It’s day three of the special session aimed at trying to resolve the state’s 850 to 950-million dollar shortfall for this fiscal year. Halen Doughty has an update…
voicer 1 (30) “…I’m Halen Doughty”

A proposal to use 128-million dollars in rainy day funds to fill the massive budget hole for this fiscal year was approved by the Senate finance committee. The panel also decided to redirect 200-million dollars in Gulf oil spill recovery money. Both bills head to the full senate for more discussion.

The House appropriations committee heard testimony today about the impact of proposed cuts to health care. Covington Representative John Schroeder was upset to hear about plans to close a pediatric health care program that helps several disabled children…
cut 30 (14) “…done our job”
Chief financial officer for DHH, Jeff Reynolds, says costs have escalated because the program has been abused by health care providers.

An independent poll from Southern Media and Opinion Research puts Governor John Bel Edwards approval rating at 42-percent. 25-percent disapprove of the governor’s first month in office, while 34-percent are undecided. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat…
cut 7 (12) “….difficult time”