A few national corporations have announced bonuses for employees as a result of the GOP tax bill, but on a local level the response has been somewhat more muted. LSU economist Loren Scott says Louisiana businesses are still analyzing the thousand page tax bill…
Cut 4 (10) “in Louisiana”
Republicans say the bill will help maintain the current three percent growth in GDP, and Scott says if that happens, it would be a big boost to the Louisiana economy.

Republican Party Chairman Roger Villere is blasting Governor John Bel Edwards for the options he’s presented towards solving a looming one-billion dollar budget deficit….
cut 11 (05) “…shortfall”
But Edwards says he’s asking the legislature to approve a revenue neutral plan that would reduce the state sales tax to four-cents, but removing sales tax exemptions for businesses.

No major statewide elections in Louisiana in 2018, but UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says a lot of moves will be made this year to get ready for the 2019 governor’s race….
cut 8 (12) “….2019″
Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham has already expressed interest in running for governor and there’s speculation Republican U-S Senator John Kennedy will also challenge Governor Edwards.

Qualifying for Louisiana’s spring municipal elections begins today. In West Monroe, the state’s longest serving Mayor Dave Norris says he plans on seeking an 11th term, but could face a challenge from state senator Mike Walsworth.