The state legislature approved a budget as the special session ended last night, but a sales tax proposal did not make it through the process, which means TOPS and public colleges are underfunded for the fiscal year that starts July 1st. State agencies are also looking at a cut. A bill to replace an expiring one-cent sales tax with a half-cent tax failed by six votes in the House. Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s embarassed by the lack of cooperation in the legislature…
cut 15 (12) “….underfunded”
Governor Edwards says the body’s failure means another special session will be called, costing taxpayers 50-thousand dollars a day.

Americans for Propserity-Louisiana is applauding House members for what they say taking a principled stand against tax increases. The group says state government needs to live within its means.

The Secretary of State’s office is accepting proposals to replace the state’s 10-thousand Election Day and Early Voting Machines. Meanwhile, interim Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says the department is moving on after the resignation of Tom Schedler, who is named in a sexual harassment lawsuit. Ardoin says steps have been taken to correct alleged mistakes in the past…
cut 6 (10) “….behavior”

Good news for women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, a new study finds chemotherapy may no longer be needed. Doctor Lucio Miele (MEE-LAH) says researchers have found that chemotheraphy treatment in up to 70-percent of the cases could cause problems if the cancer returns…
cut 11 (07) “….hormone therapy and chemotherapy”
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women.