Today is the final day of the special session and so far it appears lawmakers remain at a standstill over how much money to use from the Rainy Day Fund to put towards the $304 million dollar deficit. Democrats support the Senate bill that would use $99 million. This morning Franklin Democratic Representative Sam Jones asked Republican Speaker Taylor Baras on the House Floor the direct question…:
CUT 25 (11) “address that”
Shortly after the lower chamber took a recess, a mandatory meeting of the House Republican Delegation was called.

Powerball frenzy is in full swing today across the state as tonight’s jackpot soared to $403 million dollars. Lottery officials say Louisiana is due for a big winner as there hasn’t been one here since 2013. The chase value of the Wednesday drawing is $243 million dollars.

A study out of Tulane finds 17-hundred public school teachers have left their jobs in Louisiana because of a tougher tenure law that took effect two years ago. That’s a three-percent loss of the state’s teacher workforce. Co-author of the report is Nathan Barrett…:
Cut 3 (05) “leaving”
The 2012 law made student achievement a major part of the formula to earn tenure.

Smokers who work for the state could be paying more for health insurance soon under a plan by the Office of Group Benefits. Chief executive officer Tommy Teague says a charge like the 50 dollar a month extra if you smoke is already common in the private sector..:
CUT 8 (10) “to implement”
He says individuals who receive health insurance through the state would be required to self-report if they are a smoker.