State treasurer John Schroder says he has an outside-the-gift box suggestion that will last much longer than most Christmas gifts. Marsanne Golsby has more.
Cut 1(30) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”
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It’s definitely cold outside but will it warm up any for Christmas? Brooke Thorington has more from State Climatologist Barry Keim.
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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If you’re looking to give a Christmas gift that will last long past this season, State Treasurer John Schroder has an outside-the-gift-box suggestion—an education savings plan.
Schroder says there are two START savings plans. One is for college, the other for eligible K-12 schools. He says you have until the end of this year for deposits to the account to be eligible for 2022 tax deductions on your state and federal income taxes.
Schroder says similar plans are wildly popular in other states but are underused here.
Schroder says the state will match up to 14 percent of deposits as an enhancement to get people to participate.
For more information, go to startsaving.la.gov
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Both of Louisiana’s Senators voted against the budget which ended up passing 68-29. Kennedy says he opposed the budget because it was written by Senators Mitch McConnell and Chuck Schumer and, Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Another reason he voted in opposition is inflation.
Kennedy not only called out Democrats for overspending he chastised his own party as well.
The budget which included $772.5 billion for domestic programs and $858 billion in defense would carry federal agencies through the end of the fiscal on September 30th. Kennedy says there are just too many members of Congress that have no qualms about overspending.
Cut 8 (11) “…to get the money.“
The bill passed mostly along party lines in House 225-201 Friday and heads to the President for his signature.
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One of the most anticipated cold fronts of the year has moved through Louisiana and winter has arrived right on cue. State Climatologist Barry Keim says most of the state will remain below freezing today, with the exception of the most extreme coastal parishes but it will be short-lived.
Keim says it will still be cold but just above freezing in the mid and upper 30s for the highs on Saturday.
As for Christmas Day, Keim says to expect another bitterly cold day but a slight increase in temperatures. Instead of seeing teens in north Louisiana temps will be in the lower 20s.
If you’re looking for warmer temps in the Bayou State, Keim says you’ll have to wait until Wednesday.
Remember to dress in layers, and continue to protect your pets, pipes, and plants.
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With cold weather gripping Louisiana, Commissioner of Agriculture Mike Strain says even though most livestock is more cold-resistant than pets, they still need special care in this weather.
Strain, who is also a veterinarian, says cows usually do okay if it’s cold and dry. But if possible, horses need to be in barns during extremely cold weather.
He recommends adding heat lamps to chicken coops. And he says it is important to remember that even in very cold weather livestock need to stay hydrated
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