The one cent sales tax increase could get a vote in the House Ways and Means Committee today as lawmakers continue to grapple with a more than $900 million dollar current financial year shortfall. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says many republicans could vote for an increase in the sales tax, but they want the governor to commit to some long-term spending cuts:
CUT 11 (09) “regular session”
Vote on various proposals to increase taxes are expected in the committee today.

Due to the threat of extremely severe weather, most schools in southeast Louisiana are out and several Louisiana parishes state government offices will close at noon today. State climatologist Barry Keim says in addition to strong winds, hail and possible tornadoes, flash flood warnings could be issued in some parts of the state…:
CUT 6 (08) “flood issues”

You can cast a ballot in Louisiana’s March 5th Presidential Preference Primary this week through Saturday at early voting locations. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says this primary is costing Louisiana $3.5 million dollars and moving to a caucus could save the state money and reduce future spending…:
CUT 14 (09) “different way”
He says it would take a vote by legislators to make the change.

Tulane University released a study which shows students in the state voucher program scored far lower in math than those in public school. The numbers improved slightly in the second year, but were still much lower that public school performance.

At the Capitol Monday, House Appropriations approved a series of bills aimed at reducing or cutting down on the number of state contracts, which supporters say will save the state some much needed dollars.