The Louisiana House is struggling to reach an agreement on renewing a portion of an expiring one-cent sales tax that’s needed in order to avoid cuts to state services. A proposal to renew half a cent failed by 10 votes last night. So does the most recent vote come off as a failure? LA-Politics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford says not necessarily…
cut 15 (12) “…wait and see”
Alford says the governor and Democrats prefer the half-a-cent sales tax renewal, while Republicans are digging in at four-tenths of a cent.

The state Revenue Deparment says it’s too soon for a definitive estimate on how much revenue the state will receive as a result of a US Supreme Court ruling that allows states to collect sales taxes from online purchases. L-D-R says the state currently receives sales tax from big internet retailers, like Amazon.

The statewide average for regular gasoline is down three-cents from a week ago, but AAA is anticipating a rise in prices at the pump, because demand is growing and inventories are decreasing. AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says OPEC meets today and they will discuss increasing oil production….
cut 11 (11) “….such as russia
The current statewide average is $2.59 a gallon for regular gasoline.

An organization dedicated to preparing Democratic women for the challenge of running for office will hold its inaugural graduation this weekend. The Emerge Louisiana event will honor 22 class members who completed 70 hours of in-depth candidate training. Executive Director Melanie Oubre, says the program has a history of favorable outcomes for graduates in other states…
Cut 4 (08) “…a 70% win rate.”
Oubre says two women in this graduating class will be on ballots this fall and the others plan on running for an office next year.