According to the Tax Foundation, Louisiana has moved past Alabama for the third highest average combined state and local sales tax in the nation. Economist Scott Drenkard says Louisiana’s average combined state and local sales tax rate is 9.01 percent. He says that’s because a few local governments raised their sales taxes

cut 8 (10) “previous tabulation”

The Tax Foundation puts together a report every July on sales tax rates.

94 state lawmakers received “F” grades in the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry’s annual legislative scorecard. LABI’s Camille Conaway says this past session saw the highest tax increase in Louisiana in decades and it was unnecessary because there were other avenues that the legislature could’ve used to balance the budget.

cut 5 (10) “you believe”

Many of the lawmakers who received “F” grades are up for reelection or running for another political office.

The controversy over the Confederate flag and monuments has spilled over to whether the “Rebels” mascot is appropriate for West Monroe High School. A Facebook page has been started calling for a new nickname for the school. But 1989 Alumnus Shane Acree has started a counter page called “Hands off my West Monroe High School mascot.”

cut 13 (09) “no different”

The West Monroe High School Rebel Mascot Change Facebook page states their message is: “we have seen the rebel mascot and partnering Confederate flag cause much harm and suffering to many of our friends, family, and business associates.”

Livingston Sen. Dale Erdey is asking the Department of Transportation to study the possibility of turning the inside shoulder of I-12 into a travel lane between Baton Rouge and Walker. He says, right now, the process is in the early stages…

cut 11 (06) “from DOTD”

Erdey says not only would this help the many motorists who use I-12 through Baton Rouge, it would be good for commerce as well.