After five days of stalled negotiations, lawmakers are optimistic that legislation will begin moving forward when legislators convene Sunday afternoon. Lake Charles Republican Representative Steven Dwight’s bill to extend a portion of the expiring one penny sales tax will be heard, and he says he’s optimistic about its chances…
Medicaid reform is also on deck, with a proposal from West Monroe Republican Representative Frank Hoffman to implement work requirements for beneficiaries. New Orleans Democratic Representative Walt Leger’s bill to reduce itemized tax deductions will also be heard. Dwight says it’s something for both parties.
Baton Rouge Democratic Representative Ted James says after a week of haggling, the legislature is showing some signs of life.
If the proposals advance out of committee, they would then be heard on the House floor. James says a plan to get back in the black could still be a ways off, with Democrats balking at allowing special sales tax exemptions for certain industries.
The governor’s office of homeland security has activated it’s crisis action team due to the threat of severe weather in some portion of the state. In northwest Louisiana a flash flood warning is in effect through 6 p.m. Saturday.
A Baton Rouge Federal judge has closed the valve on construction of the Bayou ridge crude oil pipeline through the Atchafalaya Basin. The lawsuit was at the behest of environmental groups opposed to the project. U.S. District Court Judge Shelly Dick issued the order yesterday halting all work on the pipeline until quote…”the issue can be tried on its merits.”
Police arrested two people they say were involved in a shooting on the Southeastern Louisiana university campus. Spokesperson Tonya Lowentritt said the incident likely involved both students and non-students, but police are still working to determine who was at the scene.
CUT 4 :05 Under investigation.”
Officials say several individuals were near the assembly hall, where basketball games are played when the shooting occurred…
Governor Edwards released a statement that says “the state is ready to mobilize every available resource…to assist in this investigation.”