Governor John Bel Edwards has signed the bill that increases the cigarette tax. Beginning April 1st the tax on a pack of cigarettes will be 22-cents higher, which will generate 11-million dollars in revenue for the state this fiscal year. Consultant with the Invest in a Healthy Louisiana Campaign Randy Hayden says there was no possibility that the legislature could over tax cigarettes during this session. He says when states increase the cigarette tax they are increasing revenue, while decreasing health care costs in the future.
Only a few hours remain in the special session called to address the state’s massive budget deficit. Speaker of the House Taylor Barras urged House members to come together on a deal to prevent big cuts to higher education and healthcare.
Cleco has asked state regulators for another hearing on the utility company’s proposed sale to a foreign investment group for almost $5 billion. Public Service Commission chairman Clyde Holloway says he is not in favor of another hearing.
Cleco’s attorney says the commission’s vote was flawed because it wrongly decided on the merits of the transaction. Holloway says they have already heard enough testimony from Cleco.
A massive storm is sweeping across Louisiana today pouring over half a foot of rain into the northern part of the state. Bill Davis, with the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, says as flood waters rose during the night, they began evacuating people. Davis says schools and government offices are closed today. He says the sheriff’s office has teamed up with the Wildlife and Fisheries office to use their boats for rescues.