Governor John Bel Edwards spoke today before the Senate Labor committee in support of a bill that would raise the minimum wage to $8.00 an hour, then $8.50 in 2018. The governor says the current minimum wage of $7.25 is not enough to money to make ends meet…:
CUT 30 (10) “expenses”
Those who oppose the increase argue that the higher pay rate would negatively impact small businesses. The Committee approved a bill today that would establish the Louisiana Equal Pay Act.

A bill is heading to the House floor that calls for legislative approval to waive work requirements for food stamp recipients. Monroe Representative Jay Morris says unemployed able-bodied adults should be required to take steps towards getting a job before they receive government assistance…:
Cut 15 (07) “for society”
The state recently estimated 31-thousand able bodies adults would lose their benefits, if they they were required to find work.

Lafayette’s own local celebrity, 23-year-old MacKenzie Bourg, will find out tonight if he’ll advance to the Top 3 on the final season of American Idol. The Fox signing competition show resumes at 7pm where the voting results from last week will be announced, at the contestant with the lowest total will be eliminated. MacKenzie’s dad, Rudy Bourg, says his son is already a winner…:
CUT 6 (08) “last second shot”
Lots of folks from Acadiana will be on tonight’s show from footage taken at Bourg’s homecoming parade last Saturday in Lafayette.

The state sales tax increases by a penny starting tomorrow, and new taxes on cigarettes and alcohol also go into effect. LSU Marketing Professor Dr. Dan Rice says shoppers making big purchases, like vehicles or furniture, will likely see a difference after the sales tax goes up…:
Cut 10 (08) “situation”
He says most people won’t even notice a difference.