We’re in the final countdown of the special session, which must end tonight at 6pm. House Speaker Taylor Barras urged members to come together on a deal to prevent big cuts to higher education and healthcare.
Cut 7 (10) “…leave here”
Barras says there are three bills that need to pass today, one dealing with budget cuts, another that would increase the state’s sales tax, and the other would alter tax exemptions.
Meanwhile in North Louisiana, roads are closed and homes are flooded as about a foot of rain has fallen in some areas along I-20. In Bossier parish, they are calling for a mandatory evacuation of 3,500 residents because of rising flood waters. In Ouachita parish, Glenn Springfield with the sheriff’s office says evacuations are also underway there.
Cut 5 (07) “…rising water”
Several parishes have declared a state of emergency.
The governor has signed into law a bill to increase the tax on a pack of cigarettes from 86-cents to $1.08. But not everyone thinks this is enough. Emelie Gunn has more…
St. Tammany parish sheriffs announced today that an arrest has been made in connection with the murder of James Hamilton. A 16-year-old juvenile has been arrested and charged with 2nd degree murder. The juvenile was turned in by his grandmother and his attorney this afternoon. He is being booked into Calcasieu parish as a fugitive from St. Tammany.