Governor John Bel Edwards addressed a joint session of the legislature, calling on lawmakers to raise enough revenue during this special session to reduce cuts to state programs. He wants lawmakers to limit the itemized deductions taxpayers claim on their state returns. He says this proposal would not affect the majority of Louisiana taxpayers.
The special session must end by midnight on June 23.
Lawmakers are upset after failing to approve a construction budget. Ways and Means Chairman Neil Abramson says Senate changes to the spending plan made the bill unworkable. Franklin Representative Sam Jones asked Abramson why not send the bill to a conference committee to resolve the issues…
A month ago today, a 25-year-old Tulane graduate was shot and killed while visiting New Orleans, and investigators say they are working tirelessly to find the killer or killers. According to NOPD, Thomas Rolfes had been out celebrating with friends on May 7th, then went to the gas station where his body was found by a passerby. His mother, Julie Rolfes, says this has been a total nightmare…:
cut 10 (09) “really been terrible”
The reward for information regarding Rolfes’ death is $30,000.
The state Department of Environmental Quality has resumed mercury testing in public waterways after the program was halted in 2008 because of budget cuts. DEQ environmental scientist Al Hindrichs says there are currently 48 advisories in place for 85 water bodies in Louisiana.