State lawmakers have started the task of trying to close a one-billion dollar budget deficit. But there’s a divide in the legislature over how much to cut, compared to how much revenue should be raised to fill the budget hole. Governor Edwards has asked legislators to compromise over the next 17 days…
cut 30 (13) “…critical priorities”
The House Ways and Means committee heard various bills today that would raise revenue either by increasing income taxes on higher wage earners, keeping the state sales tax above four-cents or eliminating sales tax breaks for certain businesses. Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey doesn’t like that last idea…
cut 28 (08) “…other states”

A bill to create a transparency tool called Louisiana Checkbook passed the House Appropriations committee, and may be considered on the House floor later this week. The program closely mirrors Ohiocheckbook.com, where Ohio residents are presented a detailed report about state expenses.

After hitting the Southern regional average for teacher’s salaries back in 2007, Louisiana has fallen behind. Kelley Ray has more…
Voicer 1 (32) “I’m Kelley Ray.”