Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter has filed a bill to increase the state’s gasoline tax by 17 cents. Emelie Gunn has more…
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”
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Shreveport Representative Cedric Glover has filed a bill to prevent universities, like LSU and UL-Lafayette, from branding their own beers. Jeff Palermo has more…
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”
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A Baton Rouge lawmaker has filed a proposal that would increase the state’s gasoline tax by 17 cents. Louisiana motorists pay 38-cents per gallon, 20-cents in state taxes for gasoline. Representative Steve Carter says it’s been over 20 years since Louisiana increased the state tax on gasoline.
Cut 3 (09) “of dollars”
The proposed law would require the state to use at least 50-percent of the proceeds, over the first 20 years, to begin construction on mega projects, like a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge. Carter says if signed into law, his tax hike would generate about 500 million dollars a year.
Cut 4 (08) “resolved”
A group representing small businesses oppose the increase because many do not believe the funds would go to better roads. There’s also just a general opposition at the capitol to any higher taxes. Carter says when the bill comes up for debate, they’ll provide detailed information on how a higher gasoline tax will benefit the state.
Cut 5 (05) “gonna do”
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Six people have been arrested in Bossier City for human trafficking as a result of an undercover prostitution operation. Bossier Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Lt. Bill Davis says nine people, including four females, traveled in from Little Rock in the back of a U-Haul. Davis says a local man allowed his apartment to be rented out for prostitution.
Cut 6 (10) “some help”
Davis says the two girls who asked to be rescued from the situation hadn’t eaten in 24 hours and authorities were able to connect them with an organization that helps victims of human trafficking. He says undercover agents performed a sting operation at a Bossier City apartment.
Cut 7 (09) “sex act”
Davis says four Little Rock men were arrested on multiple charges, including pandering and prompting prostitution. He says Antwan Lay, an 18-year-old Bossier City man, was charged with letting premises for prostitution.
Cut 8 (10) “in it”
Davis says one of the females involved in the human trafficking case was arrested for prostitution.
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A proposal by Shreveport Representative Cedric Glover would put an end to official university beers. LSU and UL-Lafayette already have their own trademarked beers from local breweries. Glover says in Louisiana, you can’t drink under the age of 21, which applies to most college students. He says schools branding their own alcohol only encourages underage drinking.
Cut 9 (10) “in particular”
Opponents to the measure are concerned about universities losing their portion of the money from the beer sales. But Glover says there should be some limit in terms of what we’re willing to do for money in this state. He says lawmakers need to fund priorities higher education so universities aren’t forced to look for other revenue streams.
Cut 10 (09) “type of commerce”
LSU officials say companies already use university colors and logos to promote their beers, and they deserve their fair share of that money. But Glover says if that’s the case, then universities should start paying college athletes their share of the revenue they generate.
Cut 11 (11) “as well”
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The House Education Committee approves a bill that would allow public school students to bring sunscreen to school and apply it on their own. Ville Platte Representative Harvey LeBas says skin cancer is a major problem and the goal of his bill is to protect kids from sunburns when they go outside for school activities.
Cut 12 (07) “the protection”
The measure passed on a 12 to 1 vote and heads to the House floor. Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith was the only vote in opposition to the measure.
Cut 13 (09) “get notified”
Smith is also concerned that younger children would not be able to properly apply sunscreen. She says a kindergartner or first grader would need someone else to help apply.
Cut 14 (06) “wrong place”