The House of Representatives is off today following a floor-fight yesterday that brought the session to another halt. Jim Shannon has more as the mid-point of the session draws near.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”
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Legislation that attempts to solve a one-billion dollar budget gap is stalled in the special session. But Jeff Palermo reports Governor John Bel Edwards remains optimistic something will get done by next Wednesday…
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”.
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Governor Edwards has declared a State of Emergency for several parishes along the Mississippi, Ouachita and Red Rivers. Flood watches and warnings remain in effect through Thursday afternoon as an additional two to four inches of rainfall is expected. GOHSEP spokesman Mike Steele says persons living near those areas need to remain alert…
Cut 3 (07) “as well.”
Steele says river forecasters say this could be just the start of an extended period in which flooding will continue to impact areas already water logged…
Cut 4 (10) “eyes on.”
Steele says they will continue to work closely with local authorities in determining conditions and a plan of action if it becomes necessary to evacuate an area…
Cut 5 (10) “communication open.”
By declaring a State of Emergency, Steele says it allows the state to ask for more help from the Federal government if needed for flood victims. The parishes in the declaration include Avoyelles, Beaurgard, Bossier, Caddo, Grant, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita and Rapides Parishes.
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The House of Representatives is quiet today as members are taking as one lawmaker termed a “mental health day” off. Fingers have been pointing all over the capitol in explanation of why the budget crunch cannot be fixed. Jonesboro Republican Jack McFarland.
Cut 6 (08) “in personalities”
McFarland says today is a needed day off so all sides can take a deep breath as the special session nears the mid-way point.
Cut 7 (09) “some more compromise”
But Baton Rouge Black Caucus member Ted James says his caucus will not cow-down to pressure of putting a financial burden on the poor.
Cut 8 (08) “We are serious”
James says he and his coalition are not backing down during this session. He says he would rather head to the house first.
Cut 9 (10) “i do that.”
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LSU has confirmed there is no active investigation on the Tiger basketball program. Yahoo Sports says an NCAA inquiry was started to learn more about Coach Will Wade’s recruiting efforts across the country. Rivals.com says the 2018 class is ranked third in the country. In a press conference Monday, Wade says he’s just looking for the best players for his program…
Cut 10 (11) “be here.”
Wade says the press will say what they want to say, and as the leader of the program, he can’t let that distract him from doing the job at hand…
Cut 11 (11) “it movin’.”
Wade says he’s proud of the team’s accomplishments and much of that success can be attributed to his recruiting style…
Cut 12 (11) “our school”
LSU in a statement in relation to the allegations says it stands for full compliance and partnership with the NCAA and SEC.
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It’s unclear if legislators will find a solution to a looming one billion dollar budget deficit before the special session ends next Wednesday. Governor John Bel Edwards is meeting with legislative leadership and remains optimistic a deal can be struck
Cut 13 (10) “always said”
The full House is expected to try again tomorrow to pass revenue generating bills that can close the looming budget gap. If an agreement can’t be reached, a special session may be needed in June to pass a budget. Edwards wants to avoid another special session…
Cut 14 (13) “funded at all”
There was a lot of finger pointing when the House was in session yesterday. Edwards says a compromise can be reached, if everyone can work together…