This morning the House Ways and Means Committee will consider a bill that will raise the state’s cigarette tax to the national average of $1.54 per pack. Stasha Rhodes, with the American Heart Association in Louisiana, says not only will an increase in the cigarette tax help the state’s budget situation now, it will result in fewer people smoking, which should result in cost savings in the future…

cut 11 (11) “15.4 million dollars”

The state is facing a one-point-six billion dollar budget shortfall.

After numerous delays, the $22.9 million makeover of the Rapides Parish Coliseum in Alexandria begins today. Rapides Police Jury President Richard Billings says, when complete, the venue will be practically brand new with renovations happening both outside and inside the building…

cut 5 (10) “for entertainers”

The project is finally getting underway after voters approved a bond issue to renovate the facility two-and-a-half years ago.

If you’re considering solar panels for your home, the Louisiana Attorney General’s office urges consumers to research the costs and benefits before buying. The A-G’s director of the public protection division, Sam Pleasant, says Attorney General Buddy Caldwell recommends that potential solar panel buyers get at least three written proposals or price quotes and speak with people who have first-hand experience in purchasing them…

cut 14 (10) “recoup savings”

She says homeowners can be attracted by a promise of reduced energy costs from solar power systems.

Caddo Parish District Attorney Charles Scott will be laid to rest today after his sudden death last week in a Baton Rouge hotel while on business at the Capitol. Pete Adams is the Executive Director of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association…:

cut 7 (09) “very intelligent”

Preliminary findings reveal the 67-year-old Scott died of previously diagnosed heart disease.