Opponents of a tax swap plan that was passed by the Legislature and will ultimately need to be approved by voters in the fall say the plan has no benefits for middle and lower-income Louisianans and features a number of poison pill, smaller policy additions. Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moller says additions like an automatic trigger that would further cut taxes should the state see a surplus and a hard income tax cap of 4.75 percent are particularly troublesome…

Cut 12 (10) “..finish line”

Supporters say the plan will simplify the state’s tax code.

Saturday and Sunday are free wishing weekend days and anglers won’t need a license to go out and catch fish. Louisiana Department of wildlife and fisheries spokesperson Gabe Giffin says consider this weekend a reminder to renew as well…

Cut 4 (12) “…this month.”

Legislation that results in more state dollars going towards improving roads and bridges was approved by lawmakers in the final hour of the 2021 legislative session. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Central Pastor Tony Spell is facing charges that could land him in jail for several months after illegally killing an alligator that he claims he found outside his church. Spell posed for a picture on social media with the dead gator, prompting LDWF agents to show up and cite him.

A progressive advocacy group recommends that this fall people vote against a tax swap proposal passed by the legislature. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (29) …I’m Matt Doyle”  

It’s free fishing weekend in Louisiana and LDWF spokesperson Gabe Giffin says it’s the perfect opportunity to introduce the sport to someone who’s never been and possibly recruit a new fishing buddy.

Cut 5  (07) “…every day.”

You won’t need a fishing license this weekend in Louisiana.

A tense exchange between two lawmakers ended in threats, tears, and the removal of a bill. On Wednesday Bogalusa Representative Malinda White and Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh had a heated exchange over her bill to define domestic abuse. White who has previously shared she’s a victim of domestic abuse herself was visibly emotional over the withdrawal of her bill.

Cut 10 (13) “…House Bill 159.”

The Advocate newspaper reports retired Oregon State Coach Pat Casey is unlikely to become the next coach at LSU.  Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says but another name to watch in the school’s search for a new coach is former LSU catcher and current Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco.

Cut 15 (11) “…a lot” 

The Louisiana Budget Project recommends voters reject a “tax swap” proposal at the fall ballot box. The amendment would lower income tax rates in exchange for eliminating the ability to deduct federal taxes. Executive Director Jan Moller says this doesn’t do anything for most folks.

Cut  11 (11) “…taxes” 

Supporters of the tax swap say it simplifies the state tax code.

Governor Edwards says he will consider signing legislation that would shift sales tax revenue from vehicle purchases from the general fund to a fund for highway projects starting in 2023, but…

Cut 8 (11) “..crticial investments” 

The Advocate reports retired Oregon State Coach Pat Casey is unlikely to become the next coach at LSU. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says LSU hiring a coach who allowed a sex offender to play on Oregon State’s 2018 national championship team would not be a good look.

Cut 14 (12) “….the energy” 

Higgins says instead of Casey, current Ole Miss coach Mike Bianco could be the pick given his 20 years’ experience in the SEC and his marketability to LSU fans.

It is an ideal weekend to go fishing and it’s also the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ Free Fishing Weekend this Saturday and Sunday. LDWF spokesperson Gabe Giffin says the annual event is a great opportunity for residents and visitors to cast a line with family and friends.

Cut 3 (08) “…license.”

Governor Edwards says he’ll look closely at a bill to gradually increase funding for roads and bridges by an additional 300-million dollars per year. The governor is concerned about taking money out of the general fund to put towards roads, when the general fund will see fewer dollars in 2025. when a temporary sales tax expires…

Cut 7 (12) “…alone”

During a tense exchange Wednesday between Bogalusa Representative Malinda White and Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh, White allegedly said to Seabaugh “let me get my gun and finish this or I’m going to get my gun and we can finish this.” White then pulled her domestic abuse bill that supposedly sparked the disagreement.

Cut 9 (11) “…about.”

The Legislature gave final passage to a bill that would increase state unemployment benefits by 28 dollars a week next year if the governor ceases accepting federally enhanced benefits by July 31st. Many Democrats opposed the legislation, but State Representative Chad Brown, a Democrat from Plaquemine, agreed with business groups who support the legislation…

Cut 13 (10) “…to work.”
Governor Edwards indicated that he’s leaning towards signing the bill.

During his closing speech of the session, Governor Edwards thanked congressional members and the President’s administration for federal relief dollars that the state has received but reminded citizens that long-term budget decisions did not need to be based on monies received for pandemic relief.

Cut 11 (12) “…go away.”

Governor Edwards says he’ll look closely at a bill that would increase funding for roads and bridges by an additional 300-million dollars. Edwards is concerned the money will come from the general fund, potentially creating shortfalls in other areas of state government, especially after federal coronavirus aid is spent.

Cut 6 (09) “…surely won’t”

Supporters of the proposal say the state has made major investments in education, health care, and other areas while roads and bridges continue to deteriorate.

In the final hour of the session, lawmakers passed a bill that would end the enhanced 300-dollar federal unemployment benefit. The legislation would also raise the state’s unemployment benefits by 28-dollars a week starting next year. Abita Springs Representative Larry Frieman says he initially opposed higher state benefits, but the business lobby accepts this compromise…

Cut 14 (09) “…thing.”

The Legislature gave final approval to the last piece of legislation needed to get sports betting online, potentially as early as fall. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

The Advocate reports that it is unlikely LSU will hire retired Oregon State Coach Pat Casey to replace Paul Mainieri. The 62-year-old Casey won three national titles during a 24-year run with the Beavers. The search is said to be wide open. The Tigers will play Tennessee Saturday at 6pm in the Super Regional NCAA tournament.

The Legislature gave final passage to a bill that would increase state unemployment benefits by 28 dollars a week next year if the governor ceases accepting federally enhanced benefits by July 31st. Many Democrats opposed the legislation, but State Representative Chad Brown, a Democrat from Plaquemine, agreed with business groups who support the legislation…
Cut 13 (10) “…to work.”
Governor Edwards indicated that he’s leaning towards signing the bill.

The governor says 10 of the 13 bills in his legislative package passed, including new reporting requirements on college campuses when allegations of sexual misconduct are made….
cut 12 (12) “…this legislation”
Edwards also says he’s interested in signing a bill to lessen penalties for possession of 14 grams or less of marijuana.

Lawmakers approved the bills that set up the rules for sports betting. It authorizes sports betting parlors at casinos, racetracks and kiosks at select restaurants and bars. Crowley Representative John Stefanski says mobile sports betting can also take place…
cut 8 (07) “…as well”
Wagers would be taxed at 15-percent for betting online and 10-percent at casinos.

LSU Health Shreveport has received a 730-thousand dollar grant to enhance its sequencing of COVID-19. Director for Emerging Viral Threats at LSU Health Shreveport Doctor Andrew Yurochko (U-rotch-co) says sequencing in layman’s terms is discovering the fingerprint for a virus and each variant has its own code…
cut 5 (11) “…that vaccine”

In the final hour of the 2021 legislative session, lawmakers approved a bill that would result in an additional 300-million dollars for highway construction projects. The money would come from the general fund, which would reduce funding in other areas of the state budget. Governor Edwards has concerns with this legislation.

Edwards seems to be pleased with a bill that would end the enhanced 300-dollar federal unemployment benefits on July 31st. But New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry doesn’t like it…
cut 15 (10) “….district’
But the governor says the legislation will also increase the state’s weekly minimum unemployment benefits by 28-dollars…
cut 29 (14) “…trade off”

Will legalized sports betting be in place in Louisiana before the start of the football season? That’s the goal after lawmakers approved the necessary bills to make it happen. The legislation approved would allow anyone 21 and older to place bets on their mobile device, computer or at select locations in any of the 55 parishes that voted to approve the activity. Crowley Representative John Stefanski….
cut 7 (10) “….Louisiana”

LSU Health Shreveport has received a 730-thousand dollar grant to enhance its efforts to detect variants of COVID-19. The school has already detected seven of them. Director for Emerging Viral Threats at the Shreveport school says the award is indicative of their work to this point…
cut 6 (10) “…the country”

There was a flurry of activity in the final hour of the legislative session, which came to a close last night. Legislators approved a bill that would result in an additional 300-million dollars a year to improve roads and bridges. But Governor Edwards may not sign the legislation, because the proposal takes money away from other government services.

Also approved in the final hour. a bill that would end the 300-dollar federal unemployment boost
cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Legislation that sets up the framework for Louisiana adults to legally bet on sporting events is heading to the governor’s desk. Betting parlors would be allowed at the state’s casinos, racetracks and the Louisiana Lottery can set up kiosks at bars and restaurants. Crowley Representative John Stefanski says there will also be mobile sports betting…
cut 9 (11) “…participate”
Sports betting will be allowed in 55 of the state’s 64 parishes that approved it.

LSU Health Shreveport is one of four universities to be awarded a grant of 730-thousand dollars to enhance gene sequencing of COVID-19. Director for Emerging Viral Threats at the Shreveport school Dr. Andrew Yurochko (U-rotch-co) says the school’s role in the pandemic is why they received the grant.
Cut 4 (10) “…we’ve done.”
LSU Health Shreveport has already identified seven new COVID variants.

The 2021 regular Legislative session ended last night. Governor John Bel Edwards says the nine-week session resulted in a historic increase in funding for education, both for K-through-12 and higher ed, including raises for professors and an 800-dollar K-12 teacher pay raise.
Cut 10 (11) “…that goal.”

In the final hour of the session, lawmakers passed a bill that would end the enhanced 300-dollar federal jobless benefit unemployed individuals are receiving. The legislation would also raise the state’s unemployment benefits by 28-dollars a week starting next year. Abita Springs Representative Larry Frieman says he initially opposed higher state benefits, but the business lobby accepts this compromise…
cut 14 (09) “…good things”
Governor Edwards calls the legislation a good compromise as well.

LSU Health Shreveport’s work during the pandemic with genetic sequencing receives national recognition and the school is receiving a Rockefeller grant. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The session came to a close Thursday at 6 PM with a mad scramble to cross the finish line.

A last second addition was legislation that could signal Governor Edwards’ willingness to end federally enhanced unemployment benefits early. Under the bill by Plaquemines Democratic Representative Chad Brown state benefits would go up 28 dollars a week next year if the Governor agrees to stop accepting federally boosted unemployment by July 31^st. Brown says while he understands some sectors of the economy have not bounced back yet…

Cut 13 (10) “…to work.” AM

And the final piece of the sports gambling puzzle was approved Thursday as lawmakers agreed to rules and regulations that would allow residents of the 55 parishes that approved sports betting to place bets from sportsbooks, select kiosk locations, and on the go or at home through phone via an app or website. Crowley Representative John Stefanski…

Cut 7 (10) “…Louisiana.” AM

Edwards is expected to sign legislation headed to his desk that would mandate kindergarten attendance for all children who turn five on or before September 30^th starting in Fall of 2022. Senate Education Chairman Cleo Fields says his bill doesn’t force you to send your kid to school…

Cut 4 (10) “…early age.” PM

Fields bill has long been supported by Edwards, who closed out the session with a speech from the Capitol. He in particular he highlighted the historic increase in funding for education at both the K-12 and higher education levels, including higher ed faculty raises and an 800 dollar K-12 teacher pay raise…

***EDWARDS CUT***

It’s unknown whether there will be a veto override session to overturn Edwards’ expected vetoes of controversial legislation involving transgender athletes and the concealed carry of handguns.