A state audit finds water rates in rural communities don’t bring in enough revenue to cover the cost of the water system, leading to poor quality water. The EPA finds Louisaian would need to spend over 5 billion on drinking water infrastructure in the next 20 years, but State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says many people don’t want to pay more to fix the problem.

Cut 10 (08) “too high”

Louisiana’s drinking water infrastructure receives a D plus rating from the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Smokers could see cigarette taxes go up again, if a bill by West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman is approved in the regular session. Hoffman says the money generated by the proposed 22 cent hike would go into the general fund.

Cut 7 (09) “cigarette would”

Louisiana school districts decided not to move forward with a proposal to get high speed internet access because of a lack of information. Executive Director of the Louisiana School Boards Association Scott Richard says they could revisit the plan in the future, but proposed federal funding cuts for rural internet access are raising concerns.

Cut 5 (07) “been proposed”

Only 11 out of 69 districts agreed to the initial proposal.

A bill by Shreveport Representative Thomas Carmody would prevent state and local governments from removing military monuments. He says the bill does allow municipalities to maintain the memorials.

Cut 12 (07) “tended to”

The bill would also protect controversial confederate monuments.