This is the Louisiana Radio Network Legislative Report, I’m Kelley Ray…

The special session is at a standstill after the House Ways and Means committee failed to approve any tax reform measures today. Lake Charles Representative Stephen Dwight brought a bill up for vote to make permanent a quarter of a one-cent sales tax that is set to expire….
cut 14 (09) “….of it”
Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey voiced his opposition…
cut 15 (12) “…two years”
No word on when the House Ways and Means commmitte will meet again. The special session must wrap up its work two weeks from today.

On his monthly call-in radio show, Governor Edwards said he remains optimistic a solution to the fiscal cliff can be reached, but compromise is hard.

The Florida school shooting that left 16 children and one adult dead has sparked a new push for gun control legislation. Matt Doyle has Governor Edwards’ thoughts on gun control.
Voicer 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

A bill to require Medicaid patients to pay a copay if they use an emergency room for non-emergency treatment is expected to be heard Thursday in a House committe. Supporters say visits to the E-R for minor medical issues drives up health care costs, but opponents say the bill will result in low-income individuals not getting the care they need.