The state House rejected a resolution today that asked the Louisiana Attorney General to drop his appeal of a federal judge’s order to release Albert Woodfox; the last of the Angola three. Woodfox has been in solitary confinement for over 40 years for killing a prison guard. Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith says it’s time to drop this:
CUT 10 (09) “lose again”
Several House members defended the AG and the resolution failed 65-18.

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness has damage assessment teams in northwest Louisiana assess Red River flooding damage. GOHSEP deputy director Mark Riley says the data collected is needed in a request for a federal disaster declaration…:
CUT 7 (11) “disaster declaration”

Colorado Congressman Jared Polis went on a bizarre rant about “crayfish” directed at Minden Congressman John Fleming on the US House floor. Polis disagreed with Fleming’s stance on a bill that would prevent the federal government from enforcing federal marijuana laws in states that have legalized it. Here’s how Polis responded to Fleming’s remarks…:
CUT 3 (07) “to ban that”
Fleming says Polis’s rant was very odd and puzzling…:
CUT 4 (09) “on the floor”
Fleming believes Polis should get his facts straight before going on another such rant.

State lawmakers have until 6 today to reach an agreement on the budget. Leaders say they are very close to coming up with a spending plan for next year. One of the major items up for debate is what to do about the cigarette tax which the House wants to raise 32 cents but the Senate wants to make it much higher.