Louisiana has set a new record high for gas prices as the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline has reached $4.19. That’s according to Triple-A. The price at the pump increased nearly five cents from yesterday and it’s up 15-cents in the last week and 33-cents over the last month.

According to the Consumer Price Index, the inflation rate for April was 8.3-percent. Brooke Thorington has more from a local economist.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Legislation to begin the phase-out of a temporary sales tax has been killed by the Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee. The sales tax is set to expire in 2025, but Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala’s bill would begin phasing out the tax in 2023. The tax generates 400-million dollars in revenue annually and Norco Senator Gary Smith says Bacala’s proposal will actually cause more financial problems…
cut 8 (14) “…. then later”

The budget bill contains 300-million dollars for a new Mississippi River Bridge, 100-million dollars to replace the Lake Charles Bridge, and 100-million dollars for extending I-49 South to New Orleans. Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says there’s also 150-million dollars for preservation…
cut 12 (06) “…across the state”
The full Senate is expected to vote on the budget later this week.