There are three days left in the special session to address massive budget shortfalls this fiscal year and next. Governor John Bel Edwards is calling on lawmakers to raise revenues to fill the budget holes and he scored a victory last night when the House approved an increase to the state’s alcohol tax. The bill’s author, Natchitoches Representative Kenny Cox, urged his colleagues to support the higher tax…:
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Louisiana has not raised taxes on alcohol since 1948.

Baton Rouge Senator Yvonne Dorsey-Colomb files a bill for the regular session that would increase the fine for texting while driving. It’s currently $175, but this measure seeks to raise that fine to $500. Highway safety advocate Jim Champagne says police are having a hard time getting a handle on the issue..:
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The regular session convenes on March 14th.

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education has approved the Louisiana State Student Standards, which changes Common Core. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
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The Republican and Democratic parties in Louisiana congratulate the Presidential Primary candidates who pulled out victories in The Bayou State. After the March 5th election day, Donald Trump won 47 of the state’s 64 parishes for the Republicans, and Hillary Clinton picked up 71% of Democratic votes in Louisiana.