The House approves a proposal to suspend child support payments for inmates who’ve been incarcerated longer than 180 days. Gretna Representative Joe Marino says 20 other states have similar legislation, and his bill complies with federal law.

Cut 5 (08) “is zero”

The proposal needs Senate approval before the session ends Thursday.

The legislative session has been slow going, and the Daily Advertiser blames House Speaker Taylor Barras. The editorial says Louisiana’s problems will not come with Barras at the helm, and it’s time for him to step down. UL Lafayette political science professor Pearson Cross says it seems like the journalists are good government types.

Cut 15 (07) “the legislature”

Cross says what’s happening at the Capitol isn’t entirely the Speaker’s fault.

A measure to revamp the film tax credit program is nearing final legislative passage. The lower chamber overwhelmingly supported the bill with an 89-8 vote. But Slidell Representative Kevin Pearson thinks our priorities are not in the right place.

Cut 7 (08) “healthcare”

The bill heads back to the Senate for approval on changes made by the House.

Covington Representative Paul Hollis says his bill to make it easier to recall elected officials did not get a fair committee hearing. He says he can’t understand why the bill failed when no one on the panel expressed any concerns.

Cut 11 (09) “long time ago”

Hollis plans to bring the bill up again next year.

The House approves a proposal to give inmates a break on their child support payments. The measure suspends payments for inmates who’ve been incarcerated longer than 180 days and who have no other means of income. Albany Representative Sherman Mack was one of 30 lawmakers to vote against the measure.

Cut 3 (08) “their money anyway”

The proposal still needs to win Senate approval before the session ends Thursday.

Covington Representative Paul Hollis is upset his bill to make it easier to recall elected officials died without a fair hearing. Hollis says he only had 7 minutes to present his measure in committee after the controversial confederate monuments bill. He says every bill deserves a fair hearing.

Cut 12 (10) “voted down”

He says he plans to bring the measure back up next year.

A measure that would give the film tax credit program a facelift nears final legislative passage as it received overwhelming support from the House. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Drivers could soon have warnings if speed enforcement cameras are in place. A bill waiting on the Governor’s signature requires signs to be posted several hundred feet ahead of speed cameras, or the ticket is void. Senators gave the bill unanimous final passage, and it would take effect August 1.

The Daily Advertiser editorial board is calling for Taylor Barras to step down as House Speaker over the fact not much has been accomplished in the current legislative session. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross doesn’t think what’s happening at the Capitol is entirely Barras fault…:
Cut 13 (10) “ungovernable”

A bill to revamp the film tax credit program is nearing final legislative passage and heads to the Senate for approval on changes made by the House. The measure makes it easier for film makers to redeem these credits and Lafayette Representative Jean-Paul Coussan says that would help grow the industry.
Cut 8 (10) “Louisiana”

Under the measure, 180 million dollars in tax credits would go to producers each year but would decrease to 150 million after three years.

The House supports a bill to suspend child support payments for certain inmates. Michelle Southern has more…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s office has announced the arrest of three people for not seeking medical attention for a child who was burned by melted wax. The child’s mother, Amber Cook of Berwick and Francisco and Hilda Perez of Thibodaux face charges after deputies responded to a report of the child unsupervised outside with severe burns on the arms and legs. The three adults are charged with cruelty of a juvenile.

A measure that would give the film tax credit program a face-lift received overwhelming support from the House…:
Cut 2 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

An editorial in the Daily Advertiser says it’s clear that Louisiana’s problems aren’t going to be solved with the House in its current form and it calls for their local Representative, House Speaker Taylor Barras, to step down. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says it seems like the journalists are good government types…:
Cut 15 (07) “the legislature”

State Representative Paul Hollis only had 7 minutes to speak on his bill that sought to make it easier to recall elected officials in Louisiana before it stalled in a Senate Committee. The measure was taken up after the hours long monuments debate. Hollis says he’s disappointed his legislative didn’t get a good debate…:
Cut 12 (10) “voted down”
Hollis says he plans to bring the legislation back next year.

Inmates paying child support would have their payments suspended under a House-approved measure by Gretna Representative Joe Marino. The measure suspends payments for inmates who’ve been incarcerated longer than 180 days and who have no other means of income. Marino says this complies with federal law…:
Cut 5 (08) “is zero”
The measure passed the House on a 68-30 and still needs Senate approval.

A measure to revamp the film tax credit program is nearing final legislative passage as it heads back to the Senate for approval on changes made by the House. The lower chamber overwhelmingly supported this bill, as it passed on an 89-8 vote. But Slidell Representative Kevin Pearson thinks our priorities are not in the right place…:
Cut 7 (08) “health care”
Under the measure, 180 million dollars in tax credits would go to producers each year, but would decrease to 150 million after three years.

A Covington lawmaker is disappointed his bill died in committee without a fair hearing. State Representative Paul Hollis sought to make it easier for large districts to recall an elected official. He says he was only afforded seven minutes to discuss his bill in front of the panel…:
Cut 10 (09) “bipartisan”
He says he plans to bring the legislation back next year.

The Daily Advertiser has called for House Speaker Taylor Barras to step down over the fact that not much has been accomplished in the current legislative session. The Republican from New Iberia is accused by his local publication of not being able to lead lawmakers effectively. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross doesn’t think what’s happening at the Capitol is entirely Barras fault…:
CUT 13 (06) “ungovernable”
The editorial says Louisiana’s problems will not come from this House in its present form with Barras at the helm.

Long-term inmates paying child support would have their payments suspended under a measure the House approved. Some of the strongest opposition came from Albany Representative Sherman Mack…:
Cut 3 (08) “their money anyway”
But Baton Rouge Representative Ted James disagrees. He says most good judges wouldn’t put someone back in jail for not paying child support, but some will. He adds it’s hard for inmates to walk out of jail and find a job, and this will give them a chance to get financially stable..:
Cut 4 (10) “it doesn’t happen”
The proposal still needs Senate approval and the legislative session ends Thursday.

The FBI announces a $50,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the shooting death of an armored truck driver at the Campus Federal Credit Union in New Orleans this week .

The Senate has unveiled its funding plan for next fiscal year, and it does not call for any cuts to higher ed, prisons, and Department of Children and Family Services. The state Department of Health would see a $34 million budget reduction. Deputy Secretary Michelle Alletto says $19 million in cuts will fall primarily on mental health programs, but she doesn’t think that’s anything they can’t handle…:
Cut 16 (11) “the program”
The plan also fully funds TOPS.

The road to Omaha begins for the LSU Tigers as they open the Baton Rouge Regional this afternoon by hosting Texas Southern. Senior left-hander Jared Poche of Lutcher will start on the mound…:
CUT 17 (08) “what happens”
First pitch is at 2:30.

In the plan presented by the Senate Thursday, $220 million dollars in spending the House removed from the budget was not withheld. Senate President John Alario says by not taking out 2 percent of the revenue forecast, they are able to fully fund DCFS which stood to lose 67 child welfare workers…:
Cut 15 (08) “care of that”
The Upper Chamber’s plan also fully funds TOPS. The budget disagreement between the House and Senate will likely be settled in a conference committee.

Monroe based CenturyLink announces it plans to hire a new CEO in 2019. They say current CEO Glen Post will then become executive chairman of the board, and Jeff Storey the new leader. Spokesperson Ann Marie Sartor says the headquarters aren’t moving and workers won’t be affected..:
Cut 12 (07) “do today”
Storey is the CEO of the company CenturyLink recently purchase, Level 3.

The FBI announces a $50,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the shooting death of an armored truck driver at the Campus Federal Credit Union in New Orleans this week .

Senior left-hander Jared Poche starts on the mound today for LSU as they host Texas Southern to begin the Baton Rouge Regional…:
Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Powerball jackpot for tomorrow night’s drawing is still rolling from February. It now stands at $337 Million.

The Senate has unveiled its funding plan for next fiscal year, and it does not call for any cuts to higher ed, prisons, and Department of Children and Family Services. The state Department of Health would see a $34 million budget reduction. Deputy Secretary Michelle Alletto says $19 million in cuts will fall primarily on mental health programs…:
Cut 16 (11) “the program”
The plan also fully funds TOPS.

A lawmaker who voted against the failed gas tax bill suggests DOTD should reduce the size of its staff…:
Cut 5 (09) “do the job” (2x)
That’s Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh. But DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson these workers are not expendable..:
Cut 6 (08) “the actual work”

Monroe-based CenturyLink announces plans for a CEO succession. Emelie Gunn has more…:
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Federal recovery dollars are finally getting into the hands of flood victims, 9 months later. Nick Speyrer with the Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program says over 2,000 families have already qualified for Phase I, then…:
Cut 10 (11) “the 2016 floods”

Since there won’t be any increase on the gasoline tax, a Shreveport lawmaker recommended firing DOTD employees to pay for highway construction. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Governor John Bel Edwards supports the 29-billion dollar budget plan passed by the Senate finance committee Thursday saying it restores funding for critical services while making responsible cuts in spending. The plan also fully funds the TOPS scholarship program. A conference committee will be needed to iron out differences between the House and Senate.

The forecast is calling for some stormy weather today in Baton Rouge as NCAA regional play begins. LSU is slated to face Texas Southern at 2:30. The Tigers are one of the favorites to win the College World Series and claim their first national championship since 2009. Coach Paul Mainieri believes his team is ready for the journey…:
Cut 19 (14) “out played us”

Monroe based CenturyLink announces a CEO succession plan. Company Spokesperson Ann Marie Sartor says CenturyLink’s current CEO, Glen Post, will remain in his position until January of 2019 and then become the executive chairman of the board. She says the new leader of CenturyLink is coming from the company they recently purchased…:
Cut 11 (10) “this year”
The headquarters will remain in Monroe and this will not affect employees.