State health secretary Rebekah Gee pleaded with lawmakers to restore funding for her department, which is facing a massive budget cut. She says without matched state dollars, we won’t be able to draw down federal funds. She adds that healthcare benefits the entire state.

Cut 15 (09) “those areas”

Gee says the budget reduction could lead to cuts in mental healthcare and pediatric programs.

Hurricane preparedness items can be purchased this weekend at a reduced sales tax rate. Eligible items include flashlights, batteries, portable generators and other emergency supplies. Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson…

Cut 3 (08) “sales tax”

But Henderson says the full amount of any local sales tax applies to all purchases.

Louisiana Economic Development partners with other agencies to create the Louisiana Veteran Entrepreneurship Program. LED Secretary Don Pierson says the program is designed to help veterans start their own business once they leave active duty.

Cut 12 (11) “own business”
The program offers an intensive boot camp at the outset and includes ongoing counseling by small business partners.

The Humane Society of Louisiana is seeking information on driver in Marksville who threw a dog out the window of a moving vehicle last Sunday afternoon. The man was driving a dark green Chevrolet. A witness took the dog to a local shelter, where a rescuer named her Penny. The Humane Society is also asking for donations towards Penny’s medical care, as she may need surgery on a fractured leg. Donations can be made at humane-la.gov.