I’m Kevin Gallagher with today’s Legislative Update from the Louisiana Radio Network.

One of Louisiana’s strongest pro-life lobbies comes out AGAINST a bill that would make having or performing an abortion punishable with prison time. Caddo Parish Representative Danny McCormick’s bill would define a procedure to terminate a pregnancy as murder. Louisiana Family Forum president Gene Mills says it’s un-needed, because the state already has a trigger law that will render abortions illegal, should the Supreme Court overturn Roe versus Wade…:

CUT 12(10)      “…Dobbs opinion”

Last week’s leaked Justice Alito opinion draft references the case of Dobbs versus Jackson Women’s Health, of Jackson Mississippi, and indicates a majority of justices support upholding it and returning control of abortion law to the states. Mills says McCormick’s bill needlessly punishes the mother…:

CUT 13(07)      “…even harmful.”

McCormick’s bill is scheduled for full House debate later this week.

The Revenue Estimating Conference increased income projections for this fiscal year by 350-million dollars today, giving state lawmakers additional money to spend. Economists are reporting better-than-expected tax collections from sales and personal income taxes. So, what to do with that extra money? Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the Governor’s Office has some ideas…:

CUT 07(12)      “…bridge in Baton Rouge”

He also favors using the money for a new I-10 bridge in Lake Charles and completing I-49 south to New Orleans. Administration economist Manfred Dix says the state is having a good year when it comes to better than expected revenues. He wonders if it could last beyond this calendar year…:

CUT 05(11)      “…ensuing fiscal year.”

The Governor’s Office would also like to use the surplus money to kick up planned $1500 teacher pay raises to $2000.