The Louisiana House has started debating a 30-billion dollar budget that proposes a 12-hundred dollar teacher pay raise, but not 39 million dollars requested by the governor for increased public education funding. Louisiana Federation of Teachers legislative director Cynthia Posey is concerned that the teacher pay “raise” isn’t really a raise…
Cut 4 (08) “…stipend.”
But House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry says the pay raise will become permanent once the M-F-P is approved, which is the funding formula for public schools and that measure is making its way through the legislative process.

A large portion of the state is under a slight risk for severe weather today. State Climatologist Barry Keim…
cut 11 (08) “….at some risk”
There’s been significant street flooding in Bossier City that’s led to water rescues and evacuations.

A constitutional amendment to exempt diapers and tampons from the state sales tax fails in the Senate, but the measure got a second chance at life before discussion wrapped for the day. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Voicer 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The prime minister of South Korea will join Governor Edwards at 10:30 this morning for an economic development announcement in Lake Charles.