The House has passed legislation that’s a combination of budget cuts and tax increases to the Senate, including a one-cent increase on the state’s 4-cent sales tax. Governor John Bel Edwards is disappointed the House didn’t move the tax bills sooner, but is optimistic there’s enough time for the Senate to act…
One of the items in bill includes a $52 million mid-year cut to the state Department of Education, according to the Council for a better Louisiana. CABL President Barry Erwin says this would also take away payments for mandated student testing for the current school year. He says some deals were made and essentially the House just wanted to make a statement that they wanted to cut the budget further…:
The special session to address the state’s budget deficit ends March ninth.
The Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance has launched a campaign to build support for a new I-10 bridge over the Calcasieu River. The bridge was built in 1952, and the National Bridge Inventory deemed it “basically intolerable” in 2009. George Swift, president and CEO of the alliance, says the community cannot wait any longer for a new bridge.
A jury indicted former Monroe TV personality “Mr. Wonder” on sexual assault charges. According to the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, investigators have identified 7 alleged victims as a result of a 1979 investigation. Selas has been living in California since 1985. He is currently being held in a San Diego jail. Rapides Parish Assistant District Attorney Brian Mosley says Selas will be brought back to Louisiana to face the charges.