An attempt to raise the state’s gasoline tax has died on the House floor. Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter did not bring his 17-cent per gallon gas tax hike up for a vote, because he said the 70 votes were not there. The Republican Party of Louisiana vocally opposed the bill.

A Senate committee defers two bills seeking to protect confederate monuments after 5 hours of emotional testimony. Halen Doughty has more…
Voicer 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Drug felons would be eligible for food stamps under a House-approved measure . An amendment was added to the bill that would require drug testing in order to receive the benefits, but Monroe Representative Katrina Jackson says further restrictions hurts these offenders chances of turning their life around…:
Cut 5 (10) “so much”
The amended measure passed the House and heads to the Senate.

A bill heading to the Senate floor would add the name of former state representative Jimmy D Long to the front of the Louisiana School of Math, Science and Arts. There was strong opposition from LSMSA Alumni Association president Jamie Smith who does not want the Natchitoches school’s name changed….
cut 15 (11) “…and money”
Despite this opposition the bill heads to the Full House for final passage.