Now that the governor has released his plan for how he’d like to see criminal justice reformed in Louisiana, the recommendations are now in the hands of lawmakers. New Orleans Representative Walt Leger is a member of the Louisiana Justice Reinvestment Task Force. He hopes the legislature realizes that this plan is one that actually fights crime…:
Cut 4 (10) “across the board”
He says legislation will be offered that will get the state where it needs to be in terms of prison population.

The conservative political advocacy group, Americans for Prosperity, is pushing back against proposals to increase the state’s gasoline tax. State Director John Kay says they stand against any increase on the gasoline tax, no matter how big or small, because Louisiana taxpayers have already seen their taxes go up enough…:
Cut 13 (07) “the legislature”
Proponents say a gas tax increase would be the only way to get all the money needed to fix the state’s road and bridge backlog.

A Tulane study finds cancer patients are more likely to receive palliative (pay-lee-ay-tive) care after learning more about it. Researcher Michael Hoerger (Her-ger) authored the study and says there are a lot of misconceptions about palliative care. He says the purpose of this study is to dispel some of the rumors…:
Cut 10 (09) “serious illness”
He says after learning about the benefits of palliative care, 75-percent of participants were more likely to seek it out.

All 12 jurors have been sworn in for the trial of one of the former Marksville city deputies accused of shooting and killing a 6-year-old autistic boy, and injuring his father. Derrick Stafford’s trial is slated to begin on Monday.