Governor John Bel Edwards remains hopeful lawmakers can agree on a plan to fix the state’s 900-million dollar deficit. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Council for a Better Louisiana says the cuts to the Department of Education made in the House-approved spending bill would take away 85% of their remaining cash on hand for the current school year. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Former Monroe TV personality “Mr. Wonder” has been indicted on sexual assault charges. Rapides Parish Assistant District Attorney Brian Mosley says a grand jury indicted 76-year-old Frank Selas on a long list of charges.

CUT 3 (11)  “a juvenile”

Selas is currently in a San Diego jail. He’s been living in California since 1985. Mosley says the extradition process to bring him back to Louisiana has already begun.

CUT 4 (05)  “warrant”

According to the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, investigators have identified 7 alleged victims as a result of a 1979 investigation. The alleged crimes took place on camping trip when Selas was a Cub Scouts leader. Mosley says Selas will be brought back to Louisiana to face the charges.

CUT 5 (11)  “Rapides parish”

Selas initially claimed police had arrested the wrong man, but a San Diego judge ruled on February 11 that Selas is in fact the wanted fugitive from Louisiana.

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State Police arrest a second officer assigned to the US Drug Enforcement Administration task force suspected of stealing and selling drugs seized in raids. Karl Newman, a deputy with the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, was booked on counts of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and abuse of office.  State police spokesperson, Maj. Doug Cain, says the arrest was made after authorities received a tip.

CUT 6 (07) “the north shore”

Newman is being held without bail in the St. Tammany Parish Jail. Cain says the investigation is ongoing.

CUT 7 (10) “law enforcement agency”

Newman’s arrest comes just weeks after another Tangipahoa parish deputy, Johnny Domingue, was booked on drug distribution charges. Cain says investigators will get to the bottom of the allegations.

CUT 8 (06) “their officers”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says the special legislative session aimed at solving a 940-million dollar budget deficit this fiscal year is heading in the right direction, but there’s still a long way to go. House republicans are hesitant to raise taxes to fill the budget hole, but Edwards there’s been no evidence they can reduce the deficit without raising revenues

CUT 9 (10) “that is not happening”  

The House has passed legislation to the Senate that’s a combination of budget cuts and tax increases, including a one-cent increase on the state’s 4-cent sales tax. But The House believes the additional penny should be removed after 18-months, but Edwards wants the additional penny to stay on the books, until long-term budget reforms are in place

cut 10 (09)  “spoke of”

The special session ends March ninth. Edwards is disappointed the House didn’t move the tax bills sooner, but is optimistic there’s enough time for the Senate to act…

Cut 11 (09) “be modified”

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The Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance has launched a campaign to build support for a new I-10 bridge over the Calcasieu River. George Swift, president and CEO of the alliance, says the “In for 10” campaign is important because the bridge is dangerous for motorists…

cut 12 (06) “pull over”

The bridge was built in 1952, and the National Bridge Inventory deemed it “basically intolerable” in 2009. Swift says the community cannot wait any longer for a new bridge.

cut 13 (08)  “and region”

It will take millions of dollars from the federal government to replace the bridge. Lafayette Congressman Charles Boustany and Senator David Vitter have offered their support. Swift says the bridge endures heavy traffic every day, and that traffic will only get worse as more industrial projects move to the area in the next few years.

cut 14 (10)  “and safer”

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One of the items in the supplemental spending bill that the full House approved this week includes a mid-year cut to the state Department of Education which amounts to $52 million dollars, according to the Council for a better Louisiana. CABL President Barry Erwin says this would take away 85% of the DOE’s remaining cash on hand for the current fiscal year…:

cut 15 (10) “where they’re going” 

Erwin says this would also take away payments for mandated student testing for the current school year. He says some deals were made and essentially the House just wanted to make a statement that they wanted to cut the budget further…:

cut 16 (09)  “I suppose”

The SEC is thinking about moving its annual baseball tournament and New Orleans has put in a bid. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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 The 5^th US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Louisiana’s admitting privilege law for abortion doctors can be enforced, and the Center for Reproductive Rights plans to appeal that ruling to the US Supreme Court. Halen Doughty reports…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The House has passed legislation to raise the state’s four-cent sales tax by one penny, but there’s still more work to do to solve the state’s budget crisis. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation has submitted a bid to host the SEC baseball tournament at Zephyr Field in Metairie from 2017 to 2021. Several other cities are also bidding, including Nashville. But GNOSF President Jay Cicero says we have the biggest college baseball fan base of any area in the nation within driving distance, plus other assets.

cut 4  (10)  “time high”

It’s expected the SEC will award a bid to host the tournament after the 12 team event is held in late May. Cicero says the Zephyr’s new owners are extremely supportive of the bid.

Cut 5  (07)  “home games”

The SEC baseball tournament has been held in Hoover, Alabama for the last 18 years. Cicero says The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation is excited to have an opportunity to bid and have a strong desire to grow the tournament here.

Cut 6 (10)  “VIP services” 

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The Center for Reproductive Rights plans to appeal the ruling by the 5^th US Circuit Court of Appeals that says Louisiana’s admitting privilege law for abortion doctors can be enforced. David Brown, an attorney for the Center for Reproductive Rights, says the ruling will make it very difficult for Louisiana women to get a legal abortion.

CUT 7 (08)  “the internet”

The 5^th Circuit’s action means abortion doctors must have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles. Brown says as a result there are now only two clinics available in Louisiana where an abortion can be performed, one in Shreveport and one in New Orleans…

Cut 8  (05)  “remaining clinics”

Brown says the abortion doctor in Shreveport with admitting privileges is part-time. Brown says they are appealing the 5^th Circuit’s ruling to the US Supreme Court…

Cut 9 (11)  “it down”

______________________________________

The state House has sent to the Senate a bill that will increase the state’s four-cent sales tax by another penny for an 18-month period beginning on April 1st. The higher sales tax is expected to generate an estimated 200-million dollars this fiscal year, but Jeremy Alford with la-politics-dot-com says more needs to be done to deal with the 940-million dollar shortfall…

Cut 10 (09) “to them”

Measures to increase cigarette and alcohol taxes and legislation to reduce tax breaks for businesses has yet to be taken up by the full House. Alford says those are other revenue generating items that the House could send over to the Senate…

cut 11 (06) “coming days”

The House also sent to the Senate legislation that cuts government spending by 100-million dollars and it includes a 44-million dollar reduction in state funding for public school education. Alford says the state department of education has some serious concerns about what the House has done…

cut 12 (09) “to give”

_________________________________________________________

Secretary of State Tom Schedler says early voting totals for the March 5 Louisiana Presidential Primary have already surpassed 2012 numbers, and there’s still two days left to early vote. Schedler says there’s been a lot of interest in this Presidential election and the early voting totals so far reflect that….

Cut 13 (07)  “I can tel ya”

Schedler says heading into Thursday, about 47-thousand early votes were casted. In 2012, only 35-thousand votes were recorded during the entire early voting period. Schedler says it’s nice to see republican and democratic voters get involved in the process…

Cut 14 (09)  “the storm” 

Schedler says he does not have a break down on how many registered republican and democratic early voters. But while the turnout has been encouraging, it can always be better…

Cut 15 (09) “very vigorous” 

Early voting remains open through Saturday.

________________________________________________________

North Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell announced on the Jim Engster Show that he is making preparations to run for the US Senate. Campbell says if he goes to Washington he’ll bring is populist beliefs with him…

Cut 16  (08)  “Louisiana“

Campbell would join a crowded field of candidates seeking to replace Republican David Vitter, who is not running for re-election. The race currently only has one Democrat in it and that’s New Orleans businesswoman Caroline Fayard. Campbell says….

Cut 17 (11) “coming home”

A new study from AAA shows 87% of drivers engage in risky behaviors while driving. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A new report says Louisiana felons face more job restrictions that in any other state. Michelle Southern has the story…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

===================

Eighty-seven percent of drivers engaged in at least one risky behavior while driving in the past month, according to a new study from AAA. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says the data is not surprising. He says in the US about 30 to 40 thousand people die each year in car crashes.

CUT 3 (11)  “or impaired”

Redman says distracted driving is the most common risky behavior. He says 42% or drivers admit to texting and 70% admit to being on the phone. Redman says drowsy driving is also unsafe for drivers.

CUT 4 (07)  “some rest”

Redman says speeding is common among drivers, with 48% reporting going 15 miles per hour or more over the speed limit on a highway. He says people engage in many different dangerous behaviors while driving.

CUT 5 (07)  “impaired driving”

Thirteen percent of drivers say they were drunk or almost drunk while driving in the past month. Redman says impaired driving is not limited to drugs and alcohol because people can become impaired after taking prescription medications as well, including anti-depressants, pain killers, or blood pressure medicine.

============================

A three judge panel of the 5^th Circuit Court of Appeals rules that Louisiana can enforce a state law that requires doctors preforming abortions must have admitting privileges at hospitals within 30 miles. Benjamin Clapper with Louisiana Right to Life says this legislation ensures that in an emergency the physician can take the proper steps to protect the health of the woman…

CUT 6 (09) “same standard”

Planned Parenthood says the ruling will force the closure of three out of the four abortion clinics in the state. Clapper says he isn’t sure how the Department of Health and Hospitals will proceed.

CUT 7 (10) “their facilities”

Those against the legislation say it will make it harder for women to get an abortion in Louisiana. Clapper says it’s just common sense that abortion doctors should have admitting privileges.

CUT 8 (11) “abortions”

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Lafayette Congressman Charles Boustany’s PROTECT Act to help the Louisiana seafood industry has been signed by President Barack Obama. Boustany says this legislation will give domestic seafood a fair shot at competing against foreign imports who up until now have been able to undercut our producers using illegal practices.

CUT 9 (10) “our market”  

Boustany says this legislation can keep illegal crawfish and seafood products produced outside the United States from ever leaving their country of origin.

cut 10 (10)  “agencies”

Boustany says the PROTECT Act will help Louisiana producers expand their markets around the country. He says if other countries want to sell seafood in the United States, they need to play by our rules…

Cut 11 (10) “chemicals”

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A new report says felons in Louisiana face more employment obstacles that any other state. The average number of job restrictions for felons in the US is 123, but Louisiana has 389. Allyson Fredericksen, with the Alliance for a Just Society, says many of the restrictions are state laws that prevent convicted felons from being hired for certain positions in fields like health care and government offices

cut 12 (11) “into society”

Behind Louisiana, Illinois has the most restrictions with 258, which is 131 fewer than Louisiana. Fredericksen says Louisiana makes it tough for recently released inmates to get their life back on track…

cut 13 (10)  “daily essentials”

Fredericksen says this problem can often lead ex-felons returning to a life of crime to make money. She says some of these restrictions need to be lifted….

cut 14 (06)  “even harder”

Fredericksen says the Alliance for a Just Society is seeking to eliminate the lifetime legislative bans to employment and review the restrictions to see if they are all still applicable. They also want to ban the box on applications asking if someone has a criminal record to prevent discrimination.

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Governor John Bel Edwards has declared a state of emergency in seven parishes as a result of Tuesday’s severe weather outbreak. Halen Doughty reports.

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

================

About two-thousand students rallied at the state capitol today to protest cuts to higher education. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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State Police is investigating a deadly shooting in Baton Rouge involving several deputies with the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office. Troop A spokesman Bryan Lee says detectives were responding to a report of a domestic disturbance indicating a man had attacked two women with mace..:

CUT 3 (08)  “that subject”

Lee says witnesses reported that the subject, identified as 48-year-old Travis Stevenson, was threatening to kill himself all day. He says cops eventually caught up with him…:

CUT 4 (06)  “killing that subject”

Sheriff Sid Gautreaux said it’s possible Stevenson was trying to commit suicide by cop when he rammed them with his vehicle. The DA’s office will conduct an independent investigation. Lee says troopers were asked to investigate, as is typical protocol with officer involved shootings…:

CUT 5 (06)  “that fired”

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Cleanup is underway in several south Louisiana parishes today after as many as seven suspected tornadoes touched down during a powerful storm system that roared through the state yesterday. St. James spokesperson Brandon Keller says two people were killed when one of twisters leveled an RV park in Convent….

CUT 6 (09) “or destroyed”

Keller says 30 people were injured, seven of them are in critical condition. Keller asks that people avoid the immediate area around the park to keep the roads open for emergency vehicles and cleanup crews. He says there are ways people can get involved to help.

CUT 7 (06) “can help”

Assumption Parish was also hit hard by a tornado. John Boudreaux, director of the Assumption office of emergency preparedness, says there’s extensive damage and power outages. Power lines are still down, but power should be restored for most residents by the end of the day. He says a water tower on LA-1 also collapsed.

CUT 8 (07) “in the line”

Boudreaux says the cleanup process after this storm is similar to the procedure after a hurricane. He says crews from the state will assess the damage from the storm.

CUT 9 (10) “to the state”  

============================

The House Appropriations Committee approved a bill that would cut 117 million dollars from this fiscal year’s budget, which is 87 million dollars more than what Governor John Bel Edwards recommended. Chairman Cameron Henry of Jefferson Parish says there is bi-partisan support to go above and beyond what the governor has called for in budget cuts.

cut 10 (07)  “this time”

K-12^th grade public school education would receive a 44 million dollar cut as part of Henry’s plan to reduce government expenses. Governor Edwards has said he opposes any cuts to public schools. Democratic Representative Walt Leger of New Orleans also objects…

Cut 11 (08) “unhappy”

Baton Rouge Representative Pat Smith says she’s also concerned with proposed cuts to K-12 public education. She also doesn’t support Henry’s proposal to cut from Veterans Military Services…

cut 12 (11) “this bill”

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Governor John Bel Edwards spoke at a rally on the steps of the state capitol today in which about two-thousand students attended to protest proposed cuts to higher education. Edwards told the group he’s always stood with the students and he stands with them now…:

cut 13 (11)  “education”

Higher education could be on the chopping block in light of a massive budget deficit. Edwards said to the students they all have to work together to make their voices heard, because that’s the way things will get done:

cut 14 (11)  “cheering”

The Council of Student Body Presidents and the Board of Regents organized today’s rally. UNO Student Government Vice President Jessica Willis told the students from colleges and universities throughout the state that this effort is about working together as a group…:

cut 15 (10) “state of Louisiana” 

The Louisiana Public Service Commission votes on if Cleco will be sold to an investment group for close to 5 billion dollars today. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Over a third of Louisiana adults do not get the recommended 7 or more hours of sleep, according to a new study from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Halen Doughty reports…

Cut 2 (32) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

 It’s higher education day at the state capitol, and students are expected to rally on the steps of the capitol. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (24) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Today the Louisiana Public Service Commission votes on whether or not Cleco will be sold to the investment group Macquaire Infrastructure and Real Assets for almost 5 billion dollars. Cleco spokesperson Robbyn Cooper says approval of the sale would be the best outcome for their customers. Cooper says despite rumors, it won’t lead to higher rates for customers…

cut 4  (10)  “transaction”

The proposed sale is opposed by PSC member Clyde Holloway who says its not worth the long-term risk to Cleco ratepayers. But Cooper says the sale will result in 143 million dollars in credits and savings over the next 15 years to its customers…

Cut 5  (07)  “in place”

 _________________________________________________________

St. James Sheriff Wily Martin says two people were killed and 30 people were injured after a tornado ripped through an RV park in Convent. The governor’s office of homeland security and emergency prepardeness spokesperson, Mike Steele, says the twister caused extensive damage

Cut 6 (10)  “heavy damage” 

Sheriff Martin says search dogs were used to find possible victims that might have been buried under piles of debris. Steele says the RV park served as a temporary home for those living there…

CUT 7 (11)  “construction sites”

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A new study from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds that over a third of Louisiana adults do not get the recommended 7 hours of sleep. LSU Health Shreveport Sleep Medicine and Neurology professor Oleg Chernyshev (ah-Leg CHER-nuh-shev) says reasons vary on why people don’t get enough sleep. He says many people that only get a few hours of sleep also suffer from high blood pressure and obesity, plus they…

Cut 8  (10)  “and fatigued”

Chernyshev says if you notice issues sleeping such as snoring, difficulty staying asleep, or a decrease in breathing while asleep, you should contact a sleep medicine physician He says the study shows only 64% of Louisiana residents are getting the recommended hours of sleep each night…

Cut 9 (08)  “healthy adult”

Chernyshev says individuals who do not get enough sleep sometimes have trouble functioning in the daytime and that could lead to significant consequences.

Cut 10 (04) “car accident”

_________________________________________________________

The public feud between Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards and Republican state Treasurer John Kennedy continues to ramp up. The Governor released a statement claiming Kennedy is misleading the public when talking about the state’s current budget crisis. UL-Lafayette Police Science Professor Pearson Cross says polls show a majority of Louisianans agree with Kennedy that we can cut our way out of the deficit.

cut 11 (10) “as well”

 Kennedy has pushed for the legislature not to raise taxes as a way to solve a 900 million dollar deficit for this fiscal year. While Edwards has maintained some new revenues are needed to balance the budget. Cross says this kind of fighting between political leaders isn’t helping the situation…

cut 12 (05) “budget problems”

The governor and the legislature are still trying to agree on a plan to close the budget deficit and avoid major cuts to higher education and health care. Cross says it’s not clear that Kennedy’s comments are helping them get their work done.

Cut 13 (06)  “the process”

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Today is higher education day at the state capitol. Hundreds of students are expected to rally on the steps of the capitol at noon to protest proposed cuts to public colleges and universities. Higher Education Commissioner Joseph Rallo is glad that college students are voicing their concerns.

Cut 14 (09)  “of the cuts” 

Several public colleges are also facing the threat of a credit rating downgrade. A lower credit rating will make it more difficult for schools to borrow money. Rallo says that is due in large part to the current budget crisis.

Cut 15 (08) “these issues” 

Under a best case scenario, public colleges and universities are facing a 70-million dollar cut this fiscal year. Rallo says budget issues have plagued higher ed for years and is hopeful lawmakers and the governor’s office can agree on a plan that doesn’t lead to a further reduction in state funding…

Cut 16  (06)  “has changed“

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Lawmakers are discussing letting voters decide whether or not Louisiana should legalize recreational marijuana so the state could tax it. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (32)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Over 30 different bills that would increase taxes on Louisiana residents and businesses advanced out of a House committee today. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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State lawmakers are discussing behind closed doors whether to file a proposed constitutional amendment in the special session that would ask voters should Louisiana legalize recreational marijuana so the state could tax it. Jesse McCormick is the head of the Louisiana Cannabis Association…

CUT 3 (10)  “regulate cannabis”

McCormick says they argue that these discussions need to be had as the state deals with such a major budget crisis that schools could be closed or lights turned off at hospitals…:

CUT 4 (07)  “benefiting from”

McCormick says some feel this is not the time to be getting into the marijuana debate, but he knows there is support from lawmakers who are open to considering every revenue raising option. But he believes getting such a constitutional amendment out of the legislature will be tough…:

CUT 5 (10)  “on the ballot”

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The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for south central and southeast Louisiana until five o’ clock today. A large cluster of storms is moving through southeast Louisiana.  Andrew Ansorge with the National Weather Service in Slidell says these strong thunderstorms are also producing lightning and some hail…

CUT 6 (06) “60 miles per hour”

A wind advisory remains in effect until 3pm Wednesday. Ansorge says people should expect rain and thunderstorms, among other risk factors.

CUT 7 (07) “moves through”

A moderate risk indicates intense, widespread storms are possible. Ansorge says it is rare to have the Storm Prediction Center issue a moderate risk for severe weather in Louisiana.

CUT 8 (05) “southeast Louisiana”

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A report out of Tulane University finds that students in Louisiana’s voucher program end up scoring drastically lower in math. But President of the Louisiana Federation for Children Ann Duplessis says we have to put the study into context because all of these students were attending failing and under-performing schools…

CUT 9 (10) “take time”  

Duplessis says the trends in the study show that the program is effective given the growth and the length of time the child spends using the voucher. She says reports like this show the program where it needs to improve…

cut 10 (10)  “ultimate goal”

Co-author of the study Jonathan Mills says after one year in the program, they found a large negative drop in both English and language arts and math scores on the Louisiana State assessment test…

Cut 11 (09) “effects”

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The House Ways and Means Committee sent several tax bills to the House floor today. But the panel used a procedural move to advance the tax hikes without having to vote “yes or “no.” Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack says the committee basically punted these revenue-generating pieces of legislation to the House floor

cut 12 (10) “these bills”

The full House is expected to vote on Thursday whether or not to increase taxes on cigarettes, alcohol, telephones, rental cars and there’s proposal to raise the state sales tax by a penny. Waguespack hopes the rest of the House is up to speed on these different tax proposals…

cut 13 (11)  “can get”

Governor John Bel Edwards is pushing lawmakers to approve some of these tax increases as a way to balance this fiscal year’s budget, which has a 900-million dollar deficit. Many republicans oppose the tax hikes, but Jan Moller, director of the Louisiana budget project, says there are other republican legislators who understand the need for them

cut 14 (08)  “those cuts”

Moller expects a fierce debate on the House floor over these tax bills as it will take 70 votes for them to advance to the senate…

cut 15 (08) “still ahead” 

Much of Louisiana is under an enhanced severe weather threat today and that includes the potential for tornadoes. Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The House Ways and Means Committee is expected to vote on various tax proposals today, including a measure that would increase the state sales tax by a penny. Halen Doughty reports…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Charges have been upgraded against a 16-year-old, who fatally shot his 16-year-old niece, in what Baton Rouge police call an accidental shooting. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Much of Louisiana could see severe weather today, including the potential for tornadoes. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it will be a bumpy ride over the next 24 hours or so as result of cold front that’s moving through the state….

cut 4  (08)  “across the state”

Keim says cities like New Orleans, Houma, Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Alexandria are under an enhanced threat of severe weather. He says the threat for severe storms is moderate for Bogalusa and northern Tangipahoa Parish. But he says all Louisiana residents should monitor the weather today.

Cut 5  (07)  “entire day”

Keim says flash flood warnings could be issued in some parts of the state.

Cut 6 (08)  “flooding issues” 

Keim says the severe weather threat will diminish Wednesday morning, but we could see much lower temperatures after the storms pass.

______________________________________

Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera has released an annual report that points out areas where state government can do a better job of protecting taxpayer dollars. Purpera says on multiple occasions his auditors discovered the Department of Health and Hospitals didn’t do what was needed to receive payments from third parties for medical services provided for Medicaid patients…

CUT 7 (10)  “million dollars”

Purpera says nationally, nearly 6 percent of Medicaid claims are subject to abuse and the number could be even higher in Louisiana. He says they are planning to increase the number of auditors within DHH.

Cut 8  (10)  “these issues”

Purpera says with additional auditors in DHH, they can also do a better job in making sure those who are on Medicaid are actually eligible for the government health program and there are no over payments for Medicaid services…

Cut 9 (09)  “of things”

_________________________________________________________

Today could be a pivotal day in the special session that’s been called to eliminate a $900 million deficit this fiscal year. The House Ways and Means Committee is expected to vote on various proposals to increase taxes, including a measure that would increase the state sales tax from 4-cents to 5-cents. Jeremy Alford, publisher of la-politics-dot-com, says the sales tax bill is a key revenue raising measure that the Edwards administration is pushing for.

Cut 10 (05) “to do it”

Alford says many republicans could vote for an increase in the sales tax, but they want the governor to commit to some long-term spending cuts. Alford says the governor won’t get something for nothing through the House chamber.

cut 11 (09) “regular session”

 The committee has heard bills that would increase taxes on cigarettes, alcohol, rental cars, phone lines, internet sales and hotels. Alford says the committee may vote on just a few of these proposed taxes.

cut 12 (08) “this huge gap”

________________________________________________________

Early voting for the Louisiana Presidential Preference Primary continues today through Saturday. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says this primary is costing Louisiana $3.5 million during tough budget times. He says switching to a caucus format would save the state that money, because a caucus is paid for by the political parties…

Cut 13 (11)  “pay for it”

Schedler says Louisiana needs to make crucial cuts to the state’s budget, and moving from presidential primary to a caucus could be one way to reduce future spending…

Cut 14 (09)  “different way” 

Schedler says he has proposed caucus voting to the legislators, but it takes a vote by the legislature to make that change…

Cut 15 (05) “do it” 

——————————————————————————————-

The LSU men’s basketball team is at Arkansas tonight in a game that is a  must have for the Tigers who are on the wrong side of the bubble when it comes to making the NCAA Tournament. LSU will play the game without senior shooting guard Keith Hornsby, who reaggravated a sports hernia injury that forced him to miss several games earlier this season. Coach Johnny Jones on Hornsby’s absence

Cut 16  (15)  “we’ll miss him“

Jones says it’s too early to say if Hornsby will miss the rest of the season as some reports suggest. The Tigers have lost two straight and this losing streak has put LSU in a position where they need to rest of there games to make the NCAA Tournament. But Jones is not panicking

Cut 17 (16) “as well”

LSU enters tonight’s game with a 16-11 record, 9-5 in the SEC. Arkansas is 13-and-14, with a six-and-eight league record. Jones says handling the Razorbacks defensive pressure is a top priority tonight

Cut 18 (17) “make shots”

Oil prices will not rebound this year, according to experts at the International Energy Agency. Halen Doughty reports…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

================

A House committee approves several bills aimed at reducing the number of state government contracts. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A man who cops say was acting strange at a movie theater in Lafayette was issued a summons for disturbing the peace. Corporal Paul Mouton says during the film Deadpool, witnesses reported seeing 35-year-old Christopher Harmason of New Iberia walking up and down the aisles…:

CUT 3 (09)  “uncomfortable”

Mouton says that Harmason ended up going outside where he continued to act in an erratic manner. He says it doesn’t appear as though the man was an actual threat to anyone…:

CUT 4 (09)  “within the complex”

Lafayette was rocked last year when a man opened fire on a theater full of people, killing two and injuring 10 before turning the gun on himself. Mouton says Harmason got a misdemeanor summons and was told not to come back to the theater. He says they commend the citizens that were in the theater who brought it to the attention of the manager who contacted police…:

CUT 5 (09)  “and hope for the best”

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According to experts at the International Energy Agency, oil prices will not rebound until next year. David Dismukes, Executive Director at the LSU Center for Energy Studies, says this is disappointing news to the oil industry, after hearing reports about a production freeze in the Middle East. But Dismukes doesn’t see a cutback in production by oil producing countries…

CUT 6 (10) “lower prices”

Oil prices have plummeted 70% in the last two years, leading to layoffs in the oil industry and supporting businesses. Dismukes says oil companies have done what they can to avoid further job cuts…

CUT 7 (10) “financing mechanisms”

Dismukes says oil companies may have to look at asset sales to generate cash and explore measures for bankruptcy protection. The low oil prices have led to the lowest gas prices we’ve seen in over a decade as the statewide average is a $1.55, according AAA. He says although drivers are enjoying lower gas prices, it is not good for the economy…

CUT 8 (06) “right now”

Today the price of US oil is trading around $30 a barrel.

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More groups are coming forward expressing anger over the latest viral Crimestoppers video by Captain Clay Higgins with the Sheriff’s Office in St. Landry. The so called, “Cajun John Wayne” is coming under fire for some of the terminology he used to refer to the Gremlins Gang suspects. National Action Now President Rev. Raymond Brown says the video is racially tainted:

CUT 9 (08)  “their peers”

Indictments were issued against the wanted suspects said to be involved in crimes like murder, drug trafficking, armed robbery and more. But Brown feels Higgins’ video is a smack in the face to our criminal justice system. He says it sets a poor example to call people ugly names…:

cut 10 (10)  “maximum force”

The ACLU of Louisiana also said that Higgins implies using the force of summary execution which is not the way we work in this country. St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says Acadiana is dealing with this gang that’s been terrorizing the area for a long time. He says they may have veered off point, but the message is pretty simple…:

Cut 11 (09) “watch for ya”

Higgins rose to national fame with the videos which don’t hold back the way he personally feels about people who commit crimes. Guidroz says Higgins’ intentions are good, but he has been asked to refrain from being critical moving forward…:

cut 12 (07) “not saying”

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The House Appropriations Committee approved a series of bills today aimed at reducing or cutting down on number of state contracts, which supporters say will save the state some much needed dollars. Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy says there are dozens if not hundreds of contracts that the state spends money on that are NOT needed

cut 13 (06)  “you throw up”

Some of the examples Kennedy named… contracts for tutoring students and providing adult education to prisoners. He says there’s a 29-million dollar contract to help the state build a website for food stamp recipients. Kennedy says the governor should bring in his cabinet secretaries today and demand they cut at least 10-percent of their contracts

cut 14 (10)  “into place”

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says an examination of state contracts is underway and they plan to eliminate some of them in the coming weeks as part of their cost cutting plan

cut 15 (10) “do something” 

Early voting for the Presidential Preference Primary is underway, and here’s what Democrats are saying about the two Democratic presidential candidates, Hillary Clinton and Senator Bernie Sanders…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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 The Department of Health and Hospitals has handed out two million dollars in loans to improve drinking water in Avoyelles Parish. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Recent polls have shown the public does not support increasing taxes as a way of solving the state’s budget deficit, but one pollster says these surveys might not tell the whole story. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Early voting for the Louisiana Presidential Preference Primary is underway, and polls remain open until Saturday. Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders are battling for the Democratic nomination. Former US Senator Mary Landrieu supports Hillary Clinton. Landrieu says Clinton has the skills necessary to be an effective leader.

cut 4  (07)  “Senator Sanders”

Landrieu says Sanders is not as well equipped to handle the presidency.

Cut 5  (09)  “us safe”

Sanders’ supporter Gilda Reed, a psychology professor at UNO, says she is “feeling the Bern.” She says he can make crucial changes in the country.

Cut 6 (08)  “the status quo” 

Reed says Sanders is capturing the hearts of everyday Americans and energizing the youth because of his progressive ideas.

CUT 7 (07)  “the long run”

Voting is open from 8:30 am to 6 pm daily at your local Parish of Registrar office and other select locations.

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The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals has awarded a 2.1 million dollar loan to assist an Avoyelles Parish water system improve its drinking water. State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says the money comes from the state‘s Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund, which helps improve infrastructure to ensure drinking water stays safe.

Cut 8  (10)  “their system”

Guidry says the project calls for a new pump stations, new ground water storage tank, a new well and chlorination facility at the Yellow Bayou Pump station….

Cut 9 (08)  “in trouble”

Guidry says during the improvement process, the Avoyelles Parish residents might have to go on a water boil notice. He says this is all to ensure that they’re water remains safe to drink.

Cut 10 (08) “notice it”

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Recent polls have shown the public is opposed to the legislature increasing taxes as a way of solving the state’s fiscal crisis. But Michael Henderson, Director of LSU’s Public Policy Research Lab, says these surveys might not tell the whole story, because the polls do not ask the respondents about potential consequences if revenues are not raised….

cut 11 (07) “more stuff”

 Henderson, who puts together the annual Louisiana Survey, says the public usually always opposes proposes to increase taxes. But voters also oppose spending cuts to education or transportation, so that’s why some of the recent polls are not an accurate description of what the legislature is dealing with…

cut 12 (06) “imperfect picture”

Henderson says legislators should take these polls with a grain of salt, because the poll questions don’t take into account what could happen if certain taxes are not raised…

Cut 13 (08)  “public wants”

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Supermodel Pamela Anderson suggests to Governor John Bel Edwards that Louisiana’s budget could benefit from serving all-vegan food to prisoners. That’s according to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. PETA spokesperson Dan Matthews says Anderson has visited other jails around the country that save hundreds of thousands of dollars by not serving meat:

Cut 14 (08)  “with this proposal” 

Anderson is the “honorary director” of PETA and she wrote a letter to Governor Edwards saying enormous savings on freezer costs and prisoners’ healthcare would be made by serving healthy, colorful vegan meals. Matthews says Louisiana taxpayers would save over $620,000 a year by offering inmates beans, rice, lentils, pasta, potatoes and other vegetables…:

Cut 15 (11) “in their life” 

Anderson says if Louisiana switched to meat-free meals in jail, she’d come inaugurate the program by helping cook and serve lunch to the inmates. Matthews says there are numerous studies which show that the less animal products you consume, the healthier you are…:

Cut 16  (10)  “to live“

The ACLU of Louisiana responds to the latest rather aggressive Crime Stoppers viral video by St. Landry Parish’s Captain Clay Higgins looking for wanted Gremlins Gang members. Emelie Gunn reports..:

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Harper Lee, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “To Kill A Mockingbird,” has died at the age of 89. Halen Doughty reports…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The ACLU of Louisiana has responded to the latest Crime Stoppers video by St. Landry Parish’s Captain Clay Higgins that’s gone ridiculously viral. Higgins is looking for wanted members of the Gremlins Gang and says they each have a $2500 bounty on their head. ACLU of Louisiana Executive Director Marjorie Esman has a problem with that…:

CUT 3 (06)  “summary execution”

Higgins video had nearly 14 million views in just two days. Esman feels like all this does is exacerbate the problem of a public who feels cops are the bad guys….:

CUT 4 (09)  “what police officers do”

Esman says Higgins also shouldn’t be calling these suspects “heathens” which is a religious term that implies he knows something about their beliefs…:

CUT 5 (10)  “they’re committing crimes”

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Harper Lee, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “To Kill A Mockingbird,” has died at the age of 89. Head of Special Collections at LSU Jessica Lacher Feldman says Lee’s death is the end of an era. Feldman worked at the University of Alabama, where Lee spoke to students once a year. Feldman was Lee’s handler when she visited and says Lee’s novel resonated deeply with many people.

CUT 6 (10) “the world”

Feldman says Lee’s recently released book “Go Set A Watchman,” broke many publishers records. Feldman says Lee’s first novel was influential because Lee wrote about race and gender issues in a very real, but idealized, way.

CUT 7 (07) “the century”

There has been speculation as to whether Lee wrote any more books that were not published. Feldman says her death may bring more writings to light.

CUT 8 (08) “she’s written”

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A new poll from Invest in a Healthy Louisiana and Public Opinion Strategies finds increasing the tobacco tax is favored by seven out of 10 voters. Pollster Glen Bolger says the survey polled 500 likely Louisiana voters and many people are opposed to hikes in the state’s income, sales or property taxes, but favor an increase to the state’s tobacco tax…

CUT 9 (07)  “strongly favor”

The Invest in a Healthy Louisiana Coaltion is advocating a $1.25 per pack increase in the tobacco tax. So far, only a 22-cent increase has been discussed by the legislature. Bolger says the poll asked people about three different tax levels and found no statistical difference between the options.

cut 10 (09)  “73 percent”

Increasing the cigarette tax by $1.25 would raise more than $200 million a year for Louisiana. Bolger says the increase is popular across party lines…

Cut 11 (11) “percent support”

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Dozens of students marched to the state capitol in efforts to protest the proposed cuts to higher education to offset the massive budget deficit. A graduate of Nicholls State University and LSU, Peter Jenkins, attended the Save our Schools rally to make legislators pay attention and stop these drastic measures…

cut 12 (08) “focusing on”

Jenkins says they want the legislators to do what they need to do to save higher education. He says students are calling for three different things…

cut 13 (10)  “budget cuts”

Jenkins believes legislators understand the situation and don’t have ill-will toward the situation but are only trying to figure out how to solve the deficit. But he says it’s their job as students to be heard…

cut 14 (10)  “come out”

Students chanted at the steps of the Capitol in efforts to prevent future cuts to higher education…

cut 15 (11) “no future”