Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne is warning lawmakers they can NOT cut their way to a balanced budget for next fiscal year. Dardenne testified in front of the House Appropriations Committee today and reiterated the governor’s call to wrap up the regular session in early May, so a special session can be called to raise revenue to close a large budget gap. Dardenne has a challenge for lawmakers who disagree.
Cut 14 (07) “the budget.”
House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry has expressed optimism they can pass a budget while making large cuts.

Governor John Bel Edwards is once again calling on the legislature to approve a higher minimum wage. Edwards says the current minimum wage isn’t fair to workers.
Cut 28 (11) “two years”
Business groups say the market should set wages, not government.

House and Senate committees will meet Wednesday to discuss legislation that would trigger a constitutional convention. Much of the interest is due to the state’s current law that restricts cuts to only higher ed and health care when faced with a budget deficit. Senator Troy Carter, is one of several lawmakers calling for a constitutional convention.
Cut 30 (08) “21st century”
1974 was the last time Louisiana had a constitutional convention.

School safety will be a topic in this legislative session. West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth has a bill that would make it legal for a student to bring a bulletproof backpack to school. Walsworth says they cost anywhere between 150 to 200 dollars on the internet….
cut 29 (08) “…specially made”
Walsworth says his legislation is a quick way to provide added safety for students.

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne is warning that lawmakers will not be able to cut their way to a balanced budget for next fiscal year. He reiterated the governor’s call to wrap up the regular session in early May, so that a special session that addresses revenue can be called to tackle the fiscal cliff. He says he’s already seeing the effects of the legislature’s inability to find a budget deal

Cut 16  (12)  “to them”

Residents of the small town of St. Joseph in Tensas parish are soaked with joy over a new water system that goes on-line today. Governor John Bel Edwards is in St. Joseph to celebrate. Shauna Sanford is the Governor’s communications director.

Cut 3 (11) “something about.”

Star quarterback Drew Brees has agreed to a 50-million-dollar two-year-deal with the saints. A reported 27-million-dollars is guaranteed. After just coming up short in making it to the NFC Championship Game, Saints analyst and former running back Deuce McAlister says Brees feels like the team still has a chance of making it to the Super Bowl

Cut 10 (10) “more guys.”

Reserve Zachary Police Officer 41-year-old Christopher Lawton was killed after two suspects allegedly ran over him in a Wal Mart parking lot in Baker. East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says Lawton was trying to make an arrest when the suspects fled the scene.

Cut 11 (10) “the scene.”

Lawton was attempting to arrest 33-year-old Albert Franklin

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne has a warning for legislators; you can’t cut your way out to avoid going off the fiscal cliff…..
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

A federal appeals court in New Orleans heard arguments today on whether construction should resume on the Bayou Bridge Pipeline in the Atchafalaya Basin. Environmental groups argue the project will result in irreversible environmental damage. The company says they have received blessing from the Corps of Engineers to construct the pipeline in the swamp.

Zachary firefighter and reserve police officer Christopher Lawton is being labeled as a hero today after he was killed last night while in the line of duty. East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says Lawton and another Zachary police officer were working undercover in an effort to arrest 33-year-old Albert Franklin…
cut 12 (07) “…suspect”
Gautreaux says Lawton was killed when Franklin hit him with a U-Haul truck as he fled from a Walmart parking lot in Baker. Franklin and another woman were arrested.

Louisiana State Police say a 12-year-old shot and killed his seven-year-old brother in Lake Providence Monday. Trooper Michael Reichardt says the two youngsters were together when the shooting occurred. They are still investigating how the older juvenile got a hold of a weapon…
Cut 6 (11) “old juvenile.”
Six children were at home at the time of the shooting while their mother was at work.

Reserve Zachary Police Officer 41-year-old Christopher Lawton was killed after two suspects allegedly ran over him in a Wal Mart parking lot in Baker. East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says Lawton was attempting to arrest 33-year-old Albert Franklin on active felony warrants.  30-year-old Ashley Chaney was also in the U-Haul when they fled the scene…

Cut 11 (10) “the scene.”

Louisiana State Police say a 12-year-old shot and killed his seven-year-old brother in Lake Providence Monday. The seven-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene. Six children were at home at the time of the shooting while their mother was at work. Trooper Michael Reichardt says it’s an active and on-going investigation…

Cut 7 (08)  “that’s pending.”

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne is warning that lawmakers will not be able to cut their way to a balanced budget for next fiscal year. He testified in front of the House Appropriations Committee today and reiterated the governor’s call to wrap up the regular session in early May, so that a special session that addresses revenue can be called to tackle the fiscal cliff. Dardenne has a challenge for lawmakers who disagree.

Cut 14 (07) “the budget.”

Residents of the small town of St. Joseph in Tensas parish are soaked with joy over a new water system that goes on-line today. The town had been under a perpetual public health emergency declaration because of their old system. Those days are now gone according to Governor’s communication director Shauna Sanford.

Cut 5  (12) “the community.” 

The Governor was on hand for the ribbon cutting. The 8-million dollar project was funded by the state.

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne had this message to lawmakers who believe they cut make 700-million dollars in cuts for next fiscal year and not impact state services….
cut 15 (12) “….to you”
Dardenne says they’ve already heard from their partner hospitals, who are planning to exit out of contracts with the state to provide care for the poor and uninsured.

Baton Rouge area Law enforcement are mourning the death of a Zachary firefighter and an unpaid reserve police officer with Zachary. 41-year-old Christopher Lawton was killed while on duty in an hit and run last night..
cut 13 (11) “…police department”
East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says a man and a woman have been arrested and charged in connection with Lawton’s death.

Clear, crisp, and more importantly clean water now flows through the water lines in the small northeast Louisiana town of St. Joseph. Jim Shannon has more.
Voicer 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

And there’s good news for the Saints fans today. The team has reportedly has agreed to a two-year, 50-million dollar contract with Quarterback Drew Brees. The 39-year-old was due to become a free agent tomorrow. He’ll reportedly receive 27-million dollars in guaranteed money.

Multiple reports say Quarterback Drew Brees has agreed to a 50-million-dollar, two-year-deal, with the Saints. Saints radio color analyst Deuce McAllister says in actuality it’s a one year deal as there’s a team option after the first year…
Cut 8 (08) “been made.”
Brees’ contract calls for him to receive 27-million dollars in guaranteed money.

Governor John Bel Edwards is once again calling on the state legislature to approve a higher minimum wage. Edwards says18 states raised their minimum wage this year and he says the current minimum wage isn’t right to workers.
Cut 11 (11) “two years”
Business groups say the market should set wages, not government.

Louisiana State Police say a 12-year-old shot and killed his seven-year-old brother in Lake Providence Monday. Trooper Michael Reichardt says the two youngsters were together when the shooting occurred. They are still investigating how the older juvenile got a hold of a weapon…
Cut 6 (11) “old juvenile.”
The seven-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene. Six children were at home at the time of the shooting while their mother was at work.

Residents of the small town of St. Joseph in Tensas parish are soaked with joy over a new water system that goes on-line today. Governor John Bel Edwards is in St. Joseph to cut the ribbon on the new facility that has been in need for decades.
Cut 3 (11) “something about.”
That’s the governor’s communications director, Shauna Sanford.

The first budget hearing of the 2018 regular session is underway. Matt Doyle reports the chairman of the budget committee believes the legislature can pass a budget, but the Edwards administration disagrees, because that would mean 700-million dollars in cuts…
voicer 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Saints fans can take a deep breath. Multiple reports say the Black and Gold and have reached a two-year, 50-million dollar contract with Quarterback Drew Brees. 27-million dollars are guaranteed.

Governor John Bel Edwards has presented a broad agenda to lawmakers during this legislative session. One of the things he’d like to see legislators do is loosen the regulations that are on small businesses…
cut 13 (11) “….regulatory relief”
That includes repealing licensing requirements for florists, as Louiaina is the only in the nation to require one.

School safety will be a topic in this legislative session. West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth has legislation that would make it legal for a student to bring a bulletproof backpack to school. Walsworth says they cost anywhere between 150 to 200 dollars on the internet….
cut 16 (08) “…specially made”

The saints have reportedly inked quarterback drew brees to a two year deal to keep the future hall of famer in new orleans. Brees is able to negotiate with other teams and the vikings had shown some interest. However reports indicate that the brees deal is done at least for another two years.

There are several bills filed for this legislative session that will seek to make major changes to the state’s gaming industry. Executive Director of the Louisiana Casino Association Wade Duty says the state legalized riverboat gambling in 1991 and now those casinos are looking to become more attractive to players.

Duty realizes that there will be opponents against the modernization of the gambling industry, but stresses the bills before the legislature will not expand gaming as they are not seeking additional riverboat gaming licenses. He says these changes are designed to help casino operators and benefit the state with more tax revenue…

Cut 6 (13) “the state.”

In Baton Rouge today the House Appropriations Committee will begin the long process of attempting to hammer out a budget before the end of the regular session. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne doubts the legislature can pass a spending plan facing a billion dollar revenue shortfall.

Dardenne says because of a lack of revenues, deep cuts will be needed in the areas of health care, higher education, and TOPS.

But Appropriations Chairman Rep. Cameron Henry disagrees, saying the budget gap only amounts to a fraction of the total budget. Cameron believes the legislature will find the cuts necessary to avoid having to enter a special session.

The Republican from Metairie says before assuming the state needs more revenue, legislators should look at making cuts to the Department of Health’s budget.

Cut 10 (09) “billion dollars.”

The regular session is scheduled to end June 4^th.

School students may be allowed to bring bullet proof backpacks to school. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

There are several bills filed for this legislative session that will seek to make major changes to the state’s gaming industry. Executive Director of the Louisiana Casino Association Wade Duty says the state legalized riverboat gambling in 1991 and now those casinos are looking to become more attractive to players.

Duty says not only are riverboat casinos asking the legislature to allow gaming on land, they are also seeking extra floor space…

Cut 5  (11)  “the floor.”

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In Baton Rouge today the House Appropriations Committee will begin the long process of attempting to hammer out a budget before the end of the regular session. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne doubts the legislature can pass a spending plan facing a billion dollar revenue shortfall.

Dardenne says because of a lack of revenues, deep cuts will be needed in the areas of health care, higher education, and TOPS. He says it will result in layoffs in state government and in the private sector.

Cut 8 (08) “care arena”

But Appropriations Chairman Rep. Cameron Henry disagrees, saying the budget gap only amounts to a fraction of the total budget. Cameron believes the legislature will find the cuts necessary to avoid having to enter a special session.

Cut 9 (05)  “this point”

Police are investigating the shooting death in Lake Providence of a 7 year old by a 12 year old. That investigation is still on-going.

Several bills related to casino gaming in Louisiana will be considered during the regular session. Kelley Ray has a look.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

In Baton Rouge today the House Appropriations Committee will begin the long process of attempting to hammer out a budget before the end of the regular session. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne doubts the legislature can pass a spending plan facing a billion dollar revenue shortfall.

Cut 7 (09)  “to dramatic.”

West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth has filed legislation that would allow school students to use bullet proof backpacks on campus and school buses. Concerned parents have come to him with their fears about their children while they are attending classes. Walsworth says he’s not sure why it’s currently illegal to have a bulletproof backpack, but he has a theory…

Cut 15 (05) “something bad..”

The minimum wage proposal faces opposition from the National Federation of Independent Businesses, who says the market should set wages, not government.

The governor sited a report showing Louisiana with one of the worst gender pay gaps in the nation, and came out in support of legislation that would make it illegal to pay women less than men for the same job.