We’re just hours away from the opening of the 2017 legislative session. Among big topics this year at the Capitol is a push to raise the state’s gasoline tax. But Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says many lawmakers are concerned that the additional revenues will not go towards their intended purpose…:
Cut 5 (10) “structure”
Tax reform, TOPS and criminal justice reform are other discussions up for debate over the next 2 months.

A little over 8 days after a former Marksville City Marshal was sentenced to 40 years in prison for the murder of a six year old, the child’s father, Christopher Few is finding himself in trouble with the law. Jeremy Mardis was in a vehicle with Few when police opened fire, killing the child in 2015. Few, who was injured in the incident, was arrested over the weekend on domestic abuse charges. Derrick Stafford was found guilty of manslaughter in the death of Mardis and injuring of Few.

Flood impacted homeowners can now fill out a survey to see if they qualify for federal assistance. The Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Julie Baxter Payer says this is a very important first step in the process, then the federal aid will be doled out in phases, and families most in need of assistance will get help first….:
Cut 12 (11) “severe damage”
The survey is online at restore.la.gov.

A bill to raise the minimum age of strippers to 21 is back again for this legislative session. Lake Charles Representative Ronnie Johns says the law was passed last year and recently temporarily blocked by a judge for being too vague, which is why the new bill makes clear what he means by nudity and strip club…:
Cut 15 (09) “at 21 years old”
He says the bill’s intent is to curb human trafficking.