The 2017 session is underway and Governor John Bel Edwards told lawmakers now is the time to pass long-term tax reform that provides budget stability, so Louisiana can better fund its priorities. Edwards is pushing a plan that would increase taxes on many businesses, but promises to lower taxes on most Louisiana residents…:
Cut 13 (12) “days ahead”
Edwards said he can’t respect legislators who vote no on every proposal, without offering their own ideas. The session must end June 8th.

Gas prices are on the rise. AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says the cost of regular gasoline rose 7 cents a gallon over the last week to $2.19….:
Cut 10 (11) “their equipment”

The feud between Governor John Bel Edwards and Congressman Garret Graves over the pace in which flood victims are getting federal aid heats up. Graves said he’s so confident that the state is at fault, he’d resign if it was actually the federal government slowing things down…:
Cut 8 (08) “or not”
But the Governor’s spokesman, Richard Carbo, says these kinds of comments aren’t doing anything to help homeowners…:
Cut 9 (08) “not accurate”
Carbo says he has a letter from HUD saying the state has not received the funds yet.

Meanwhile today was the first day flood victims could fill out a survey that would help state leaders determine how to distribute the money. The mandatory questionnaire is online at restore.la.gov, or you can call 1-866-735-2001.