Republican Representative Chris Broadwater of Hammond, who serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, says lawmakers are taking a hard look at the Edwards Administration’s proposed one cent sales tax increase. He says the reason it’s such a pivotal issue is because they are trying to close a massive $950ish million dollar gap in the current fiscal year budget…:
cut 4 (06) “were it to pass”
He says the amount of revenue associated with the proposed one penny sales tax hike is keeping this a significant part of the discussion.

State Representative Kenny Cox of Natchitoches is proposing a higher tax on alcohol as a means to help close the deficit. It would be the first time since 1948. The measure would raise Louisiana’s beer, wine and liquor tax to the Southern regional averages..:
Cut 14 (05) “do something”
Under Cox’s bill, a gallon of liquor would be taxed an additional $3, and wine 34 cents more.

The Louisiana Supreme Court delays the scheduled March 14th execution of the so-called River Parishes serial killer Daniel Blank — who was sentenced to die for the brutal murder of a 71-year-old Ascension Parish woman in 1997. Blank’s attorney, Gary Clements, says an execution date should have never been set, because his client had yet to exhaust all of his appeals…:
cut 11 (10) “after that”
Apparently Blanks’ execution could not have been carried out next month either way, because the state doesn’t have the necessary drugs.

Retiring Voice of the Tigers Jim Hawthorne has been named a recipient of the 2016 Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism from the Louisiana Sports Writers Association. Longtime Alexandria sportswriter Bob Tompkins is receiving the same honor. Both men will be enshrined in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.