The Edwards administration unveiled its proposed budget for next fiscal year and it does not fully fund TOPS. The spending plan funds the scholarship program at its current level, which is 70-percent. But Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says if additional revenue is approved in the regular session, it’s the governor’s top priority to fund TOPS at 100-percent.

The Louisiana Budget Project is calling for the governor to double the earned income tax credit, which benefits low income working families. Senior Policy analyst Nick Albares says lower income families currently pay taxes at twice the rate of the wealthiest families…
cut 9 (12) “….make ends meet”
Albares says they are also proposing to broaden the state sales tax and lower the overall rate from five to four percent.

Many students are turning to GoFundMe to pay for college as the cost of tuition is increasing. Emelie Gunn has more…
voicer 2 (28) “…I’m Emelie gunn”

Many Louisiana families are gearing up for a big Mardi Gras weekend. Doctor Nancy Welborn with the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine reminds pet owners that king cakes, jambalaya and fried foods are not pet friendly snacks….
cut 5 (09) “….for us”
Welborn also reminds people to be watch out for animals playing with Mardi Gras beads.