The Senate passed a budget, and a sales tax bill to pay for it last night, that fully funds TOPS, higher ed, and healthcare. The tax bill raises 508 million dollars by renewing half of the expiring penny sales tax, and eliminating some business tax deductions. Senate Finance Chairman Eric LaFleur of Ville Platte says it’s a compromise he hopes everyone can be content with.
Cut 13 (07) “solid policy”
But not everyone is content with the proposal, which also must get House approval today, the last day of the special session. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says the Senate spending bill is higher than the current fiscal year…
cut 15 (12) “….nine point one”
The House is set to meet at 9:00. It’s likely the budget and tax bill will need to go to a conference committee on this the final day of the special session.

Governor John Bel Edwards signed legislation allowing riverboat casinos to move up to 12-hundred feet onto land from their current berth space. Executive Director of the Louisiana Casino Association Wade Duty says riverboat casinos will not come ashore immediately, as there’s regulatory work to do and operators have to design and come up with financing…
Cut 4 (10) “next year”
Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns, says the Shreveport-Bossier City market will benefit the most, because they face tough competition from Oklahoma, where Indian tribes are building huge casinos.

LSU’s baseeball season ended last night with a 12-0 loss to Oregon State. Earlier in the day, LSU rallied for a nine-to-five win over Northwestern State to eliminate the Demons.