A bill to remove the state sales tax from feminine hygiene products along with diapers is heading to the full Senate for final passage. Brooke Thorington has more.
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One-half of the legislative effort to allow the use and sale of raw, smoke-able medical marijuana has gained final legislative passage and is expected to be signed by the Governor. Matt Doyle has more.
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The White House has approved Louisiana’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for five parishes following the flash flooding in mid-May which damaged several thousand homes in Ascension, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, and Lafayette parishes. FEMA spokesperson Stuart Lewis says residents in these parishes can apply for disaster assistance…
So far, more than 2,900 homes have reported damage from the severe weather, with 737 suffering major damage and a number of them being destroyed. Lewis says FEMA can help displaced individuals find a permanent residence.
Stuart says even if you are insured, you can file a claim with FEMA if you need additional support.
To File for FEMA assistance you can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.Gov or call 1-800-621-3362.
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An effort to remove the state sales “pink tax” from feminine hygiene products and diapers is heading to the Senate floor for final passage. New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman’s bill is in its fifth year in the legislature previously carried by former New Orleans Senator J.P. Morrell. Freeman says the bill has wide support.
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Gonzales Senator Eddie Lambert questioned Freeman about how much removing the state sales tax on feminine hygiene products, along with child and adult diapers, would cost the state.
The legislation removes the collection of state sales tax on the designated items. Denham Springs Senator Rogers Pope asked how this would impact the collection of local sales for municipalities and parishes.
Removing the 4.45 percent tax would cost the state $10.5 million. The bill passed in the house 62-32. If approved by the Senate and signed by the governor, the sales tax would end in July 2022.
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The Colorado State University hurricane research team is continuing to call for 18 named storms this hurricane season. C-S-U Graduate Research Assistant Jhordanne Jones says they still do not see an El Nino developing, which can hinder tropical storm development
2020 produced a record number of storms with 30 and a record five named storms made landfall in Louisiana. Jones says there’s still a good chance the Bayou State will be threatened again this year
The 18 named storms include Ana, which formed in May. Researchers also expect eight hurricanes and four to reach major hurricane strength. Jones says Gulf coast residents should have plans in place if a storm threatens their area…
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The Legislature gave final passage to a bill that would allow the use of medical marijuana in the raw, smoke-able form.
Houma Representative Tanner Magee says his legislation will make medical marijuana more accessible to those who need it by significantly reducing the cost of the treatment.
Mississippi and Arkansas have also approved the use and sale of raw medical marijuana.
Governor Edwards indicated he will sign the bill and Magee notes, unlike the push for recreational pot, it did not face any opposition from law enforcement groups.
Magee says producers estimate the new form of the treatment will be available in January.
Recreational marijuana legalization only won 47 votes in the House compared to this medical marijuana expansion’s 75 votes. Magee says legalization is coming, but it will have to wait for one key group…
Legislation establishing the tax rate for raw medical marijuana is still working through the Legislature and was amended to include a controversial, unrelated tax proposal related to infrastructure.