A Senate committee approves a budget that takes into account a revenue shortfall of 104-million dollars. Senate Finance Chairman Glen Womack says the fewer dollars available is the result of the Revenue Estimating Conference adopting an economic forecast less robust than previously predicted. Womack says this means additional dollars for school vouchers and education operation costs had to be cut.
Cut 8 (11) “…increases in MFP.”
If this spending plan is approved, teachers could lose out on two-thousand dollars they are currently receiving through a stipend.
The summer travel season begins this weekend and motorists are having to pay more than four-dollars a gallon for gasoline. Triple-A’s Don Redman says Americans will not cancel their summer plans, but they may alter them as a result of the high gas prices…
Cut 15 (13) “….for the summer”
Despite strong opposition from Black lawmakers, the House Governmental Affairs Committee approved a Congressional map with one majority-minority district. West Monroe Senator Jay Morris’ measure would most likely result in five Republicans and one Democrat representing Louisiana in the U.S. House of Representatives, upsetting Black lawmakers who want two majority-minority districts.
Baton Rouge Senator Denise Marcelle asked Morris why Republicans should determine who represents the state in Congress, when only a third of the voters are registered Republican.
Cut 5 (11) “…Republicans in Congress.”
The congressional map debate will continue on the House floor next week.