The saints have reportedly inked quarterback drew brees to a two year deal to keep the future hall of famer in new orleans. Brees is able to negotiate with other teams and the vikings had shown some interest. However reports indicate that the brees deal is done at least for another two years.

There are several bills filed for this legislative session that will seek to make major changes to the state’s gaming industry. Executive Director of the Louisiana Casino Association Wade Duty says the state legalized riverboat gambling in 1991 and now those casinos are looking to become more attractive to players.

Duty realizes that there will be opponents against the modernization of the gambling industry, but stresses the bills before the legislature will not expand gaming as they are not seeking additional riverboat gaming licenses. He says these changes are designed to help casino operators and benefit the state with more tax revenue…

Cut 6 (13) “the state.”

In Baton Rouge today the House Appropriations Committee will begin the long process of attempting to hammer out a budget before the end of the regular session. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne doubts the legislature can pass a spending plan facing a billion dollar revenue shortfall.

Dardenne says because of a lack of revenues, deep cuts will be needed in the areas of health care, higher education, and TOPS.

But Appropriations Chairman Rep. Cameron Henry disagrees, saying the budget gap only amounts to a fraction of the total budget. Cameron believes the legislature will find the cuts necessary to avoid having to enter a special session.

The Republican from Metairie says before assuming the state needs more revenue, legislators should look at making cuts to the Department of Health’s budget.

Cut 10 (09) “billion dollars.”

The regular session is scheduled to end June 4^th.

School students may be allowed to bring bullet proof backpacks to school. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

There are several bills filed for this legislative session that will seek to make major changes to the state’s gaming industry. Executive Director of the Louisiana Casino Association Wade Duty says the state legalized riverboat gambling in 1991 and now those casinos are looking to become more attractive to players.

Duty says not only are riverboat casinos asking the legislature to allow gaming on land, they are also seeking extra floor space…

Cut 5  (11)  “the floor.”

==———————–

In Baton Rouge today the House Appropriations Committee will begin the long process of attempting to hammer out a budget before the end of the regular session. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne doubts the legislature can pass a spending plan facing a billion dollar revenue shortfall.

Dardenne says because of a lack of revenues, deep cuts will be needed in the areas of health care, higher education, and TOPS. He says it will result in layoffs in state government and in the private sector.

Cut 8 (08) “care arena”

But Appropriations Chairman Rep. Cameron Henry disagrees, saying the budget gap only amounts to a fraction of the total budget. Cameron believes the legislature will find the cuts necessary to avoid having to enter a special session.

Cut 9 (05)  “this point”

Police are investigating the shooting death in Lake Providence of a 7 year old by a 12 year old. That investigation is still on-going.

Several bills related to casino gaming in Louisiana will be considered during the regular session. Kelley Ray has a look.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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The House Appropriations Committee will take its first look at the budget today. Matt Doyle has competing reactions.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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School students may be allowed to bring bullet proof backpacks to school. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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There are several bills filed for this legislative session that will seek to make major changes to the state’s gaming industry. Executive Director of the Louisiana Casino Association Wade Duty says the state legalized riverboat gambling in 1991 and now those casinos are looking to become more attractive to players if they can have gambling space on land…

Cut 4  (10) “games themselves.” 

Duty says not only are riverboat casinos asking the legislature to allow gaming on land, they are also seeking extra floor space…

Cut 5  (11)  “the floor.”

Duty realizes that there will be opponents against the modernization of the gambling industry, but stresses the bills before the legislature will not expand gaming as they are not seeking additional riverboat gaming licenses. He says these changes are designed to help casino operators and benefit the state with more tax revenue…

Cut 6 (13) “the state.”

___________________________________________________

In Baton Rouge today the House Appropriations Committee will begin the long process of attempting to hammer out a budget before the end of the regular session. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne doubts the legislature can pass a spending plan facing a billion dollar revenue shortfall.

Cut 7 (09)  “to dramatic.”

Dardenne says because of a lack of revenues, deep cuts will be needed in the areas of health care, higher education, and TOPS. He says it will result in layoffs in state government and in the private sector.

Cut 8 (08) “care arena”

But Appropriations Chairman Rep. Cameron Henry disagrees, saying the budget gap only amounts to a fraction of the total budget. Cameron believes the legislature will find the cuts necessary to avoid having to enter a special session.

Cut 9 (05)  “this point”

Henry says part of the reason for the budget gap is that state agencies are requesting more money than they did last year.

The Republican from Metairie says before assuming the state needs more revenue, legislators should look at making cuts to the Department of Health’s budget.

Cut 10 (09) “billion dollars.”

The regular session is scheduled to end June 4^th.

______________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards laid out his economic agenda in front of the legislature, calling for a higher minimum wage, fewer small business regulations, and equal pay legislation for women. 18 states raised their minimum wage this year, and Louisiana remain one of only five states without its own minimum wage. Edwards says the current minimum wage just isn’t right to workers.

Cut 11 (11) “two years”

The minimum wage proposal faces opposition from the National Federation of Independent Businesses, who says the market should set wages, not government.

The governor sited a report showing Louisiana with one of the worst gender pay gaps in the nation, and came out in support of legislation that would make it illegal to pay women less than men for the same job.

Governor John Bel Edwards kicked off the regular session today by laying out his legislative agenda, and tearing into lawmakers who failed to fix the fiscal cliff. As part of his agenda, the governor proposed an economic plan that he says would cut back on unnecessary regulations hampering the state’s economy. He says Louisiana has some of the most burdensome occupational licensing restrictions in the nation.

Cut 13 (06) “to require.”

The governor also touched on the minimum wage, equal pay, and sportsman’s licenses.

Time is running out for the Saints and Drew Brees to come to an agreement before free agency opens Wednesday. Brees turned 39 in January, and Saints analyst Mike Detillier says that adds to the complication.

Cut 10 (12) “free agency”

Lawmakers are back at the capital today to begin the regular session, a week after the special session failed to find a resolution for a one-billion-dollar budget shortfall.  LAPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says the backbiting and harsh words that were slung around between legislators will have an impact.  They need to work together to consider over 1,000 non revenue related bills…

Cut 6 (07)  “Medicaid access”

LSU president F. King Alexander is standing behind his decision to institute a zero tolerance policy on hazing in the Greek system. In the wake of the death of Maxwell Gruver the school commissioned a group to come up with a plan. Alexander says the restrictions on alcohol are to protect students, but wants to remind people the Greek system is a valuable asset for the university…

Cut 3 (11) “graduation rate.”

LSU president F. King Alexander says the LSU Greek system is much more helpful than hurtful. But he believes a zero tolerance hazing policy is necessary. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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Lawmakers return to Baton Rouge for the start of the regular session. Kelley Ray spoke with LAPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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LSU president F. King Alexander is standing behind his decision to institute a zero tolerance policy on hazing in the Greek system. In the wake of the death of Maxwell Gruver the school commissioned a group to come up with a plan. Alexander says the restrictions on alcohol are to protect students.  He says the Greek system is a valuable asset for the university…

Cut 3 (11) “graduation rate.”

Alexander says the culture of tradition runs deep in the Greek system and he says there is no reason for them to be hazing…

Cut 4  (06) “to have.”

Alexander says they have tried other types of rules and regulations but at the end of the day the administration has to have a single purpose edict…

Cut 5  (07) “United States.” 

_________________________________________________________

Lawmakers are back at the capital today to begin the regular session, a week after the special session failed to find a resolution for a one-billion-dollar budget shortfall.  LAPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says the backbiting and harsh words that were slung around between legislators will have an impact.  They need to work together to consider over 1,000 non revenue related bills…

Cut 6 (07)  “Medicaid access”

A task force recommended to allow riverboat casinos to come on shore. Alford that led to several other gambling operators asking for changes in legislation that affects them…

Cut 7 (09)  “to speak.”

The elephant in the room is the budget shortfall. There can’t be any finance bills considered, but there are hints there will be a special session. Alford feels the regular session could end before the June 4^th deadline, which puts lawmakers under a tight schedule…

Cut 8 (07) “regular session.”

_________________________________________________________

Time is running out for the Saints and Drew Brees to come to an agreement before free agency opens Wednesday and suitors from across the NFL are allowed to bid for the Black and Gold superstar’s services. As of this morning, teams are now allowed to begin contacting Brees’ agent and begin the negotiating process. Saints analyst Mike Detillier says it’ll be a nail bitter…

Cut 9 (09) “with it.”

Brees turned 39 in January, and Detillier says that adds to the complication. He says Brees will want to max out his paycheck, while the team keeps an eye to the future…

Cut 10 (12) “free agency”

Detillier says if history holds true, the Saints will bend and pay up, because Brees holds all the leverage, and superstar quarterbacks just don’t come around very often…

Cut 11 (11) “he wants.”

Saints fans are hoping to keep Brees around for a run at this year’s Super Bowl in Atlanta.

__________________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards kicked off the regular session today by laying out his legislative agenda, and tearing into lawmakers who failed to fix the fiscal cliff. The governor highlighted the plight of Louisiana’s highest performing students, who could begin to be poached by universities in other states with TOPS still up in the air. Edwards says right now Bama is beating us academically, and athletically.

Cut 12 (09) “on both.” (audience clapping)

If lawmakers fail to find a solution to the billion dollar budget gap, TOPS will be in line for a 80 percent cut.

The governor proposed an economic agenda that he says would cut back on unnecessary regulations hampering the state’s economy. He says Louisiana has some of the most burdensome occupational licensing restrictions in the nation.

Cut 13 (06) “to require.”

The governor also touched on minimum wage, equal pay, and sportsman’s licenses.

One area where Edwards did not provide specifics was in gun control and school safety. Instead, he called for the beginning of nonpolitical dialog about the topic that’s dominating state houses across the country.

Cut 14 (11) “this session.”

The governor also called for mandatory anti hazing education in universities.

______________________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards kicked off the regular session today by laying out his legislative agenda, and tearing into lawmakers who failed to fix the fiscal cliff. The governor highlighted the plight of Louisiana’s highest performing students, who could begin to be poached by universities in other states with TOPS still up in the air. Edwards says right now Bama is beating us academically, and athletically.

Cut 12 (09) “on both.”

One of the many issues lawmakers will consider is gaming. A task force recommended to allow riverboat casinos to come on shore. LA Politics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says the recommendation led to several other gambling operators asking for changes in legislation that affects them…

Cut 7 (09)  “to speak.”

LSU president F. King Alexander is standing behind his decision to institute a zero tolerance policy on hazing in the Greek system. In the wake of the death of Maxwell Gruver the school commissioned a group to come up with a plan to further protect students and Greek sororities. Alexander says the culture of tradition runs deep in the Greek system and he says there is no reason for them to be hazing.

Cut 5  (06) “to have.”

Time is running out for the Saints and Drew Brees to come to an agreement before free agency opens Wednesday and suitors from across the NFL are allowed to bid for the Black and Gold superstar’s services. As of this morning, teams are now allowed to begin contacting Brees’ agent and begin the negotiating process. Saints analyst Mike Detillier says it’ll be a nail bitter.

Cut 9 (09) “with it.”

LSU president F. King Alexander is calling for a zero tolerance hazing policy. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

Lawmakers are back at the capital today to begin the regular session, and LAPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says the specter of the fiscal cliff will hang over the session, and there can’t be any finance bills considered. Alford feels the regular session could end before the June 4^th deadline, which puts lawmakers under a tight schedule…

Cut 8 (07) “regular session.”

With the onset of spring comes seasonal allergies and this year could be a very long season. Physician Dr. Peter Boggs says the allergy season started early due to record breaking warmth in February. Boggs says he has treated many patients successfully with immunotherapy, but it involves a shot and visiting your doctor. Boggs says there are treatments you can do yourself…

Cut 15 (09) “at home.”

Spring football is underway LSU with a fierce quarterback competition expected, and Head Coach Ed Orgeron says Justin McMillan is looking good.

Cut 16 (18) “good day”

The regular session kicks off today, and Governor John Bel Edwards is hoping for a more productive gathering than the recent special session. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

18 states raised their minimum wage this year, and a few major companies are following suite. Council for a better louisiana president Barry Erwin says while the national landscape is tilting in favor of higher wages, he doesn’t see it happening in Louisiana.

Cut 8 (11) “minimum wage”

Governor John Bel Edwards released his legislative agenda aimed at improving the well-being of children and seniors. One of the bills included is West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman’s proposal to reduce the requirements necessary for public school teachers to obtain tenure. Hoffman says the current requirements are unfair to educators.

Cut 10 (09) “the teachers.”

With the onset of spring comes seasonal allergies and this year could be a very long season. For those who suffer from hay fever, it spells many weeks of sniffing, sneezing, watery eyes and post nasal drainage. Physician Dr. Peter Boggs says the allergy season started early due to record breaking warmth in February.

There are differences between colds and allergies. Boggs says if you are wondering if it’s a cold or if it’s allergies, there’s an easy way to find out…

Cut 14 (08) “to treat.”

The regular session kicks off today, and Governor John Bel Edwards is hoping the legislature gets more accomplished than the special session that ended without a solution to the budget problem.

Edwards says he and House Speaker Taylor Barras had the framework for a deal in place, only to see the speaker back away from the plan early into the special session. Edwards says going forward, legislators need to place more trust in each other’s intentions.

Cut 6 (09)  “to do”

To kick off the regular session, the governor released his legislative agenda to advance the well-being of Louisiana children and seniors, that includes legislation addressing teacher tenure, and abuse of individuals with infirmities.

One of the bills included is West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman’s proposal to reduce the requirements necessary for public school teachers to obtain tenure.

Hoffman says only 20 percent of teachers in a given year qualify. He says his bill makes the requirements for tenure more reasonable.

West Virginia teachers recently won a strike for higher pay and benefits, and reports showed Louisiana teachers are paid about 2,000 dollars less per year than the regional average. Hoffman says this is the kind of legislation that will make sure Louisiana can attract and retain quality instructors.

Cut 12 (09) “the classroom”

Hoffman is also proposing a bill that would alter the way the teacher evaluation system is weighed.

The regular session begins today less than a week after the special session crashed and burned. Fiscal cliff negotiations will be put on hold while a slew of other issues take center stage. There are several gun control bills filed. But Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin doesn’t see any of the measures to restrict who can purchase an assault rifle passing.

Substantial changes to the state retirement system have been considered, but ultimately scrapped in past sessions, but Erwin says he sees support building for a fundamental overhaul of how new hired state employees receive their benefits.

Cut 9 (08)  “finish line.”

Substantial changes to the state retirement system have been considered, but ultimately scrapped in past session, but Erwin says he sees support building for a fundamental overhaul of how new hired state employees receive their benefits.

With the onset of spring comes seasonal allergies and this year could be a very long season. For those who suffer from hay fever, it spells many weeks of sniffing, sneezing, watery eyes and post nasal drainage. Physician Dr. Peter Boggs says the allergy season started early due to record breaking warmth in February. But there is still a lot of pollen to go around…

Cut 13 (10)  “pollen predominatly.”

Governor John Bel Edwards supports a bill that rolls back the standard public school teachers need to achieve for tenure. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The regular session kicks off today, and Governor John Bel Edwards is hoping the legislature gets more accomplished than the special session that ended without a clear solution to the fiscal cliff.

Legislators are not allowed to address revenue issues in this regular session, so the fiscal cliff will have to wait for another special session to be called afterwards.

Despite the tension, Edwards says he’s optimistic that the legislature will put aside their differences and come together for a productive regular session.

Cut 5  (11)  “to mine.”

The regular session begins today less than a week after the special session crashed and burned. Fiscal cliff negotiations will be put on hold while a slew of other issues take center stage. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says

18 states raised their minimum wage this year, and a few major companies are following suite. Erwin says while the national landscape is tilting in favor of higher wages, he doesn’t see it happening in Louisiana.

Cut 8 (11) “minimum wage”

With the onset of spring comes seasonal allergies and this year could be a very long season. For those who suffer from hay fever, it spells many weeks of sniffing, sneezing, watery eyes and post nasal drainage. Physician Dr. Peter Boggs says the allergy season started early due to record breaking warmth in February. For allergy sufferers, there are some treatments that can help that don’t involve over the counter medicine. Boggs says he has treated many patients successfully with immunotherapy, but it involves a shot and visiting your doctor. Boggs says there are treatments you can do yourself…

Cut 15 (09) “at home.”