The Governor’s Executive Budget for the 2016-2017 fiscal year will be presented to lawmakers Saturday. The adopted economic forecast projects the next deficit is around $2 billion dollars. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says they don’t plan to sugarcoat the facts..:
CUT 3 (09) “doomsday scenario”

Governor John Bel Edwards says raising taxes is needed to fix the current deficit: CUT 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Louisiana is experiencing one of its slowest flu seasons in several years. DHH health officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says the virus can be unpredictable, but these mild temperatures are likely going to keep the number of cases down…:
CUT 12 (09) “a lot better”
Flu season in Louisiana typically peaks in late February or early March.

The state Office of Student Financial Assistance has notified colleges and universities that due to uncertainty over potential budget cuts they are holding off on making any TOPS payments. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it would be a huge disaster for Louisiana if it’s unable to pay a TOPS recipients full tuition for this semester…:
Cut 14 (08) “being taken away”
The state says the suspension of TOPS payments to public colleges is just a precautionary measure.