The Revenue Estimating Conference met today to get more exact figures on budget deficit numbers for this and next fiscal year. Co missioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says for the budget period that ends June 30th, Louisiana is now looking at about a $70 million dollar hole that will have to be filled. He says that’s higher than they first thought so another challenge lies ahead…:
CUT 12 (09) “this shortfall”
The good news he said is that the shortfall for next fiscal year is lower than they thought at about $750 million dollars.

Flooding throughout the southeastern part of the state will impact the strawberry crop this year, particularly in Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes. Whitney Wallace, with the LSU Ag Center, says we won’t know how much the berries were damaged until farmers go to harvest…:
CUT 9 (05) “production loss”

The National Weather Service says a flood wave in north Louisiana continues to develop on the Ouachita River in Monroe at the highest level since 2009. Meteorologist CS Ross says there is still flooding going on in northwest Louisiana too…:
CUT 5 (04) “Red River”
Ross says last week’s rain event produced almost 27 inches near Monroe. The Red River crest is moving through the Coushatta area today and will move into Alexandria later this week into the weekend.

Mike Steele with GOHSEP says people whose homes were damaged by flood need to register to receive their federal assistance…:
Cut 15 (10) “by telephone”
There are now 23 declared parishes.