Louisiana’s budget problems are getting worse. The Revenue Estimating Conference has revised the deficit for this fiscal year from 750-million to 892-million dollars. The legislature’s chief economist Greg Albrecht says Louisiana’s lagging economy is impacting state tax collections…:
CUT 6 (10) “state recession”
The budget deficit for next fiscal year has swelled past two billion dollars.

Meanwhile Governor John Bel Edwards has called a historic statewide televised address Thursday to the people of Louisiana that will focus on the budget crisis. It will air beginning at 6:30 pm and will also be carried by Louisiana Radio Network. Edwards said in a written statement that the problem is so severe that it’s important for him to outline the issue directly to the public.

State lawmakers have started filing bills for the special session, and one of the first measures proposed would increase the state tax on a pack of cigarettes another 22-cents to $1.08 per pack. West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman says this tax will generate more state revenue, and could result in healthier outcomes for citizens…:
CUT 3 (05) “as well”
If the proposed bill passes, the tax will go into effect on April 1.

Bossier City Representative Mike Johnson announces he’s running for the 4th Congressional District seat being left open by Congressman John Fleming. Political analyst Elliott Stonecipher says even though the author of the failed “religious freedom” bill got name recognition from the proposal’s controversy, this is still anyone’s race. Stonecipher says voters in the 4th District aren’t used to having so many candidates to choose from…:
CUT 15 (09) “a rush I think”
Fleming is a candidate in this year’s US Senate race.