The legislature’s massive tax overhaul has now been a part of our lives for more than a half a year. Has it had a positive impact? Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
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The LSU presidential search committee has its first meeting today. Jeff Palermo reports it’s a nationwide search, but there are a few local candidates.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”
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Reaction continues to pour in over the indictment of New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. Andre Champagne (SHOM-pawn) reports.
Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”
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The tax overhaul that was passed last fall has now been a part of our lives for more than a half a year. Has it had an effect on our overall financial health? A new study commissioned by RESET Louisiana says for the vast majority, it’s made an improvement. Barry Erwin, the president and CEO of Leaders for a Better Louisiana, says the cut in income tax to a flat three-percent has more than offset the slight increase in sales tax.
Cut 4 (09) “…small tax cut.”
Erwin says the state’s long-term goal is to eliminate the income tax altogether to help Louisiana compete with other southern states that have no income tax like Texas, Tennessee or Florida. He says short of that, a flat three-percent income tax is still pretty good.
Cut 5 (10) “…low income tax.”
Erwin says for most people, their combined tax burden will decrease by double digits.
Cut 6 (10) “…little bit higher.”
RESET Louisiana is a collaboration between Better Louisiana and the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana.
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LSU’s presidential search committee holds its first meeting today as the 20-member panel begins its work to find a replacement for Dr. William Tate, who left in June to be the president at Rutgers. Piper Hutchinson covers higher education for the Louisiana Illuminator and she says this is a national search, but some local candidates have emerged.
Cut 7 (11) “…strongly considered.”
Hutchinson says interim LSU president Matt Lee is also a candidate.
2020 was the last time LSU was looking for a president, and that search committee had nine women and eight people of color on the 20-member panel. Hutchinson says this search committee only has three women and three people of color.
Cut 8 (12) “…as well.”
Hutchinson says even though Governor Jeff Landry can not pick the next LSU president, his influence will be felt.
Cut 9 (13) “…to be heard.”
Hutchinson expects the search to name a new president will take months, meaning Lee will likely remain the interim through the calendar year.
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Reaction continues to pour in on the indictment of New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. She’s accused in an 18-count federal indictment of bilking the city out of 70-million dollars for trips she took with former NOPD officer Jeffrey Vappie (VAH-pee) under the guise of security, when prosecutors allege the two were covering up a romantic relationship. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says Cantrell pressed her luck a little too far.
Cut 10 (09) “…up with you.”
Nungesser says this is the latest example of Cantrell putting herself ahead of the interests of the city.
Cut 11 (11) “…the trash business.”
Cantrell has five months left in her term, and she cannot run for re-election since she’s term-limited. Nungesser says he does not envision Cantrell resigning at this point, and he hopes the people of New Orleans can elect someone who can serve as a reset at City Hall.
Cut 12 (05) “…of the people.”
Congressman Troy Carter, who represents the City of New Orleans, says in a statement that the news of Cantrell’s indictment is a challenging moment for the city, and that it’s important that the focus remains on unity, stability and the work of serving the people of the city. He urged people not to celebrate anyone’s demise.
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Governor Landry is sending about 135 Louisiana National Guard soldiers to Washington, DC. Lieutenant Colonel Noel (no-ELL) Collins says the soldiers will be in the nation’s capital for at least a month.
Cut 13 (12) “…through 30 September.”
Lieutenant Colonel Collins says the Governor was acting on a request from President Trump to restore order in the nation’s capital.
Cut 14 (06) “…Guard is doing.”
Collins says the mission for the National Guard soldiers is to restore safety and peace in the nation’s capital.
Cut 15 (06) “…variety of tasks.”
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The Saints had limited success in its offense against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but wide receiver Mason Tipton had the best performance out of any player. Tipton caught 6 passes for 100 yards. Tipton says he is more comfortable playing in his second season in the league as opposed to his rookie season.
Cut 16 (15) “…right now.”
Quarterback Spencer Rattler was able to run a successful two-minute drill to tie the game after throwing a touchdown to Dante Pettis and converting on the two-point conversion. Tipton says he was impressed with how Rattler managed the offense.
Cut 17 (19) “…some plays.”
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Brian Kelly and the LSU football team are about two weeks from kicking off their season at Clemson. The offensive guard and tackle position battles are still ongoing, but Kelly says Braelin Moore is the definite starter at center. Kelly says that he loves what he’s seen from Moore.
Cut 18 (18) “…into place.”
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Bryant Vincent and the ULM Warhawks wrapped up fall camp with a scrimmage on Saturday. Now, the Warhawks are only a week and a half from their home opener against Saint Francis. Freshman running back D’Shaun Ford came into Monroe as the second highest rated player in ULM history. Vincent says he sees massive improvement from Ford.
Cut 19 (16) “…he’s doing.”
As ULM’s kickoff versus Saint Francis continues to creep up, head coach Bryant Vincent says the Warhawks have a lot to learn from. He says the offense has to execute more consistently and become better disciplined.
Cut 20 (17) “…is critical.”