9:30 LRN Newscast

A couple of major changes to Louisiana’s tax code failed to receive support from the House Ways and Means Committee. Oil City Republican Danny McCormick tried to convince the panel to support his bill that would eliminate state and local sales tax on groceries. McCormick says it’s time to give a meaningful tax break to the citizens of Louisiana…

Cut 13 (08)  “…fixed incomes.”

Guy Cormier, the executive director of the Louisiana Police Jury Association, voiced his opposition to the bill. He says the proposed tax break would cost local governments 600 to 700-million dollars a year statewide…

Cut 14 (10) “…taxpayers monies.”

When it came time for a committee member to make a motion to vote on McCormick’s proposal, no one did. That lack of action killed the bill for the session.

The Senate Judiciary “A” Committee hears several auto insurance bills today. Among them is one that would limit payouts to uninsured injured drivers. Committee Chairman Greg Miller says thanks to inflation, insurance rates will never be as low as they were, say, ten years ago. But he says the legislature can do things to make them more reasonable.

Cut 6 (17) “…our neighboring states.”

Tourism groups are assuring visitors from north of the border and beyond that they are welcome in South Louisiana with open arms. New Orleans and Company CEO Walt Leger (luh-ZHAY) says despite the number of Canadians cancelling their trips due to escalating tensions between the two countries, he still expects a brisk tourism season.

Cut 9 (08)  “…that’s out there.”