A group of 14 bipartisan senators have sent a letter to Governor Edwards urging him to call a special session this month, so legislators can solve the billion dollar shortfall the state faces on July 1st. Port Allen Senator Rick Ward says solving the fiscal cliff now will make it easier for legislators to pass a budget in June…
cut 4 (08) “….long way”
Governor Edwards says he’s waiting to hear from House leadership on a final list of tax bills they could support in a special session.

President Trump has asked Congress to pass a one-point-five-trillion-dollar infrastructure funding bill. But will Louisiana see any of those dollars? State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says Louisiana doesn’t have enough transportation money to match what the federal government might be willing to offer…
Cut 30 (09) “those dollars.”
Wilson has pushed for a higher state gasoline tax.

Some workers have bigger checks as a result of the federal tax reform bill approved by Congress. Sanders Offner owns Crescent Payroll Solutions in Metairie and says their phones have been off the hook with clients calling, asking why their employees are making more money. He says once their client is aware of the tax changes, everyone is happy…
Cut 9 (08) “in itself.”
He says those who didn’t see bigger checks in January because of the tax changes, can make note of that when they file their taxes next year.

St. Mary Parish Sheriff Scott Anslum says he’s fired Deputy Dustin Crabree who was arrested over the weekend and charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Crabreee was off-duty and in a private vehicle. Police say a child was inside the vehicle.