The state senate approved a 29-billion dollar budget last night and the upper chamber also agreed to a sales tax bill that would generate 540-million dollars so that higher education, TOPS and major health programs would be spared from cuts. It remains to be seen if the House will agree to the Senate proposals and Republicans like Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt want to cut government spending….
cut 15 (12) “…point one”
The special session ends at midnight tonight.

Governor Edwards has signed one of the marquee bills of the regular session, which will allow riverboat casinos to move gaming operations on land. Executive director of the Louisiana Casino Association, Wade Duty, says the upcoming investments will help the state’ bottom line…
cut 6 (09) “….increases concurrently”

The American Cancer Society now recommends that average-risk adults get screened for colorectal cancer at 45, five years earlier than the previous recommendation. Elizabeth Fontham with LSU Health New Orleans says among adults younger than 55 years, there was a 51-percent increase in the incident of colorectal cancer, so getting screened earlier in life can save lives….
cut 9 (09) “….in to cancer”

Entergy Louisiana has an agreement to buy power from a yet to be constructed solar power plant in West Baton Rouge Parish. Entergy CEO Phillip May says the solar project will produce enough electricity to power about 95-hundred homes…
cut 11 (11) “….Louisiana”
Entergy Louisiana customers are expected to save an estimated 29-million over the life of the contract.