In a letter sent to Governor Edwards, US Senator John Kennedy expressed his concern over what he called an “inexcusable waste of taxpayer funds at the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.” Kevin Barnhart has more…
Cut 1 (31) I’m Kevin Barnhart“
_____________________________________________________
Working poor families can expect to get some extra cash on their 2019 tax returns as the result of one of the few bills to escape the special session. Connor Ferrill has the story.
Cut 2 (30) ” I’m Connor Ferrill”
_______________________________________________.
The “Caucus of No” is standing by their decision to block any revenue bill from being passed in the special session. Matt Doyle has more.
______________________________________________
In a letter sent to Governor Edwards, US Senator John Kennedy expressed his concern over what he called an “inexcusable waste of taxpayer funds at the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission” based on a legislative audit. Kennedy says the bulk of the problems appeared to have occurred under the leadership of Katara Williams, who has since been moved to a position with Southern University.
Cut 4 (10) “…to recover this money.”
Among the fifteen areas of concern with the audit, Kennedy says there was 226.5 hours of overtime paid to one employee without any evidence to support the claim, sloppy travel records, and expenses for entertainment events.
Cut 5 (09) “…essence festival tickets.”
In addition to wanting to know if the governor will recoup the funds spent, Kennedy also wants to know what the future hold for Williams, who now holds a high ranking position at Southern University.
Cut 6 (11) “…handle any money.”
Not only did Kennedy send his letter of concern to the governor, but he also sent a copy to President Donald Trump.
__________________________________________________
The State Department of Wildlife and Fisheries seeks to get more people outdoors with a free fishing weekend. So Saturday and Sunday residents and visitors can fish Louisiana waters without an otherwise required fishing license. LDWF Spokesperson Rene LeBreton says they hope to attract new anglers…
One reason why they have the free fishing weekend now, is so that a novice fisherman who enjoys their experience this weekend will decide to purchase a license and they would have it for more than a year …
LeBreton says a quick visit to the LDWF website www.wlf.la.gov has lots of information for those who may not know where to get started…
Cut 9 (11) “fishing locations”
___________________________________________________
Low wage workers with kids will be getting a 40 to 50 dollar boost on their 2019 tax returns as the legislature approved an expansion of the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit. It’s all but guaranteed to be signed by the Governor. Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moller says it’ll help blunt the impact on the poor of relying on sales tax increases to fund budget gaps.
Moller says the extra cash will go right into the pockets of thousands of Louisiana families.
The EITC was a bipartisan effort starting the 70s, but was substantially expanded during the Clinton administration. It’s often regarded as one of the more effective anti-poverty tools in the government arsenal, and Moller says despite initial House Republican opposition about the cost, the measure managed to get the governor’s desk.
_________________________________________
A group of anti-tax, pro cut Republicans in the House, named the “Caucus of No” by the Governor are standing their ground, defending their move to block any move to renew a portion of expiring sales taxes that hit June 30th. Jackson Representative Kenny Havard says that group has refused to work with other legislators to find a real, long term solution to the state’s perpetual budget woes.
TOPS is facing a 30 percent cut, and higher ed is looking at 96 million dollars in reductions if additional revenue is not raised.
The Moderate Republican says most of the state is willing to raise some revenue if it means preserving programs like TOPS, funding universities, and keeping state agencies open. He says the obstruction, including Representative Alan Seabaugh’s filibuster to prevent a last second tax vote, may be playing well with their constituents, but it’s damaging to the rest of Louisiana.
But Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo, one of the House members refusing the revenue measures, stands by his, and his colleagues, decision to prevent any portion of the one point four billion in expiring taxes to be renewed. He says the Governor’s decision to expand Medicaid was irresponsible and Medicaid needs some cuts to reign in the cost.
Garofalo says he’s proud of the title “The Caucus of No” because that no stands for no new taxes.