There are 10 days left in the 2015 legislative session and lawmakers do not appear to be close to balancing the state’s budget. Legislators are tackling a $1.6 billion budget deficit for next fiscal year. La-Politics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford says lawmakers have serious doubts about being able to produce a revenue-neutral budget as required by Governor Bobby Jindal…

cut 4 (07) “accomplish that”

Alford says it seems the key to a revenue-neutral budget is the Senate-passed SAVE tax credit.

The Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control announces the start of the agency’s annual summer crackdown on underage sales. ATC Commissioner Troy Hebert says with kids out of school, the chances of them drinking or smoking goes up…

cut 10 (10) “people underage”

He says this is the third year they will increase compliance checks statewide during summer months.

A bill that would give certain protections to victims of domestic violence when it comes to their housing passes a House committee Monday. SB174 is by Baton Rouge Senator Sharon Weston Broome. Under the measure, a victim could break a lease to escape a violent situation and the landlord could evict an abuser. Chalmette Representative Raymond Garofalo says his concern with the bill deals with landlords…

cut 13 (09) “abuse victims”

The Senate approved measure now heads to the full House for further consideration.