The House is expected to take up a bill today that would raise the alcohol tax for the first time since 1948. The author of the measure, Natchitoches Representative Kenny Cox, says every dollar we can raise is important and this tax would generate 27 million dollars a year…:
CUT 7 (08) “a shot”
The full house is also anticipated to take up a bill to increase the cigarette tax by 22 cents.

The one cent sales tax increase cleared a Senate committee and now heads to the full Senate with a new sunset time of five years instead of 18 months. Governor John Bel Edwards urged the senate to raise the sunset, because it wouldn’t address the state’s budget needs. Revenue Secretary Kimberly Robinson spoke for the governor…:
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The extra penny on the state sales tax would go into effect on April 1st and raise 210-million dollars.

The Louisiana National Guard at Jackson Barracks in New Orleans opens their Boots in the Sand Desert Storm exhibit today. Emelie Gunn has more…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

A new water testing system opens today in Shreveport which state officials say will let the Department of Health and Hospitals take and treat water samples in north Louisiana instead of driving them down to Baton Rouge. DHH spokesperson Bob Johnannessen says the cost savings will be significant…:
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He says this will be especially helpful when communities are under a boil water advisory.