A family spokesperson for Edwin Edwards says the former four term-Governor appears to be improving but remains hospitalized with double pneumonia. This is the second time the 93-year old has been admitted in the last week. Edwards’ biographer Leo Honeycutt says despite Edwards’ age and diagnosis he’s doing well.
Cut 12 (11) “..quite good”
Edwards is expected to stay in the hospital into the weekend.

Drugmaker Pfizer will reportedly plan to file as early as tomorrow for emergency use with the FDA for their COVID-19 vaccine. Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s 100-percent confident once vaccines are FDA approved, they are safe for use.
Cut 9 (08) “…in place.”
The number of COVID-19 patients in the hospital rose sharply today from 886 to 929.

Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson says expects debate on tax reform during the 2021 regular session. Nelson would like to see the state income tax repealed and give parishes greater flexibility to raise property taxes to offset revenue losses on the local level…
cut 4 (09) “….funding”
Nelson says eliminating the state sales tax will help attract businesses to this state.

Louisiana residents will get a tax break tomorrow and Saturday as there’s a state sales tax holiday. You will not have to pay the state’s 4.45 percent sales tax on the first 25-hundred dollars for most consumer purchases. Louisiana Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says the holiday does not cover vehicle purchases or meals.
Cut 7 (06) “…sales tax.”
It’s the first sales tax holiday in Louisiana in two years as they were suspended to help the state get out of a budget hole.