In a letter sent to Governor Edwards, US Senator John Kennedy expressed his concern over what he called an “inexcusable waste of taxpayer funds at the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission” based on a legislative audit.  In addition to wanting to know if the governor will recoup the funds spent, Kennedy also wants to know what the future hold for Williams, who now holds a high ranking position at Southern University.

Cut 6 (11) “…handle any money.”

Among the fifteen areas of concern with the audit, Kennedy says there was 226.5 hours of overtime paid to one employee without any evidence to support the claim, sloppy travel records, and expenses for entertainment events.

Not only did Kennedy send his letter of concern to the governor, but he also sent a copy to President Donald Trump.

A St. Charles Parish deputy is under arrest for Felony Voyeurism and Obstruction of Justice in an incident that alledley occurred on May 17, and involved extended members of the deputy’s family. 42-year-old former Corporal Ryan Weaver has been fired after working for the Sherriff’s Office for four years. Bond has yet to be set for Weaver.

Working poor families can expect to get some extra cash on their 2019 tax returns as the result of one of the few bills to escape the special session. Connor Ferrill has the story.

Cut 2 (30) ”  I’m Connor Ferrill” 

The State Department of Wildlife and Fisheries seeks to get more people outdoors with a free fishing weekend. So Saturday and Sunday residents and visitors can fish Louisiana waters without an otherwise required fishing license. LDWF Spokesperson Rene LeBreton says they hope to attract new anglers…

Cut 7 (4)  “them hooked”

LeBreton says a quick visit to the LDWF website www.wlf.la.gov has lots of information for those who may not know where to get started…

Still waiting to see if the governor will call a third special session in an effort to raise revenues to avoid big cuts to TOPS, colleges, public safety and certain programs that assist children and families. After failing to raise revenue in the second special session, John Bel Edwards blamed a group of Republicans he called the Caucus of No. Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo is proud of that title, because that stands for no new taxes…
cut 16 (10) “….that group”

Only a handful of bills were approved in the second special session, one of them provides a greater tax break for working poor individuals who take advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit…
cut 11 (07) “….2019 returns”
That’s Lousiana Budget Project executive director Jan Moeller says it was a pleasant surprise to see this legislation pass.

In a letter sent to Governor Edwards, US Senator John Kennedy expressed his concern over what he called an “inexcusable waste of taxpayer funds at the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission” based on a legislative audit. Kennedy says the bulk of the problems appeared to have occurred under the leadership of Katara Williams, who has since been moved to a position with Southern University.
Cut 4 (07) “…to recover this money.”
The governor’s office did not respond when asked for a comment.

This weekend is a Free Fishing weekend, which means you don’t need a license to drop a line in state waters on Saturday and Sunday. Rene LeBreton with the Lousiaina Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the free fishing weekend is now, so a novice angler who enjoys fishing, will hopefully purchase a license and they would have it for more than a year….
cut 8 (11) “…in June”
LeBreton encourages residents to visit L-D-W-F’s website for more information on the free fishing weekend.

In a letter sent to Governor Edwards, US Senator John Kennedy expressed his concern over what he called an “inexcusable waste of taxpayer funds at the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.” Kevin Barnhart has more…
Cut 1 (31) I’m Kevin Barnhart“

Three Sears stores are closing in north Louisiana. The retailer has notified workers of their decision to shutdown their stores at Shreveport’s Mall St. Vincent, Pierre Bossier Mall in Bossier City and their location on Millhaven Road in Monroe. Liquidation sales could begin as early as June 22nd.

GOP legislators led the effort in the last special session in blocking a sales tax bill that would have prevented or at least softened proposed cuts to TOPS, higher education, public safety and children and family services. But there is a group of Republican legislators who are unhappy that more revenue wasn’t raised…
cut 14 (10) “…ever seen”
That’s Jackson Representative Kenny Havard.

Low wage workers with kids will receive a 40 to 50 dollar boost on their 2019 tax returns as the state legislature approved an expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit. Louisiana Budget Project Director Jan Moller says the legislation is significant, especially if legislators agree to set the sales tax rate above 4-percent after July 1st…
Cut 10 (12) “afford it.”

The so-called “Caucus of No” stands by its decision to block any revenue bill from passing in the special session. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 3 (31) “Im Matt Doyle”

Governor Edwards used his veto pen to take out 40 projects contained in the state’s three-point-six billion dollar construction spending plan. Most of the projects are in parishes represented by Republicans, who have voted against his tax plans.

Senator John Kennedy is asking Governor John Bel Edwards if he plans to recover the nearly 40-million dollars in taxpayer money the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission allegedly misused, according to the legislative auditor. Kennedy says the report found excessive overtime pay, sloppy travel records, and questionable spending practices…
cut 5 (09) “….festival tickets”
The new leader of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says they are using the audit to overhaul the state agency.

One of the few bills to make it out of the second special session is a measure to expand the Earned Income Tax credit, which will provide the working poor with a larger tax break. Louisiana Budget Project Director Jan Moller applauds the legislature…
cut 12 (12) “….workplace”
The higher tax break begins in 2019.

A group of anti-tax, pro cut Republicans in the House, named the “Caucus of No” by the governor are standing their ground, defending their move to block any move to renew a portion of a one-penny sales tax that expires June 30th. Jackson Representative Kenny Havard says that group has refused to work with other legislators to find a real, long term solution to the state’s perpetual budget woes.
Cut 13 (13) “this problem”
But Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo, one of the House members refusing the revenue measures, says the governor can find savings by cutting dollars from a bloated Medicaid program.
Cut 15 (11) “are crazy.”
The governor has yet to to issue the call for a likely third special session.

Working poor families can expect to get some extra cash on their 2019 tax returns. Connor Ferrill has the story.
Cut 2 (30) ” I’m Connor Ferrill”

We are still waiting for the governor to issue the call for a likely third special session.

In a letter sent to Governor Edwards, US Senator John Kennedy expressed his concern over what he called an “inexcusable waste of taxpayer funds at the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.”  Kevin Barnhart has more…

Cut 1 (31)  I’m Kevin Barnhart“

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Working poor families can expect to get some extra cash on their 2019 tax returns as the result of one of the few bills to escape the special session. Connor Ferrill has the story.

Cut 2 (30) ”  I’m Connor Ferrill” 

_______________________________________________.

The “Caucus of No” is standing by their decision to block any revenue bill from being passed in the special session. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (31) “Im Matt Doyle”

______________________________________________

In a letter sent to Governor Edwards, US Senator John Kennedy expressed his concern over what he called an “inexcusable waste of taxpayer funds at the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission” based on a legislative audit.  Kennedy says the bulk of the problems appeared to have occurred under the leadership of Katara Williams, who has since been moved to a position with Southern University.

Cut 4  (10) “…to recover this money.” 

Among the fifteen areas of concern with the audit, Kennedy says there was 226.5 hours of overtime paid to one employee without any evidence to support the claim, sloppy travel records, and expenses for entertainment events.

Cut 5  (09)  “…essence festival tickets.”

In addition to wanting to know if the governor will recoup the funds spent, Kennedy also wants to know what the future hold for Williams, who now holds a high ranking position at Southern University.

Cut 6 (11) “…handle any money.”

Not only did Kennedy send his letter of concern to the governor, but he also sent a copy to President Donald Trump.

__________________________________________________

The State Department of Wildlife and Fisheries seeks to get more people outdoors with a free fishing weekend. So Saturday and Sunday residents and visitors can fish Louisiana waters without an otherwise required fishing license. LDWF Spokesperson Rene LeBreton says they hope to attract new anglers…

Cut 7 (4)  “them hooked”

One reason why they have the free fishing weekend now, is so that a novice fisherman who enjoys their experience this weekend will decide to purchase a license and they would have it for more than a year …

Cut 8 (11)  “in june”

LeBreton says a quick visit to the LDWF website www.wlf.la.gov has lots of information for those who may not know where to get started…

Cut 9 (11)  “fishing locations”
___________________________________________________

Low wage workers with kids will be getting a 40 to 50 dollar boost on their 2019 tax returns as the legislature approved an expansion of the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit. It’s all but guaranteed to be signed by the Governor. Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moller says it’ll help blunt the impact on the poor of relying on sales tax increases to fund budget gaps.

Cut 10 (12)   “afford it.”

Moller says the extra cash will go right into the pockets of thousands of Louisiana families.

Cut 11 (07) “2019 returns.”

The EITC was a bipartisan effort starting the 70s, but was substantially expanded during the Clinton administration. It’s often regarded as one of the more effective anti-poverty tools in the government arsenal, and Moller says despite initial House Republican opposition about the cost, the measure managed to get the governor’s desk.

Cut 12 (12) “workplace.”

_________________________________________

A group of anti-tax, pro cut Republicans in the House, named the “Caucus of No” by the Governor are standing their ground, defending their move to block any move to renew a portion of expiring sales taxes that hit June 30th. Jackson Representative Kenny Havard says that group has refused to work with other legislators to find a real, long term solution to the state’s perpetual budget woes.

Cut 13 (13)  “this problem” 

TOPS is facing a 30 percent cut, and higher ed is looking at 96 million dollars in reductions if additional revenue is not raised.

The Moderate Republican says most of the state is willing to raise some revenue if it means preserving programs like TOPS, funding universities, and keeping state agencies open. He says the obstruction, including Representative Alan Seabaugh’s filibuster to prevent a last second tax vote, may be playing well with their constituents, but it’s damaging to the rest of Louisiana.

A south Louisiana man is under arrest after allegedly stalking an ex, and setting a series of fires aimed at harassment.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Entergy recommends you set thermostat to 78 degrees for maximum savings on your electric bill. And most people say theres no way they’re going to bake at home if their AC is actually working, and a lot of folks are saying what’s the point of having AC if it doesn’t keep you comfy in the summer?

Cut 14 (08)  “*laughs*”

Erath Representative Blake Miguez says before another special session, the governor needs to sign the budget that’s on his desk to reassure the Medicaid patients who received cancellation notices that their programs will not be cut.

cut 8 (11) “a priority”

A bill sponsored by House GOP leader Lance Harris that would allow independent gas stations to sue larger gas station companies over unfair pricing has been vetoed by Governor John Bel Edwards. Although Governor Edwards said a in a veto note that the bill would’ve likely resulted in higher prices at the pump for drivers, Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat believes that was not the primary reason for the veto.

Cut 10 (11) “…the governor’s motives.”

Harris dismissed suggestions it was improper for him to push a proposal in which, as an independent gas station owner, would have a financial interest.

A bill sponsored by House GOP leader Lance Harris that would allow independent gas stations to sue larger gas station companies over unfair pricing has been vetoed by Governor John Bel Edwards. Harris owns a chain of gas stations in the Alexandria area and could have benefited from the bill.  Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the move may be retaliation on the part of the governor.

Cut 9 (10)  “…by the governor”

Although Governor Edwards said a in a veto note that the bill would’ve likely resulted in higher prices at the pump for drivers, Pinsonat believes that was not the primary reason for the veto.

Cut 10 (11) “…the governor’s motives.”

Harris dismissed suggestions it was improper for him to push a proposal in which, as an independent gas station owner, would have a financial interest.

Conservatives in the House are punching back again the Governor’s claims that they’re at fault for the legislative gridlock and partisan conflicts that ground down yet another special session. Erath Representative Blake Miguez says after a House tax plan that raised 400 dollars was rejected, some Republicans may be losing interest in voting for any revenue measure.

Cut 6 (09)  “tax increase”

Without additional revenue, TOPS would be cut by 30 percent, higher ed would see 96 million in cuts.

Governor Edwards has labeled a group of anti-tax, pro budget cut hardliners the “caucus of no” for rejecting compromise tax plans. But Miguez says the votes were there for GOP House Chairman Lance Harris bill which would have raised 300-million dollars….

Cut 7 (10)  “compromise bill”

A bill sponsored by House GOP leader Lance Harris that would allow independent gas stations to sue larger gas station companies over unfair pricing has been vetoed by Governor John Bel Edwards. Harris owns a chain of gas stations in the Alexandria area and could have benefited from the bill.  Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s probably retaliation.

Cut 9 (10) “…by the governor”

Conservatives in the House are punching back again the Governor’s claims that they’re at fault for the legislative gridlock and partisan conflicts that ground down yet another special session. Erath Representative Blake Miguez says after a House tax plan that raised 400 million dollars was rejected, some Republicans may be losing interest in voting for any revenue measure.

Cut 6 (09)  “tax increase”

Without additional revenue, TOPS would be cut by 30 percent, higher ed would see 96 million in cuts.

____________________________________

An Opelousas man is under arrest after allegedly setting a series of fires targeted at harassing his ex-girlfriend. 35-year-old Austin Ceasar was slapped with a series of Arson related charges after authorities found evidence that connected him to three fires dating back to March 9^th. State Fire Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodriquez says a neighbor caught him committing the first arson.

Cut 3 (12)   “that home.” 

Entergy recommends you set thermostat to 78 degrees for maximum savings on your electric bill. For most people…. That’s not going to happen…. Most folks surveyed said they didn’t have a problem leaving the temperature at 78 while they were at work, but nearly everyone said…

Cut 13 (08) “at all” 

Entergy says each degree below 78 will add approximately 3-percent to the cost of your electric bill.

Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed a bill by House Republican Delegation Chairman Lance Harris. Harris owns a chain of gas stations in the Alexandria area and the bill would have allowed independent gas stations to sue larger gas station companies over unfair pricing. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the veto is part of the partisan games being played in Baton Rouge…
cut 11 (12) “…for him”

Meanwhile, Governor Edwards has labeled a group of anti-tax, pro budget cut hardliners the “caucus of no.” But Erath Representative Blake Miguez says the votes were there for Harris sales tax bill, but the governor wanted even more tax dollars…
cut 7 (10) “….compromise bill”

A south Louisiana man is under arrest after allegedly stalking an ex, and setting a series of fires aimed at harassment.
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Entergy recommends you set thermostat to 78 degrees for maximum savings on your electric bill. For most people…. That’s not going to happen….
Cut 12 (10) “outside”
Entergy says each degree below 78 will add approximately 3-percent to the cost of your electric bill.