House Republicans are expressing interest in extending all or some of the one-cent state sales tax that legislators approved in 2016. The revenue from that penny, which is set to expire at the end of June, would help prevent a billion dollar shortfall in July. But Democrat Ted James of Baton Rouge says he can’t support that tax policy….
cut 13 (12) “….we reneged”
Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards is also NOT in support of renewing the temporary sales tax, because he says a higher sales tax hurts the poor more than middle and upper income earners. But Houma Republican Tanner Magee disagrees…
cut 15 (09) “…sales tax”

Mandeville Representative Paul Hollis is bringing back his recall reform bill for the upcoming regular session. The legislation reduces the percentage of registered voters needed to recall an elected official. He says the measure was inspired by a failed recall effort in St. Tammany…
cut 4 (10) “…get close”
Hollis’ bill passed the House last year, but died in a Senate committee.

The Humane Society of Louisiana has a facebook page where you can adopt 19 horses that will participate in Mardi Gras parades. Director Jeff Dorson says the facebook page is New Orleans Mardi Gras Horses Available for Adoption…
cut 11 (10) “…and photo”
Dorson says 17 horses were adopted lat year, instead of sold for slaughter.

House Republicans are looking at renewing at least some or all of the temporary one cent sales tax as a way to address a looming one billion dollar shortfall. Houma Representative Tanner Mcgee…
Cut 12 (07) “bit longer.”
But the governor says he will not support any plan that maintains the current sales tax rate, which is currently five-cents.

The Humane Society of Louisiana has a facebook page where you can adopt a horse that will participate in Mardi Gras parades this week. H-S-L Director Jeff Dorson says 19 horses are up for adoption this year after 17 horses were adopted last year instead of heading to a slaughter house…
cut 10 (12) “…tragic endings”
The facebook page is New Orleans Mardi Gras Horses Available for Adoption.

A Mandeville lawmaker has filed legislation to make it easier to recall elected officials…
Voicer 2 (30) “I’m Don Molino.”

State Police has brought in an additional 165 State Troopers for this weekend’s big Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans. Last year, L-S-P confiscated dozens of weapons and Senior Trooper Melissa Matey says it’s something they will look out for again…
cut 7 (10) “…quarter area”

Mandeville Representative Paul Hollis has filed legislation again this year to make it easier to recall elected officials. Hollis says in jurisdictions with over a thousand people, it takes 33-percent of the registered voters to sign a petition for a recall election to happen…
cut 3 (11) “….it’s impossible”
Hollis’ proposal will lower the signature requirement to 20-percent in large cities and parishes. His recall reform bill will be heard in next month’s regular session.

Law enforcement is preparing for the Mardi Gras weekend. An additional 165 state troopers are in New Orleans and they need the public’s help stop criminal behavior. L-S-P spokesperson Melissa Matey says you can report potential problems to a special phone app called “See Send…”
cut 8 (06) “…of lives”

The AP is reporting Governor Edwards is flexible on most tax ideas to close a $1 billion budget gap and stave off deep cuts to services. But he opposes extending the temporary one cent sales tax which expires at the end of June. But one republican lawmaker says most residents don’t even notice the extra penny on the state sales tax.

The Humane Society of Louisiana has set up a facebook page for those who would like to adopt one of 19 horsts that will participate in Mardi Gras parades. Director Jeff Dorson says the facebook page is New Orleans Mardi Gras Horses Available for Adoption…
cut 11 (10) “…and photo”
Dorson says the program started last year to ensure that none of the horses used in the parades would be sold for slaughter.

There will be an expanded presence of state police troopers in New Orleans as Mardi Gras ramps up for the final weekend. They have committed 165 troopers to working the French Quarter and the metro area. Senior Trooper Melissa Matey says they will perform a variety of assignments…
Cut 6 (11) “New Orleans.”
Last year, State Police and New Orleans Police confiscated dozens of firearms along parade routes.

LSU had the 15th ranked recruiting class this year, according to 247sports.com, its lowest ranking since 2005. Top cornerback Patrick Surtain Jr. who flipped from the Bayou Bengals to Alabama, because as he put it “They win championships.” LSU Head coach Ed Orgeron…
cut 13 (12) “…at LSU’

A Rapides Parish child day care center is shut down after children are seen wandering outside the facility. Jeff Palermo has more.
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Even though Valentine’s Day falls on Ash Wednesday, it’s still the second busiest day to dine out. Erika Burns with the Louisiana Restaurant Association says get your reservations now…
cut 9 (12) “…a restaurant”

An LSU biologist has figured out a way to make Mardi Gras beads biodegradeable. His solution involves growing large ponds of algae that will develop oils that can be refined into degradeable material. Professor Nahohir Kato says the biggest hurdle will be making the production process economically viable…
cut 6 (08) “…make sense”
Kato says his biodegradeable beads will disintergrate over time if put in soil, so this would be usefull for when beads are put into landfills.

Baton Rouge based Raising Cane’s says they plan to open 80 restaurants this year in the U.S. and the Middle East. They are in 23 states now with 360 locations with plans to expand to New Mexico, Alaska and Hawaii. They expect to run 600 stores and employ 35-thousand by 2020.

Valentine’s Day falls the day after Fat Tuesday. What will that mean for Louisiana Restaurants? Matt Doyle has a look.
Voicer 1 (28) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

LSU’s 15th ranked recruiting class features 23 players, 13 from the state of Louisiana. The Tigers could have signed as many as 25, but head coach Ed Orgeron is not overly concerned they didn’t sign the maximum number of players allowed…
Cut 14 (09) “…the plan” (2x)
Orgeron says they could use the two scholarship spots on transfers or save them for the 2019 recruiting class.

The TOPS task force formed five months ago to find a long term solution to funding the scholarship program has decided against endorsing a single position, and instead is submitting a series of proposals for the legislature to consider. Jennings Senator Blade Morrish says he hopes the results will help legislators when voting on potential changes to TOPS in the upcoming regular session.
Cut 8 (07) “other side.”
It’s unclear if any of these proposals will receive majority support in the legislature.

A bill has been filed to create the Louisiana Checkbook, which is a website that would give the public an opportunity to see every transaction the state makes…
cut 14 (11) “…be able to”
Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey’s bill will be heard in the upcoming regular session.

Senator John Kennedy co-authors legislation intended to stop the feds from paying the deceased. Kelley Ray has more…
Voicer 1 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray.

A twin-engine plane that left Slidell headed for Patterson made an emergency landing in the Atchalfayla River. Coast Guard Petty Officer Lora Ratliff says the pilot realized there was not enough fuel to make it to Patterson…
cut 7 (10) “….emergency landing”
The four people on board were rescued and just one minor injury.