The revenue shortfall the state is facing has declined from 994-million-dollars to 648-million-dollars, as a result of the state collecting more income taxes due to the federal tax overhaul. House Speaker Taylor Barras says the extra money would likely go for higher education and the TOPS program…
Governor Edwards proposes using the additional 346-million-dollars to be used for several programs including 25-million-dollars to fully restore the higher education budget, 50-million-dollars going towards TOPS, 20-million for Sheriff Departments to house inmates and another 20-million for the D.O.C. Remaining funds would go to health care programs, senior citizen programs and other state projects.
A bill by Opelousas Democrat Dustin Miller to ban smoking in casinos and bars was voluntarily yanked, so he can work on the language of the measure. Opponents were concerned the bill is too broad and would ban smoking in all public buildings. Cardiologist Brent Rochon testified in favor…
Lobbyist Alton Ashy says this legislation will have a negative impact of video poker halls…
Reagan Carter, a member of the Louisiana Public Health coalition also testified in favor of the bill. Miller says he’s expecting to bring the bill back with the revised language in two weeks.