West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman has filed a bill that would increase the state’s tax on a pack of cigarettes from $1.08 to a $1.30. Hoffman says the money generated from the 22-cent increase would go into the general fund of the state’s budget….
cut 7 (09) “….cigarette world”

Shreveport Representative Thomas Carmody is proposing legislation that would prohibit government from removing, relocating or destroying a memorial that commemorates wars in US History. This proposed law would protect controversial confederate statues. Carmody says we should honor those who fought for our country and protect the monuments that commemorate their service…
cut 14 (09) “…our military”

A state audit finds 41-percent of local water systems have expenses that exceed revenue. State health officer Doctor Jimmy Guidry says if you don’t keep up with an aging system, the repair costs continue to rise. He hopes this audit makes residents and elected officials realize drinking water is a key part of our health…
cut 11 (09) “…tap”
The EPA finds Louisiana water systems would need to spend 5.3 billion dollars on drinking water infrastructure over the next 20 years.

The Board of Regents was offering all school districts an opportunity to get connected with high speed internet, but the plan has been tabled because of low interest. Executive Director of the Louisiana School Boards Association, Scott Richard, says proposed cuts to federal funding for internet in rural areas raised some concerns…
cut 5 (07) “….been proposed”
Richard says is hopeful local districts will have another opportunity to take advantage of this kind of program again in the near future.