We will get more details today on how Governor John Bel Edwards plans to expand Medicaid. Jeff Palermo has the story….

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Louisiana’s Congressional Delegation has sent a letter to President Barack Obama urging him to declare a federal emergency in Louisiana due to flooding along major rivers in the state. The letter supports a previous request from then-Governor Bobby Jindal for a Presidential Emergency Declaration for Louisiana. The declaration would secure federal funds to protect Louisianians from the flooding.

Governor John Bel Edwards’ Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says they plan to lay out options to overcome Louisiana’s monumental financial problems. Dardenne says the shortfall for next fiscal year, when taking into account falling oil prices, could be close to $2 billion dollars if permanent changes to the budget aren’t made. He says despite the tough task at hand, the new administration remains optimistic…

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Edwards is expected to call a special legislative session to address these issues.

New Lt. Governor Republican Billy Nungesser enters office facing tremendous budget challenges. He says it’s hard to ask for money for tourism when we’re facing cuts to education and other critical needs…

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Nungesser says it will take some creativity and working with the legislature to change laws to create more money within tourism.