Last night the House finally approved a $26 billion dollar budget, but there’s still a $600 million dollar hole in expenses for the fiscal year that begins July 1st. The plan on the table currently contains deep cuts to TOPS and partnership hospitals. LSU economist Jim Richardson, who also serves as the chairman of the task force for long term budget reform, says to raise that much money, lawmakers will likely have to alter personal income taxes…:
CUT 3 (11) “do constitutionally”
Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s confident lawmakers will make the tough choices needed over the next two weeks in the special session to balance the state’s operating budget.

Tropical Storm Colin continues to gain speed and strength as it heads to Florida, which forecasters say could cause serious flooding along much of the state’s gulf coast. The system should have no impact on Louisiana weather.

Looking back on this final day of the session, it’s been and up and down for the governor. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says one of the many things Governor Edwards is dealing with right now is pressure to veto a bill that gives patients the ability to see a physical therapist without a doctor’s referral…:
CUT 9 (09) “his allies”
The regular session must end by 6 today, and the special session will begin at 6:30.

Another bill on the governor’s desk would force pet stores to display licensing information on the animals it sells. Alicia Haefele with the Louisiana SPCA says the aim is to stop puppy mills from selling sick puppies who have been living in unsanitary conditions….:
cut 12 (09) “potential owner”
Haefele says these regulations do not apply to animals up for adoptions from shelters.