The House Ways and Means Committee will hear a bill today that would increase the tax on cigarettes by one dollar. Critics say the tax hike will burden low-income smokers and could hurt small businesses. Still, bill author Nancy Landry of New Orleans remains resolute, seeing it as a bold step toward a healthier Louisiana.
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America will host a free educational conference tomorrow at the Embassy Suites Hotel New Orleans Convention Center. CEO Charles Fuschillo says they’ll discuss the science of brain aging, transitioning from home to long-term nursing care after dementia diagnosis, and other topics.
The event is part of the Alzheimer’s Foundation’s Educating America Tour.
The Public Service Commission voted to remove the state’s energy efficiency program. The 3-to-2 vote will end all energy efficiency programs outside of the PSC’s jurisdiction at the end of the year. Commission Chairman Mike Francis says the third-party program for private entities is not cost-efficient.
Cut 13 (10) “…of operating costs.”
The Alliance for Affordable Energy is not happy with the decision. Executive Director Logan Burke says removing the energy efficiency program will make it harder for people to reduce their utility bills.
The commission will discuss the issue again at its meeting next month.
A Metairie couple is under arrest after a young child with special needs is found dead in their home. The 49-year-old man and and his 22-year-old girlfriend are each charged with negligent homicide. No word on how the child died.