Three weeks are in the books for the current legislative session and many say lawmakers are still not close to finding a solution to the state’s $1.6 billion dollar budget shortfall. Scott Carwile reports…:
CUT 5 (27) “reporting”

Alford adds the first tax to be on the move this session which is the cigarette tax may get its second House committee hearing on Monday. 32 additional cents a pack passed out of the House Ways and Means by an 11-5 vote to match Mississippi’s rate of 68 cents per pack. The legislation which originally sought a tax of $1.45 is on the docket for House Appropriations next.

The full Senate has approved a measure that would require public school systems to promote the online homework assistance service which is offered through state and local libraries. The bill is by Napoleonville Senator Troy Brown who says parents have been having a hard time helping out with homework because the new standards have made it so challenging. He says many people don’t know there is help available…:
CUT 6 (10) “dealing with”
The website is HomeworkLA.org. The bill now moves to the House for consideration.

Planned Parenthood said they are going to hit the steps of the Capitol to rally Monday morning at 11am. They feel the Jindal Administration plans to launch an attack on their organization and the true needs of the people of Louisiana when it comes to women’s preventative healthcare.