Louisiana Radio Network, I’m Matt Doyle

The House has rescheduled a series of planned votes today to Wednesday on revenue measures aimed at making a dent in the one billion dollar fiscal cliff. Reports indicate the talks broke down after a series of amendments were added to tax bills late last night. House Speaker Taylor Barras says he’s trying to broker a deal, but the governor’s inaction is hindering the talks.

Cut 11 (11) “the administration.”

The congressional black caucus is refusing to back a vote until the amendments are removed.

Yahoo Sports reports NCAA Enforcement officials have looked into LSU Basketball Coach Will Wade’s recruiting tactics. But a source says the inquiry has stalled because of a lack of on-the-record specifics. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says it looks like Wade is in the clear.

Cut 13 (10) “for that”

LSU has confirmed that there is no active investigation.

LRN

LA ABLE is a new program that offers families with developmentally disabled members the opportunity to put tax deductible dollars in a savings account to pay for future health and education needs. The fund operates similarly to education savings program START, but State Treasurer John Schroder says it’s not just for education, but for special needs.

Cut 8 (06) “with disabilities”

Flooding in north Louisiana remains a concern as a stubborn storm system dropped several inches of rain this weekend. National Weather Service hydrologist C.S. Ross says there isnt a break from the rainy conditions.

Cut 4  (07) “coming up.” 

The Ouachita River is also expected to crest in Monroe later this week.

Louisiana Radio Network

Louisiana Radio Network, I’m Matt Doyle

The House has rescheduled a series of planned votes today to Wednesday on revenue measures aimed at making a dent in the one billion dollar fiscal cliff that threatens to wreck state finances and starve popular programs like TOPS. Reports say the root of the delay is the congressional black caucus. Democrat Marcus Hunter says the session is grinding to a halt until Republicans agree to eliminate special tax deductions for certain industries.

Cut 10 (11) “improved upon.”

Earlier, Yahoo Sports reported NCAA Enforcement officials have looked into LSU Basketball Coach Will Wade’s recruiting tactics. Tiger Rag’s Cody Worsham says the program’s incredible turnaround from last year may have sparked the interest.

Cut 15 (12) “inquiry”

LSU has confirmed that there is no active investigation into the program.

LRN

Flooding in north Louisiana remains a concern as a stubborn storm system dropped several inches of rain this weekend. National Weather Service hydrologist C.S. Ross says they are concerned about flooding on the Red River for the next several days….

Cut 3 (09) “this week.”

The Ouachita River is also expected to crest in Monroe later this week as well as nearby bayous and rivers.

LA ABLE is a new program that offers families with developmentally disabled members the opportunity to put tax deductible dollars in a safe state savings account to pay for future health and education needs. State Treasurer John Schroder says the money is invested safely, so you don’t have to worry about stock market turmoil putting your family’s finances at risk.

Cut 7 (10)  “needs purpose”

Louisiana Radio Network

The special session remains bogged down still as legislators can’t come to an agreement on revenue generating bills didn’t go well Sunday night.  House Speaker Taylor Barras says he talked with the legislative black caucus to try to resolve some of the issues today and both agree more clarification is needed on how to bridge the one-billion-dollar budget gap …

Cut 12 (06) “to take.”

Flooding remains a concern this week in North Louisiana.  The Red River is expected hit to 39 feet, six feet above flood stage in Shreveport.  National Weather Service hydrologist C.S. Ross says they are concerned with roads near the river…

Cut 5  (09)  “access roadways.”

Further flooding is expected along the lower Red River later in the week near Natchitoches and Alexandria.

The state is getting the word out about a new savings program for families with developmentally disabled members. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”.

Yahoo Sports reports NCAA Enforcement officials have looked into LSU Basketball Coach Will Wade’s recruiting tactics.   Wade’s 2018 recruiting class is ranked as third best in the country. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says the

Louisiana Radio Network, I’m Matt Doyle

A slew of last minute amendments added to some revenue generating bills last night has bogged down the special session. Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh tacked a number of changes that did not go well with Democrat Marcus Hunter. Hunter says the amendments are so in-digestible that this group of legislators might as well just go home.

Cut 9 (09) “in June.”

Democratic legislators held the House proceedings at bay during the morning as nothing was moving.

Yahoo Sports reports NCAA Enforcement officials have looked into LSU Basketball Coach Will Wade’s recruiting tactics. But a source says the inquiry has stalled. Tiger Rag’s Cody Worsham says so far it doesn’t like LSU is any significant trouble…

Cut 14 (12) “up to par”

LRN

The Red River is expected to crest by Wednesday in north west Louisiana. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon”

LA ABLE is a new program that offers families with developmentally disabled members the opportunity to put tax deductible dollars in a safe state savings account to pay for future health and education needs. State Treasurer Jon Schroder says it gives families who, already facing a tough battle, a tool to help provide for their disabled loved ones.

Cut 6  (06)  “federal deduction”

Louisiana Radio Network

Flooding in north Louisiana remains a concern as a stubborn storm system dropped several inches of rain this weekend. National Weather Service hydrologist C.S. Ross says they are concerned about flooding on the Red River for the next several days….

Cut 3 (09) “this week.”

The Ouachita River is also expected to crest in Monroe later this week as well as nearby bayous and rivers.  Areas in central Louisiana are also expected to get hit with high water as well further downstream on the lower Red River.  Ross says there isn’t a break from the rainy conditions…

Cut 4  (07) “coming up.” 

The house of representatives was burning the late night oil at the capitol last night. The house ways and means committee agreed to send vital legislation forward in an effort to plug a billion dollar plus budget hole, by agreeing to rein in tax breaks for middle and upper income people who itemize their taxes. The vote last night is the first significant movement on tax raising issues the special session was called for. The measures now move to the full house for their consideration.

One north Louisiana sheriff is asking schools to allow teachers to carry guns.  Kelley Ray has more on this heated topic…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

Two tax bills that will help the state overcome a looming one billion dollar budget deficit are heading to the House floor. Some Republicans were seeking to make permanent a quarter of a temporary one-cent sales tax. But Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh didn’t like the permanent part, so he changed the legislation so a quarter of the temporary one-cent sales tax stays until mid-2021

Cut 14 (08) “businesses pocket”

Taxes are down 14 percent for utility companies in the wake of the federal tax overhaul, but Louisianans haven’t seen lower rates. The Public Service Commission says they anticipate lower rates as a result, but Commissioner Lambert Boissierre says you could be waiting until summer to see the change.The commissioner says the tax overhaul effected a wide variety of different companies that Louisiana residents rely on.

Cut 9 (11)  “These companies.” (2X)

Boissierre disagrees with the commission’s estimates for when rate changes could take place, and feels utility companies have the ability to begin cutting rates immediately.

The house of representatives was burning the late night oil at the capitol last night. The house ways and means committee agreed to send vital legislation forward in an effort to plug a billion dollar plus budget hole, by agreeing to rein in tax breaks for middle and upper income people who itemize their taxes. The vote last night is the first significant movement on tax raising issues the special session was called for. The measures now move to the full house for their consideration.

Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator is asking the Caddo Parish School Board, to allow some faculty and administrators to carry guns on campus.  Most Caddo Parish schools have a security guard or a resource officer, but he feels it’s not enough.  Prator says schools are an open door to criminals with weapons…

Teacher union groups oppose Prator’s proposal. President of the Red River United Union, Jackie Lansdale, says teachers are there to educate students and going beyond that to protect students is more than what they signed up for…

Cut 11 (06) “become that.”

Prator says school staff that would be allowed to carry guns, must undergo several hours of training to make sure they can handle a weapon in a crisis situation…

Cut 12 (10) “testing done.”

You may have seen some savings from the federal tax bill in your paycheck, but it will be summertime before you see it on your utility bill. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Baton Rouge Senator Dan Claitor is proposing a bill that would fine wreckless drivers for creating potentially dangerous wakes while driving through flooded areas. The bill would add a new specification to existing law that would fine drivers up to 500 dollars, with potential for 90 days in jail.

Claitor says passing the bill could help cut down on such incidents.

Cut 5  (05)  “people’s attention.”

Claitor says the legislation was inspired by flood horror stories from his constituents.

Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator is asking the Caddo Parish School Board, to allow some faculty and administrators to carry guns on campus.  Most Caddo Parish schools have a security guard or a resource officer, but he feels it’s not enough.  Prator says schools are an open door to criminals.

Prator says school staff that would be allowed to carry guns, must undergo several hours of training to make sure they can handle a weapon in a crisis situation…

Cut 12 (10) “testing done.”

Teacher union groups oppose Prator’s proposal. President of the Red River United Union, Jackie Lansdale, says teachers are there to educate students and going beyond that to protect students is more than what they signed up for.Lansdale knows there are challenges facing schools and law enforcement alike with the increase in violence on school campuses. She believes more parental involvement is a better way to stop many copycats from acting out…

Cut 13 (09)  “they’re playing?”

One north Louisiana sheriff is asking schools to allow teachers to carry guns.  Kelley Ray has more on this heated topic…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

Baton Rouge Senator Dan Claitor is proposing a bill that would fine wreck less drivers for creating potentially dangerous wakes while driving through flooded areas. The bill would add a new specification to existing law that would fine drivers up to 500 dollars, with potential for 90 days in jail. Claitor says the legislation was inspired by flood horror stories from his constituents.

If the bill passes, Claitor says you’ll be able to report wreck less flood zone drivers to the authorities.

Cut 6 (06)  “the DA”

The bill would also extend these laws to watercraft used during flood situations.

Taxes are down 14 percent for utility companies in the wake of the federal tax overhaul, but Louisianans haven’t seen lower rates. The Public Service Commission says they anticipate lower rates as a result, but Commissioner Lambert Boissierre says the new tax structure means the PSC will have to redo its previous analysis that it sets every six months to a year for rate changes. He says there is a lot that goes into formulating the rates.

Cut 8 (10) “money back”

The commissioner says the tax overhaul effected a wide variety of different companies that Louisiana residents rely on.

Two tax bills that will help the state overcome a looming one billion dollar budget deficit are heading to the House floor. Some Republicans were seeking to make permanent a quarter of a temporary one-cent sales tax.

If this legislation becomes law, the state’s sales tax rate would be a four and a quarter percent until June 30, 2021. It’s currently 5-percent, but two years ago, the sales tax rate was four-percent. The measure also temporarily eliminates some sales tax breaks. Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey opposed it..

Cut 15 (06) “my opinion.”

For Democrats to support the sales tax bill, they wanted the House Ways and Means Committee to remove tax breaks for middle and upper income wage earners who itemize deductions on tax returns. The panel did on a 10-7 vote. New Orleans Representative Walt Leger says these tax bills can stave off deep budget cuts..

Cut 16 (09) “higher education.”

A bill inspired by flood victim’s horror stories of wreck less drivers pushing water into their homes is being proposed for the upcoming regular session. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Taxes are down 14 percent for utility companies in the wake of the federal tax overhaul, but Louisianans haven’t seen lower rates. The Public Service Commission says they anticipate lower rates as a result, but Commissioner Lambert Boissierre says you could be waiting until summer to see the change.

Cut 7 (06)  “current estimate”

Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator is asking the Caddo Parish School Board, to allow some faculty and administrators to carry guns on campus.  Most Caddo Parish schools have a security guard or a resource officer, but he feels it’s not enough.  Prator says schools are an open door to criminals with weapons…

Cut 10 (11) “a gun”

Two tax bills that will help the state overcome a looming one billion dollar budget deficit are heading to the House floor. Some Republicans were seeking to make permanent a quarter of a temporary one-cent sales tax.

If this legislation becomes law, the state’s sales tax rate would be a four and a quarter percent until June 30, 2021. It’s currently 5-percent, but two years ago, the sales tax rate was four-percent. The measure also temporarily eliminates some sales tax breaks. Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey opposed it..The bills now head to the House floor, where they’ll need 70 votes. Ivey says the measures do not provide the real tax reform…

Cut 17 (09) “sad day in Louisiana”

You may have seen some savings from the federal tax bill in your paycheck, but it will be summertime before you see it on your utility bill. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The house of representatives was burning the late night oil at the capitol last night. The house ways and means committee agreed to send vital legislation forward in an effort to plug a billion dollar plus budget hole. The vote last night is the first significant movement on tax raising issues the special session was called for. The measures now move to the full house for their consideration.

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h all the rain over the weekend a piece of legislation that would address flooded areas is surfacing. Baton Rogue Senator Dan Claitor is looking to slow down drivers who blow through flood water creating damaging wakes or waves.

The bill would add a new specifications to existing law that would fine drivers up to 500 dollars, with potential for 90 days in jail. Claitor says the legislation was inspired by flood horror stories from his constituents.

Cut 4  (12) “those folks” 

Two tax bills that will help the state overcome a looming one billion dollar budget deficit are heading to the House floor. Some Republicans were seeking to make permanent a quarter of a temporary one-cent sales tax. But Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh didn’t like the permanent part, so he changed the legislation so a quarter of the temporary one-cent sales tax stays until mid-2021

Cut 14 (08) “businesses pocket”