous jury verdicts in all felony trials is scheduled for a vote in the House today. Louisiana is one of two states that does not require unanimous jury decisions. Legal analyst Tim Meche