Its deadline day at the capitol, and lawmakers only have until the clock strikes midnight to reach an agreement on a budget and a sales tax bill to fund it, before the special session ends. The Senate sent an updated budget and tax bill to the House last night. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says he expects a deal to be cut before the end of the night.
The Senate’s budget and tax plan would raise a half penny sales tax to fully fund TOPS, higher ed, and healthcare, while the House would prefer a third penny sales tax and additional budget cuts. Erwin says the final compromise bill may not fully fund all programs, but it should come close.
Earlier today the House rejected senate budget amendments that would have fully funded TOPS higher ed and healthcare.
More Louisiana residents will have the ability to treat ailments with medical marijuana. Despite some early objections, the bill gathered surprsing bipartisan support in what was an otherwise contentious regular session. Gov. John Bel Edwards signed the bill which was authored by Baton Rouge Democrat Rep. Ted James.
Cut 7 (:12) “…make life more enjoyable”
It adds glaucoma, PTSD, Parkinson’s and other ailments to list of illnesses eligible for medical marijuana.
With the expansion of medical marijuana, The Baton Rouge Democrat anticipates a bill in 2019 to potentially green light recreational use. He says he’s already heard from some of his colleagues across the isle that the legislation would get serious consideration from some Republican lawmakers who are interested in the fiscal benefits.