Recent polls have shown the public does not support increasing taxes as a way of solving the state’s budget deficit, but one pollster says these surveys might not tell the whole story. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
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It is expected the Ways and Means committee will vote on some of the governor’s tax proposals on Tuesday. There are bills to increase taxes on cigarettes and alcohol and measures to raise corporate and income tax rates.

The big question is whether lawmakers will go along with the Edwards’ proposal to hike the state sales tax by one penny, which is expected to generate over 200-million dollars in the final three months of this fiscal year.

Avoyelles Parish is going to see improvements in their water system with a project calling for new pump stations, a new ground water storage tank and a new well and chlorination facility. The Department of Health and Hospitals awarded a $2.1 million dollar grant to help ensure Avoyelles drinking water is safe. DHH State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry…:
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He says Avoyelles Parish residents may notice a slight difference in the water but they can be sure that the change means the water is safe.

Two teenagers from Dequincy died following a head-on crash in Calcasieu Parish Sunday morning. State Police say a Chevy pickup driven by 18-year-old Charlee Smith passed another vehicle in a no passing zone and struck a Ford F-150 driven by 17-year-old Lauren Marie Leblanc head-on in the opposite lane of travel. Both Smith and Leblanc were pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses reported Smith was speeding and driving erratically prior to the crash.