The Edwards Administration is getting the word out about the ramifications if the state goes over the so-called fiscal cliff.
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”
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Tensions are rising between the US and North Korea. Halen Doughty has more on what this means from Congressman Ralph Abraham…
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”
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The Baton Rouge Area Foundation launches a new website that aims to help Louisiana parents of autistic children. Halen Doughty has more…
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”
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State officials are starting the conversation about how to address the looming fiscal cliff in 2018 when more than a billion dollars in temporary taxes expire. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne has been spreading the word at meetings around the state to bring the issue to the public’s attention. He says lawmakers are facing some stark options.
Cut 4 (11) “been reduced”
Dardenne says if lawmakers decided against replacing the $1.3 billion in revenue that is set to go away in July, the administration would be forced to reduce funding by 20 percent for every area of state government. He says that would be drastic for higher education, healthcare, prisons, and public schools.
Cut 5 (10) “their hands on”
Dardenne says the state does not have an extra billion dollars to make up for this lost revenue when temporary taxes expire next year. He says there are ways to mix and match cuts and revenue to reach a balanced budget, if lawmakers are willing. That’s why he and the governor are trying to elevate the discussion and gather public input.
Cut 6 (09) “state government”
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As tensions run high between the US and North Korea, some are concerned a nuclear war could be in the making. President Donald Trump recently said North Korea will be met with fire, fury, and power if threats persist against the US. Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham sits on the Armed Forces Committee and says the president is trying to send a message around the world.
Cut 7 (12) “loud and clear”
The United Nations Security Council voted to impose coal sanctions on North Korea. Abraham says coal makes up about 10 percent of North Korea’s gross domestic product and 40 percent of the exports. Abraham says China could bring North Korea to its knees by imposing additional sanctions.
Cut 8 (10) “couple of weeks”
Just hours after the President’s statement, the North Korean military announced it’s considering a missile strike on Guam, a US territory in the Pacific Ocean that’s home to thousands of American military personnel. Abraham says while the US has missile defense systems in place, it’s important to consider our allies as well.
Cut 9 (13) “to be maintained”
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Despite a slight decrease in revenue, the Louisiana Lottery reported its third best year ever. Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says the corporation brought in nearly $455 million in revenue for the 2017 fiscal year.
Cut 10 (06) “in 1991”
This year, the lottery saw a $53 million decline in revenue from the previous year. Annison says increased sales for the record Powerball jackpot of more than a billion dollars helps boost revenue last year. He says a number of other factors contributed to the slight dip this year.
Cut 11 (08) “prize pool”
Annison says scratch off tickets are the top seller, accounting for $206 million in sales. Powerball tickets come in second, bringing in $85 million last year. He says the lottery exists to maximize revenue for the state. The Louisiana Lottery transferred nearly $160 million to the state treasury for public education for 2017.
Cut 12 (07) “public education”
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Louisiana parents of autistic children have a new resource after the Baton Rouge Area Foundation helped to launch a website full of information about benefits and resources. Director of civic leadership initiatives Lauren Jumonville says they hope to help point parents in the right direction.
Cut 13 (09) “developmental disability”
Jumonville says they went around the state cataloging all the resources that exist for people with disabilities. She says the website La.ExceptionalLives.org offers a variety of resources, including traditional ones like physicians and therapists, as well as others.
Cut 14 (11) “great opportunities”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate one in 68 children are born with autism every year. Jumonville says there are a lot of great organizations that help families of people with disabilities, but parents need to find those resources, which is why BRAF launched the site.
Cut 15 (10) “able to do”
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No surprise as LSU head football coach Ed Orgeron says Danny Etling remains his starter at quarterback, but the battle to be his primary back-up continues. Orgeron says all of the quarterbacks on the roster have shown flashes…
Cut 16 (20) “in the spring”
Orgeron says true freshman Myles Brennan from Mississippi is getting a few snaps with the first team, but not a lot because he doesn’t know all of the plays. Coach O says Brennan is one of several freshmen who has looked good at camp…
Cut 17 (20) “….number one quarterback”
There is some good news with the banged up offensive line. Orgeron says starting offensive linemen Will Clapp and Toby Weathersby are still out with undisclosed injuries, but starting left tackle K.J. Malone is back…
Cut 18 (21 “be okay”