The House has passed legislation to the Senate that’s a combination of budget cuts and tax increases. One of the items in the supplemental spending bill includes a mid-year cut to the state Department of Education which amounts to $52 million dollars, according to the Council for a better Louisiana. CABL President Barry Erwin says this would take away 85% of the DOE’s remaining cash on hand for the current fiscal year…:
cut 15 (10) “where they’re going”
The House also passed a one-cent increase on the state’s 4-cent sales tax. The House believes the additional penny should be removed after 18-months, but Governor John Bel Edwards wants it to stay on the books, until long-term budget reforms are in place
A second officer assigned to the US Drug Enforcement Administration task force suspected of stealing and selling drugs seized in raids has been arrested by State Police. Karl Newman, who was a longtime deputy with the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, was booked on drug distribution charges. State police spokesperson Maj. Doug Cain says the investigation is ongoing.
CUT 7 (10) “law enforcement agency”
Frank Selas, former Monroe TV personality “Mr. Wonder,” has been indicted on sexual assault charges. Selas has been living in California since 1985, and he is currently in a San Diego jail. Rapides Parish Assistant District Attorney Brian Mosley says the extradition process to bring him back to Louisiana has already begun.
Selas initially claimed police had arrested the wrong man, but a San Diego judge ruled on February 11 that Selas is in fact the wanted fugitive from Louisiana.