The House sends a bill to the governor that would allow riverboat casinos to expand onto land. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (32) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Public School teachers are hitting the hip when it comes to paying for school supplies for their students. A new survey released says teachers are spending about 480 dollars a year on notebooks, pens, and other supplies without reimbursement. Les Landon is a spokesperson for the Louisiana Federation of Teachers.

He says there is already a growing tide of discontent sweeping across the country. He adds Louisiana has not addressed its educational shortfalls for years.

Cut 5  (12)  “11 Years”

A recent 5-cent rise in gas prices puts the state average at $2.59 a gallon.  AAA fuel analyst, Don Redman, says multiple factors are all conspiring against the consumer. Gas prices during the summer typically fluctuates due to more traveling and reformulated fuel. Redman says in addition to increased sanctions, increased energy demands will affect national and global prices.

Cut 8 (10)  “hope”

The House passed a 15 week abortion ban bill with amendments on a 78-9 vote, clearing one of the last hurdles before it arrives on the Governor’s desk for his likely approval. The Senate has already approved one version of the legislation. Denham Springs Representative Valerie Hodges says the legislation could prevent hundreds of abortions in Louisiana a year.

Cut 12 (08) “ban this”

The bill heads back to the Senate.

Gas prices are going up, in preparation for the summer season, a five cent per gallon rise in the last week. Becca Dill has more.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Becca Dill”

Public School teachers are hitting the hip when it comes to paying for school supplies for their students. A new survey released says teachers are spending about 250 dollars a year on notebooks, pens, and other supplies without reimbursement. Les Landon is a spokesperson for the Louisiana Federation of Teachers.

Cut 4  (09) “That’s ashame” 

The House passed a 15 week abortion ban bill with amendments on a 78-9 vote, clearing one of the last hurdles before it arrives on the Governor’s desk for his likely approval. The Senate has already approved one version of the legislation. Denham Springs Representative Valerie Hodges says abortions after 15 weeks are dangerous for mothers.

Cut 11 (09) “objected to”

A bill that would allow riverboat casinos to come up out of the water passed is heading to the governor’s desk. The legislation would “modernize” riverboat casino regulations, allowing them to expand onto land near where they are berthed, and it changes the rules on gambling space. Gaming advocates have brought up the fact that the “riverboats” haven’t taken a ride down waterways in years. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle brought up the safety concerns that come with forcing facilities to exist over water.

Cut 14 (09) “the boats”

Public School teachers are hitting the hip when it comes to paying for school supplies for their students. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A recent 5-cent rise in gas prices puts the state average at $2.59 a gallon.  AAA fuel analyst, Don Redman, says multiple factors are all conspiring against the consumer. Redman says recent withdrawal from the Iran deal has negatively affected the market.

Cut 7 (11)  “country”

The House passed a 15 week abortion ban bill with amendments on a 78-9 vote, clearing one of the last hurdles before it arrives on the Governor’s desk for his likely approval. The Senate has already approved one version of the legislation. Denham Springs Representative Valerie Hodges says the legislation’s enactment is contingent on the results of a legal challenge to a similar bill in Mississippi.

Cut 10 (07) “ineffective”

A bill that would allow riverboat casinos to come up out of the water passed is heading to the governor’s desk. The legislation would “modernize” riverboat casino regulations, allowing them to expand onto land near where they are berthed, and it changes the rules on gambling space.

The Governor’s administration and GOP legislators continue to exchange barbs over the decision to mail program cancellation warnings to 37,000 Medicaid patients. Lafayette Representative, Republican Nancy Landry, blamed the Medicaid budget cuts on John Bel Edwards.

Cut 6 (12)  “nursing homes”

But the Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne pushed back, arguing that the feds require Medicaid recipients to be informed of program cancellations ahead of time. Dardenne says with a real threat from House lawmakers to cut these programs, it would have been wrong to wait any longer.

Cut 9 (11) “get out”

A special session that could replace the expiring revenue at the heart of these budget cuts is set to be called next Tuesday.

It was called the “Hail Mary” bill when Senator J.P. Morrell filed it back in March, but unanimous jury verdicts are a vote of the people away from becoming reality in Louisiana. The mood shifted rapidly once the legislation was taken up, gathering major support from liberal groups, and neutral opinions from Das. Louisiana is just one of two states that do not require unanimous verdicts.

Cut 4 (12)      “bill of rights”

Louisiana’s deadline for filing your state taxes is today. Those who do not file in time will be subject to a 5% of tax due penalty for each 30 days of delinquence. Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says if you need more time to file, the department has an option for you.

Cut 23  (10) “late penalties” 

Governor John Bel Edwards has put out the call for a special session that would begin May 22^nd, and end June 4^th. During the special session, revenue could be raised that would potentially plug the 648 million dollar state budget shortfall resulting from expiring sales taxes.

Edwards is hoping the legislature adopts his revenue plan that would keep a portion of an expiring penny sales tax, while eliminating sales tax exemptions for certain industries.

Cut 12 (08) “million dollars”

The House erupted into applause as a constitutional amendment requiring unanimous juries for criminal convictions passed on an 82 to 15 vote. Louisiana is currently one of two states that does not require a unanimous jury verdict. Albany Representative Sherman Mack called on an often divided chamber to come together on a bill that he says is supported by many legal experts.

Cut 14 (06) “caught up”

A Senate committee approves legislation that extends the state contract’s with Harrah’s New Orleans Casino for at least another 20 years. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

 In conjunction with National Police Week, the Louisiana State Police will honor and remember the men and women of law enforcement who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, and will also recognize those who have gone beyond the call of duty at the annual State Police Memorial and Awards Ceremonies.

On Thursday, May 17^th at 10:00 a.m., the annual Louisiana State Police Memorial Ceremony will be held at the LSP Memorial in front of State Police Headquarters located at 7919 Independence Blvd. in Baton Rouge.

A constitutional amendment requiring unanimous jury verdicts in criminal trials flies through the House. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Governor John Bel Edwards has put out the call for a special session that would begin May 22^nd, and end June 4^th. The budget shortfall has forced the legislature to reckon with a lack of funds. Edwards says they have no choice but to raise revenues in response.

Cut 11 (09) “fiscal year”

A bill that would renew the state’s contract with Harrah’s New Orleans Casino passed a Senate Committee on a 4-3 vote. The legislation, which was heavily amended, is a 20 year contract with a ten year renewal option. Caesar’s Entertainment, who owns Harrah’s, sent their regional president Dan Real to argue for the contract renewal.

Hel argued that the tens of millions of dollars the casino has agreed to pay to the state, and large number of employees they employ would be irreplaceable.

Cut 8 (10)  “hope”

The amendments added increased the amount of money Harrah’s would contribute to the city and state.

Houma Senator Norby Chabert engaged Real about just how much the business would be contributing to state coffers.

Cut 9 (11)  “staff yet”

The bill heads to Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs.

The Governor has put out the call for a special session to start May 22nd. Michael Farrar has the story.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Michael Farrar”

Louisiana’s deadline for filing your state taxes is today. Those who do not file in time will be subject to a 5% of tax due penalty for each 30 days of delinquencies. Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says

Being granted an extension does not give you more time to pay the taxes without late fees.

Cut 5  (12)  “payment penalty”

A bill that would renew the state’s contract with Harrah’s New Orleans Casino passed a Senate Committee on a 4-3 vote. The legislation, which was heavily amended, is a 20 year contract with a ten year renewal option. Caesar’s Entertainment, who owns Harrah’s, sent their regional president Dan Real to argue for the contract renewal.

Cut 6 (12) “bad buisiness”

Harrah’s has six years remaining on their current contract, a point that has many opponents arguing that the renegotiation should be postponed.

The deal has received intense scrutiny from leading figures such as US Senator John Kennedy who called it a “bad deal”. Financial Consultant Randy Waeshce says after reviewing fiscal reports and industry analysis, its apparent that Harrah’s is underperforming.

Cut 7 (12)  “twenty five”

A Senate committee approves legislation that extends the state contract’s with Harrah’s New Orleans Casino for at least another 20 years. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Louisiana’s deadline for filing your state taxes is today. Those who do not file in time will be subject to a 5% of tax due penalty for each 30 days of delinquence. Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says if you need more time to file, the department has an option for you.

Cut 4  (10) “late penalties” 

Governor John Bel Edwards has put out the call for a special session that would begin May 22^nd, and end June 4^th. During the special session, revenue could be raised that would potentially plug the 648 million dollar state budget shortfall resulting from expiring sales taxes. The February special session fell apart just days into the process, but Edwards is optimistic that the second time is the charm.

Cut 10 (10) “catastrophic”

The House erupted into applause as a constitutional amendment requiring unanimous juries for criminal convictions passed  on an 82 to 15 vote. Louisiana is currently one of two states that does not require a unanimous jury verdict. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James recalled earlier testimony about what he termed, the law’s racist past.

Cut 13 (12)  “year wrong” 

A Senate committee approves legislation that extends the state contract’s with Harrah’s New Orleans Casino for at least another 20 years. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The Governor has put out the call for a special session to start May 22nd. Michael Farrar has the story.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Michael Farrar”

__________________________________.

A constitutional amendment requiring unanimous jury verdicts in criminal trails flies through the House. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

____________________________________________

Louisiana’s deadline for filing your state taxes is today. Those who do not file in time will be subject to a 5% of tax due penalty for each 30 days of delinquence. Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says if you need more time to file, the department has an option for you.

Cut 4  (10) “late penalties” 

But Henderson says being granted an extension does not give you more time to pay the taxes without late fees.

Cut 5  (12)  “payment penalty”

As of May 12, 2018, LDR has distributed  1,145,124  state individual income tax refunds.

___________________________________________

A bill that would renew the state’s contract with Harrah’s New Orleans Casino passed a Senate Committee on a 4-3 vote. The legislation, which was heavily amended, is a 20 year contract with a ten year renewal option. Caesar’s Entertainment, who owns Harrah’s, sent their regional president Dan Real to argue for the contract renewal.

Cut 6 (12) “bad buisiness”

Harrah’s has six years remaining on their current contract, a point that has many opponents arguing that the renegotiation should be postponed.

The deal has received intense scrutiny from leading figures such as US Senator John Kennedy who called it a “bad deal”. Financial Consultant Randy Waeshce says after reviewing fiscal reports and industry analysis, its apparent that Harrah’s is underperforming.

Cut 7 (12)  “twenty five”

But Real argued that the tens of millions of dollars the casino has agreed to pay to the state, and large number of employees they employ would be irreplaceable.

Cut 8 (10)  “hope”

The amendments added increased the amount of money Harrah’s would contribute to the city and state.

Houma Senator Norby Chabert engaged Real about just how much the business would be contributing to state coffers.

Cut 9 (11)  “staff yet”

The bill heads to the Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs.

____________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards has put out the call for a special session that would begin May 22^nd, and end June 4^th. During the special session, revenue could be raised that would potentially plug the 648 million dollar state budget shortfall resulting from expiring sales taxes. The February special session fell apart just days into the process, but Edwards is optimistic that the second time is the charm.

Cut 10 (10) “catastrophic”

The budget shortfall has forced the legislature to reckon with a lack of funds, with a House budget that slashed healthcare to spare education, including the elimination of public-private partnership hospitals, and a Senate budget that favored healthcare over higher ed and agency funding. Edwards says they have no choice but to raise revenues in response.

Cut 11 (09) “fiscal year”

Edwards is hoping the legislature adopts his revenue plan that would keep a portion of a expiring penny sales tax, while eliminating sales tax exemptions for certain industries.

Cut 12 (08) “million dollars”

____________________________________________

The House erupted into applause as a constitutional amendment requiring unanimous juries for criminal convictions passed without opposition on an 82 to 15 vote. Louisiana is currently one of two states that does not require a unanimous jury verdict. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James recalled earlier testimony about the law’s racist past.

Cut 13 (12)  “year wrong” 

Albany Representative Sherman Mack called on an often divided chamber to come together on a bill that he says is supported by many legal experts.

A House bill that allows some convicted felons while serving probation and parole to get their voting privileges back cleared the Senate and Governmental Affairs committee today. The bill restores voting rights five years after he or she is released from prison. Bruce Riley is the Deputy Director of “Voice of the Experienced,” a pro voting rights organization.

Cut 9 (12) “of imprisonment”

Governor John Bel Edwards has put out the call for a special session that would begin May 22^nd, and end June 4^th. During the special session, revenue could be raised that would potentially plug the 648 million dollar state budget shortfall resulting from expiring sales taxes. Edwards is hoping the legislature adopts his revenue plan that would keep a portion of a expiring penny sales tax, while eliminating sales tax exemptions for certain industries.

Cut 24 (08) “million dollars”

A Senate committee approves legislation that extends the state contract’s with Harrah’s New Orleans Casino for at least another 20 years. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 23 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

And a constitutional amendment requiring a unanimous jury conviction for all criminal trials passed the House to applause on an 82-15 vote. The amendment would bring the state in line with 48 other state’s conviction requirements. The item heads to the ballot, and will need 50 percent plus one vote of the popular vote to go into effect.