The special session is at a tipping point after a first attempt at tax reform failed in the House Ways and Means committee. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”.

The State Department of Education is launching the “Be Irreplaceable. Be a Teacher” campaign.  Teacher of the Year Kim Eckert announced the 100-thousand-dollar campaign which is an effort to convince high school and college students to make a career in the teaching profession.

Cut 3 (07) “look like.”

Across Louisiana, students, teen aged boys mainly, have been arrested for terrorizing school mates in the wake of the mass shooting in south Florida.  LSU Pediatric psychologist Joy Osofsky (Oh-saf-ski) says it’s her belief that kids are simply mimicking what they see.

Cut 6  (12)  “are scared”

Many high school students love to participate in sports, unfortunately there isn’t enough referees to officiate some of those games. LHSAA Assistant Executive Director Keith Alexander blames the unruly crowds at some games that have gotten completely out of hand.  Sometimes extreme measures have to happen…

Cut 10 (08) “empty stadium.”

The special session is at a tipping point after just three days. The first major piece of tax reform legislation, aimed at plugging a portion of the billion dollar fiscal cliff, has stalled in the House Ways and Means committee. Lake Charles Republican Representative Stephen Dwight says this failure could doom the special session.

Cut 12 (07) “is over.”

The bill would renew a quarter of the expiring penny sales tax, and remove some of the special sales tax exemptions for certain industries and generate an estimated 300-million-dollars a year.  Baton Rouge Democratic Representative Ted James rejects the idea that this is the only fix to the fiscal cliff that would gut popular programs like TOPS.  He says Republicans won’t allow other solutions to be entertained.

Cut 13 (10) “I’m not”

The State Department of Education is launching the “Be Irreplaceable. Be a Teacher” campaign.  It’s an effort to convince high school and college students to make a career in the teaching profession.  But Teacher of the Year Kim Eckert says it’s a challenge to bring in new teachers to Louisiana due to lower teacher pay.   She’s urging teachers to speak openly with lawmakers and education officials and it starts with this campaign…

Cut 5  (11)  “gonna be.”

Police are reporting copycat type incidents throughout Louisiana since the mass school shooting in Florida.  LSU Pediatric psychologist Joy Osofsky (Oh-saf-ski) says there is a danger that kids are becoming star stuck by these killers, relishing that they are in control…

Cut 8 (10) “be identified.”

The latest threat was made against Northwood High School in Blanchard in Caddo Parish…

The special session is at a tipping point after just three days. The first major piece of tax reform legislation, aimed at plugging a portion of the billion dollar fiscal cliff, has stalled in the House Ways and Means committee. Lake Charles Republican Representative Stephen Dwight says this failure could doom the special session.

Cut 12, 7 seconds, is over

The bill would renew a quarter of the expiring penny sales tax, and remove some of the special sales tax exemptions enjoyed by certain industries. The bill would generate an estimated 300 million a year.

Baton Rouge Democratic Representative Ted James rejects the idea that this is the only fix to the cliff, he says Republicans won’t entertain other options

Cut 13, 10 seconds, I’m not

Law enforcement and schools systems statewide have seen an increase in online threats in the wake of last week’s mass shooting at a high school in Florida. Jim Shannon has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon”

A large part of the state is under a tornado watch until 5 PM. The watch box covers southwest, central and northeast Louisiana.

And the wife of the French Settlement police chief was arrested for allegedly driving drunk Saturday night after officers initially noticed suspicious behavior coming from her vechicle outside of the police station.

The State Department of Education has launched the “Be Irreplaceable. Be a Teacher” campaign.  Teacher of the Year Kim Eckert says it’s a challenge to bring in new teachers to Louisiana, since nearby states pay an average of 17-hundred-dollars more.  She hopes this campaign will urge teachers to speak openly with lawmakers and education officials to help attract new educators…

Cut 5  (11)  “gonna be.”

Across Louisiana, students, teen aged boys mainly, have been arrested for terrorizing school mates in the wake of the mass shooting in south Florida. Police are reporting incidents all over the state. LSU Pediatric psychologist Joy Osofsky (Oh-saf-ski) says it’s her belief that kids are simply mimicking what they see.

Cut 6  (12)  “are scared”

While many high school students are ready and able to participate in sports, there isn’t enough referees to officiate those games.  LHSAA Assistant Executive Director Keith Alexander says some sports have plenty of refs, while it’s harder to find officials who will work basketball games.  He believes the crowds, especially if they get unruly, make a difference.

Cut 9 (10) “the court.”

Owner of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans Tom Benson is in the hospital.  The 90- year old has flu like symptoms and is in ICU, but is resting comfortably.

the House Ways and Means Committee is voting today on a series of bills that would make changes to the state’s tax code as part of the effort to plug the billion dollar budget shortfall. No agreement has been reached on a detailed proposal to solve the fiscal cliff so far. Jackson Representative Kenny Havard says there’s been too much posturing and not enough policy.

Cut 10 (11) “the middle.”

A bill to create a transparency tool called Louisiana Checkbook passed the House Appropriations committee, and may be considered on the house floor later this week. The program closely mirrors Ohiocheckbook.com, where Ohio residents are presented a detailed report about state expenses.

But Louisiana Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says says the cost of the program has yet to be revealed.

Cut 16 (08) “as well.”

Automotive insurance rates are on the rise again, after the Louisiana Department of Insurance approved double-digit hikes last year for at least six insurance companies.  State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says there are several factors, including an increase in distracted driving…

Cut 11 (13) “in 2015.”

Donelon advises motorists to shop around if they think their rates are too high…

The State Department of Education is launching the “Be Irreplaceable. Be a Teacher” campaign.  Teacher of the Year Kim Eckert announced the campaign to get young people interested in teaching.

Eckert says DOE will attempt to attract Generation Z about the prestige of the teaching career through television, radio and billboard ads and their website…

Cut 4  (09) “anything else.” 

A transparency bill passed through the House Appropriations Committee, and may be considered on the House floor later this week. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Flash flood issues are creating problems through out North West Louisiana.  Forecaster Brandi Hughes, with the National Weather Service in Shreveport warns some low water bridges and roadways could become flooded.  Hughes says if you see water covering the roadway, stay away…

Cut 6 (06)  “risk it.”

Temperatures are expected to remain mild through the period.

———————–

Automotive insurance rates are on the rise again, after the Louisiana Department of Insurance approved double-digit hikes last year for at least six insurance companies.  State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says

rates go up faster in Louisiana because the state’s legal climate leads to litigation a lot of times following accidents…

Donelon says State Farm Insurance accounts for 30 percent of Louisiana insured drivers are paying on average ten-percent starting this month. He advises motorists to shop around if they think their rates are too high…

Cut 13 (10)  “large numbers.”

The House Ways and Means Committee is expected to vote today on a series of bills that would make changes to the state’s tax code as part of the effort to plug the billion dollar budget shortfall. Jackson Representative Kenny Havard says the current system, which provides tax breaks for businesses in certain industries, is unfair.

Cut 7 (09)  “no one”

But Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey says he’s concerned that the current push to fix the fiscal cliff by taxing business will hurt the state’s economy. He says it could result in jobs heading out of state.

Auto insurance rates are rising in Louisiana, in some cases as much as 25 percent.  Kelley Ray spoke with State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon about what policyholders can do…

Cut 2 (32) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

Four parishes in northwest Louisiana, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne and Webster, are under a flash flood watch through Thursday morning.  Forecaster Brandi Hughes, with the National Weather Service in says the long range forecast looks wet for the next several days.

Cut 5  (11)  “next week.”

A bill to create a transparency tool called Louisiana Checkbook passed the House Appropriations committee, and may be considered on the house floor later this week..it allows access to detailed report about state expenses.

Louisiana Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the state already has the tools in place to provide some of those services without having to contract with a third party. He says the cost of the program has yet to be revealed.

Cut 16 (08) “as well.”

A 17-year old male is facing terrorizing charges in lafourche parish today. School superintendent Joe mattyhews says the student allegedly made threats toward students and teachers and had a list of people he planned on killing. The student is currently undergoing a mental health exam.

Legislators are at odds over possible reforms to the business tax code. Matt Doyle has this report on the special session.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

A 17-year old male is facing terrorizing charges in lafourche parish today. School superintendent Joe mattyhews says the student allegedly made threats toward students and teachers and had a list of people he planned on killing. The student is currently undergoing a mental health exam.

Automotive insurance rates are on the rise again, after the Louisiana Department of Insurance approved double-digit hikes last year for at least six insurance companies.  State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says there are several factors, including an increase in distracted driving…

Cut 11 (13) “in 2015.”

A bill to create a transparency tool called Louisiana Checkbook passed the House Appropriations committee, and may be considered on the house floor later this week. The program closely mirrors Ohiocheckbook.com, where Ohio residents are presented a detailed report about state expenses. House Speaker Taylor Barras says it’s a user friendly tool for the public.

Cut 14 (10) “wide range”

A transparency bill passed through the House Appropriations Committee, and may be considered on the House floor later this week. Jeff Palermo has more. 6:30

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Four parishes in northwest Louisiana, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne and Webster, are under a flash flood watch through Thursday morning.  Forecaster Brandi Hughes, with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says several inches of rain are possible..

Cut 4  (09) “rain continues.” 

A 17-year old male is facing terrorizing and assault charges in LafourcheParish after he allegedly made threats to teachers and students. The student’s name was not released.

The House Ways and Means Committee is expected to vote today on a series of bills that would make changes to the state’s tax code as part of the effort to plug the billion dollar budget shortfall. Jackson Representative Kenny Havard says the current system, which provides tax breaks for businesses in certain industries, is unfair.

But Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey says he’s concerned that the current push to fix the fiscal cliff by taxing business will hurt the state’s economy. He says it could result in jobs heading out of state.

Ivey says the proposed changes to the business tax code will hurt the budget in the long run, as businesses chose not to expand in Louisiana.

Cut 9 (11)  “in Louisiana”

Legislators are at odds over possible reforms to the business tax code. Matt Doyle has this report on the special session.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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Auto insurance rates are rising in Louisiana, in some cases as much as 25 percent.  Kelley Ray spoke with State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon about what policyholders can do…

Cut 2 (32) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

_______________________________________

A transparency bill passed through the House Appropriations Committee, and may be considered on the House floor later this week. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Four parishes in northwest Louisiana, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne and Webster, are under a flash flood watch through Thursday morning.  Forecaster Brandi Hughes, with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says several inches of rain are possible..

Cut 4  (09) “rain continues.” 

And more rain could be coming.  Hughes says the long range forecast looks wet for the next several days, which could add to already swollen creeks and rivers…

Cut 5  (11)  “next week.”

Officials warn some low water bridges and roadways could become flooded.  Hughes says if you see water covering the roadway, stay away…

Cut 6 (06)  “risk it.”

Temperatures are expected to remain mild through the period.

____________________________________________

The House Ways and Means Committee is expected to vote today on a series of bills that would make changes to the state’s tax code as part of the effort to plug the billion dollar budget shortfall. Jackson Representative Kenny Havard says the current system, which provides tax breaks for businesses in certain industries, is unfair.

Cut 7 (09)  “no one”

But Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey says he’s concerned that the current push to fix the fiscal cliff by taxing business will hurt the state’s economy. He says it could result in jobs heading out of state.

Cut 8 (08) “other states”

Ivey says the proposed changes to the business tax code will hurt the budget in the long run, as businesses chose not to expand in Louisiana.

Cut 9 (11)  “in Louisiana”

No agreement has been reached on a detailed proposal to solve the fiscal cliff, as legislators have shied away from specifics in the first two days of the special session. Havard says there’s been too much posturing and not enough policy.

Cut 10 (11) “the middle.”

___________________________________

Automotive insurance rates are on the rise again, after the Louisiana Department of Insurance approved double-digit hikes last year for at least six insurance companies.  State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says there are several factors, including an increase in distracted driving…

Cut 11 (13) “in 2015.”