The Senate Education committee rejects a proposal to require TOPS students pay back a portion of their scholarship if they leave the state…
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

The senate approves legislation that scales back the second amendment sales tax holiday that takes place during the first weekend of September. Sales taxes will be collected on purchases of off-road vehicles, airboats and animal feed, but firerams and ammunition remain tax free. The measure heads to the House.

Student body leaders call on the state legislature to fully fund TOPS. Under the governor’s current budget proposal, the scholarship program is only 70% covered. Northwestern State University student president John Pearce testified before the House Appropriations Committee and says he’s heard a lot of concerns from students…:
Cut 30 (07) “extremely worried”
A coalition called Louisianans for Prison Alternatives made their case for criminal justice reform during a rally on the State Capitol steps. Foundation for Louisiana President Flozell Daniels served as a member of the governor’s Justice Reinvestment Task Force and he’s pushing for legislation to reduce the incarceration rate and save the state millions of dollars.
Cut 7 (08) “decarcerate”
The governor is urging legislators to pass bills that will give some inmates more parole hearings, alternatives to prison and shorter sentences for those who commit non-violent crimes.