The Senate Finance Committee has made their changes to the proposed budget for next fiscal year and sent it to the Senate floor. Amendments made to the budget only fund 48% of the TOPS scholarship program. Ville Platte Senator Eric LaFleur says they hope to have more money to fund the program after the special session…:
cut 4 (08) “to TOPS”
The upper chamber is slated to take up the budget bill tomorrow. The regular session must end Monday.

The “Ban the Box” bill, which would prohibit state agencies from asking job applicants about their criminal history before the interview process, is waiting on the governor’s desk to be signed. US Justice Action Network Executive Director Holly Harris says this breaks down barriers to employment for thousands of citizens with criminal records..:
Cut 10 (03) “crime free lives”
Governor Edwards is expected to sign the measure.

The LSU AgCenter hosts a meeting today to address the growing problem of feral hogs. Don Molino has more…:
Cut 2 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

The state Senate gave final legislative passage Monday to the REAL ID law, which in Louisiana would mean motorists would get to choose whether or not they want a license which meets federal standards. Governor Edwards is expected to sign the measure.