The House failed to approve a proposal to renew a half cent of an expiring one cent sales tax as a way to generate revenue to avoid cuts to state services.  The measure received sixty votes, but it needs seventy in order to receive passage and head to the Senate.  The legislation can be brought up for reconsideration.  And it can be amended to lower the amount that is renewed.  But time is ticking as the special session is set to end Wednesday.

The US Supreme Court ruled today that state can go after online retailers for sales taxes on purchases made by consumers. Jeff Palermo ahs the story…
voicer 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”
Louisiana no longer holds the distinction as the prison capital of the nation. According to the latest data made public by the Advocate Newspaper, Oklahoma incarcerates more people per 100-thousand residents than Louisiana. When running for office, Governor Edwards promised to reduce the state’s prison population and last year the legislature approved 10 criminal justice reform bills to jump-start the process.
Cut 10 (03) “…better direction.”
Louisiana’s incarceration rate remains well above the national average.

The Mighty Lions of Lafayette High School are working out in their new weight room today, thanks to a generous donation by former NBA superstar Shaquille O’ Neal who helped fund the project that cost a little more than $40,000. Football coach Rob Pool believes Shaq’s donation sparked other contributions to get the weight room put together. Without his help, it would have been another two years before they could have raised the necessary money.
Cut 7 (10) “…helped as well.”
O’Neal’s donation was part of South Louisiana Giving Day.