Governor John Bel Edwards remains hopeful lawmakers can pass a budget plan to address the loss of one-point-three billion dollars in temporary taxes that expire next year. He says since the GOP dominated House Ways and Means committee didn’t like his tax reform plan, House Republican leaders should unveil their own proposal….:
Cut 14 (06) “to say no”
But Republicans say their plan is to let the legislative process play out.

The House rejects a bill to shorten the waiting period for a divorce for parents with minor children. Homer Representative Patrick Jefferson is disappointed his measure failed saying the longer separation time isn’t fair to couples who just want the stress of the divorce to be finalized:
Cut 12 (10) “best household”
But the opposition says people should be given plenty of time to ensure they are making the right decision.

A measure that would prohibit smoking anywhere on a public or private school campus is scheduled to be heard in the House Education Committee today. West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman says the measure also includes e-cigarettes and similar devices…:
Cut 8 (06) “other vehicles”
He says in the 90’s, Louisiana made it illegal to smoke in schools, but this legislation will expand on that law.

The state’s online public charter school, now called University View, is expanding to offer high school students a free two-year degree when they graduate. Superintendent Dr. Lonnie Luce says now that UView is a K-14 public school, they can grow enrollment…:
Cut 5 (09) “college program”
Information sessions are being held throughout the state this week and you can find out more online at University-view-dot-academy.

The main item of the governor’s tax reform plan has been tabled for the session, and now the administration is calling on the GOP to offer its own proposal. Chairman of the House Republican Legislative Delegation Lance Harris of Alexandria says there is plenty of session left to address the loss of one-point-three billion dollars in temporary taxes that expire next year…:
Cut 15 (07) “legislative process”
Lawmakers have until Thursday, June 8 to put together and pass a tax reform plan if they want to do so this session.

Couples with minor children will still have to wait a year before a divorce could be finalized as a measure to shorten that time fails on the House Floor. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds is against divorce, period…:
Cut 11 (10) “ought to do that”
The bill broke up on a 52-44 vote.

The defense takes over today in the trial of a Destrehan High School teacher charged with having tryst with a 16-year-old male student and another teacher at a Kenner Apartment. Shelley Dufresne avoided a felony conviction when she pleaded guilty to obscenity in St. Charles Parish for having sex with the minor there, but Jefferson Parish prosecutors are going after carnal knowledge of a juvenile charges.

The state’s online public charter school is now offering high school students the chance to receive a free two year associate’s degree when they graduate. Emelie Gunn has more…:
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Governor John Bel Edwards remains hopeful lawmakers can pass a budget plan to address the loss of one-point-three billion dollars in temporary taxes that expire next year. Edwards spoke with reporters shortly after his proposed Commercial Activity Tax on businesses was tabled for the legislative session. Edwards says there are still multiple tax bills waiting to be discussed…:
Cut 13 (08) “task force report”
Chairman of the House Republican Legislative Delegation Lance Harris anticipates the GOP will get behind certain revenue raising measures.:
Cut 16 (10) “no question about it”
Edwards says since Republicans rejected his plan, they should unveil their own proposal.

The House rejects a bill by Homer Representative Patrick Jefferson that would allow couples with minor children to get divorced quicker..:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

The state’s online public charter school, now called University View Academy, announces it will newly offer enrolled students a two-year college associates or technical college degree absolutely free. UView Superintendent Dr. Lonnie Luce says enrollment for next year is now open:
Cut 6 (09) “signed up”
That website is universityview.academy.

Now that Governor John Bel Edwards’ proposed commercial activity tax is tabled for the session, he says it’s time for GOP leaders to propose their own plan….:
cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A measure that would prohibit the use of tobacco products anywhere on a public or private school campus is scheduled to be heard in the House Education Committee today. West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman says in the 90’s, Louisiana made it illegal to smoke in schools, but this legislation will expand on that law…:
Cut 7 (05) “allow smoking”

The House rejects a bill to shorten the waiting period for a divorce for parents with minor children. The proposal by Homer Representative Patrick Jefferson would reduce the waiting period from one year to six months. Livingston Representative Sherman Mack didn’t like the measure…:
Cut 10 (10) “worth saving”
The legislation failed on a 52-44 vote.

A man from Houma is a millionaire after matching 6 numbers from the April 19th Louisiana Lotto. 52-year-old Robert Liebkemann Jr. received the cash value of $1.04 million dollars, according to the Louisiana Lottery.

The governor’s proposal to impose a new tax on business sales has been pulled. John Bel Edwards touted the measure as a way to stablize Louisiana’s budget, especially since one-point-three billion dollars in temporary taxes expire in mid-2018. Edwards says since the Republicans didn’t like his plan, he’s waiting for House GOP leaders to unveil their own proposal…
cut 14 (06) “…to say no”
House republican leaders favor budget cutting over additional taxes.

Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says she will continue to move forward with her bill to require state legislative approval before Confederate monuments are removed, even though New Orleans officials have started the process in the Crescent City….
cut 12 (10) “…find objectionable”
Mizell says it’s unclear when the Senate Governmental Affairs committee will hear her bill.

The bill to do away with the death penalty in Louisiana advanced out of a Senate Committee by a vote of 6-1. Michelle Southern reports..:
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Michelle Southern”

The full House rejects a bill that would cut in half the wait time for couples with minor children to get divorced. Supporters say the measure would be better for children if their bickering parents can divorce after six months from filing. But opponents say the one-year wait time can help prevent a divorce and lead to reconcilation between the parents.

Governor John Bel Edwards effort to place a new tax on business sales has been tabled for the session. Edwards says the legislation would get businesses to pay their fair share in taxes and it would help stablize the budget. But business groups said the proposal would keep companies from growing and hurt economic development efforts. The governor says he’s now looking to House Republican leadership to come up with its own budget plan.

A state lawmaker plans to move forward with her legislation designed to protect Confederate monuments, even though the process of removing them has begun in New Orleans. The Liberty Place monument was taken down early Monday morning. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell opposes what Mayor Mitch Landrieu is doing….:
Cut 10 (10) “where we are today”
She says it’s unclear when her bill will get a hearing.

On a 6 to 1 vote, a Senate Judiciary committee approves a proposal to abolish the death penalty in Louisiana. Bishop Shelton Fabre of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux says taking a life should be left to a higher power…:
Cut 3 (10) “gift from God”
There was emotional testimony from opponents to the bill. Christie Battaglia’s father is on death row in Texas for killing her two sisters and told state lawmakers it’s a bad idea to get rid of the death penalty….
cut 6 (10) “….living in fear”
The measure now heads to the Senate floor for more debate.

The Saints and 32-year-old Adrian Peterson agree to a two-year contract. Coach Sean Payton believes the future Hall-of-Fame running back will be an excellent fit in the locker room and on the field.

Governor John Bel Edwards’ business tax plan fails to receive support from the House Ways and Means Committee and the legislative sponsor has decided to pull the legislation from further consideration. Franklin Representative Sam Jones.
Cut 13 (09) “do it”
Governor Edwards said a short time ago that House leadership needs to develop its own plan to address a looming revenue shortfall.

A bill to ban the death penalty in Louisiana cleared its first legislative hurdle today as it was approved on a six-to-one vote by a Senate committee. Religious leaders came to the capitol to testify in favor. Reverend Leo Cyrus says the death penalty doesn’t provide closure for the victims….
cut 4 (08) ‘…seek healing”
The measure heads to the Senate floor for more discussion.

Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says she would still like for the legislature to pass her bill that requires legislative approval before local governments can remove monuments. Mizell says it’s in response to the taking down of Confederate-era statues in New Orleans…
cut 11 (11) “…or not”
Mizell had a similar bill last year, but it died in committee.

Calcasieu Sheriff Tony Mancuso says three suspects, with criminal records, tied up an 83-year-old man in his home in Starks for seven hours and stole his guns, cell phone and wallet. Mancuso believes these indiviuduals stalked and took advantage of this elderly man..
cut 9 (09) “…as that”
Mancuso says two of the suspects are in custody, the search is on for 43-year-old Michael Helmer.

Governor John Bel Edwards attempt to impose a new tax on business sales fails to gain any support in the House Ways and Means committee and is dead for the session. The measure received stiff opposition from business groups. President of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association Chris John…
cut 14 (11) “…we have”
Despite emotional testimony, a measure to abolish the death penalty in Louisiana received approval from a Senate committee. Christie Battaglia’s father is on death row in Texas for killing her two sisters and told state lawmakers it’s a bad idea to get rid of the death penalty….
cut 6 (10) “….living in fear”
But on a six to one vote the measure heads to the Senate floor for more discussion.

Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says she will continue to move forward with her bill to require state legislative approval before Confederate monuments are removed, even though New Orleans officials have started the process in the Crescent City….
cut 12 (10) “…find objectionable”
Mizell says it’s unclear when the Senate Governmental Affairs committee will hear the legislation.

Two people have been arrested and the search is on for a third, who allegedly tied up an elderly person in his home for seven hours and stole his guns, cell phone and wallet. Calcasieu Sheriff Tony Mancuso says the three individuals face multiple charges, including cruelty to the infirmed…
cut 8 (10) “….before”
The burglary took place in the town of Starks.

The centerpiece to Governor John Bel Edwards’ tax plan fails to receive support from the House Ways and Means Committee. The head of the anti-tax organization Gator PAC, Col. Rob Maness, says the Commercial Activity Tax allows Louisiana to spend more than the economy can sustain…:
Cut 15 (09) “gas business”
The bill was voluntarily deffered..

A state lawmaker plans to move forward with a bill to make it harder for local governments to take down monuments. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

On a 6 to 1 vote, a Senate Judiciary committee approves a proposal to abolish the death penalty in Louisiana. Bishop Shelton Fabre of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux says taking a life should be left to a higher power…:
Cut 3 (10) “gift from God”
Speaking in opposition to the bill is Christie Battaglia [bat-tà-glia] whose father is on death row for killing his 4 and 6 year old daughters. Battaglia says if her father ever happened to get out of jail, she would live in fear…:
Cut 5 (10) “wouldn’t be here”
The bill heads to the Senate Floor.

ESPN was first to announce that veteran running back Adrian Peterson has received a 2 year deal from the Saints worth $7 million. His first game with New Orleans in the regular season will be against his old team, the Vikings.

The Commercial Activity Tax measure, the centerpiece of Govenor John Bel Edwards tax reform plan, has been voluntarily deffered as the votes were not there to get approval from the Ways and Means panel.

The bill to do away with the death penalty in Louisiana cleared its first hurdle. A senate panel advanced the measure 6-1.

A state lawmaker plans to move forward with her legislation designed to protect Confederate monuments, even though the process of removing them has begun in New Orleans. The Liberty Place monument was taken down early Monday morning, and the city also plans to remove three more confederate-era statues. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell opposes what Mayor Mitch Landrieu is doing….:
Cut 10 (10) “where we are today”
She says it’s unclear when her bill will get a hearing.

Two individuals from Orange, Texas have been arrested and one is still on the loose after allegedly tying up an elderly Starks man for hours and stealing his guns, cell phone and wallet. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso says the victim was discovered when a food delivery showed up at his home…:
Cut 7 (11) “seven hours”
Mancuso says 32-year-old Thomas Henson and 33-year-old Lea Pence were arrested and authorities are still searching for 43-year-old Michael Helmer, known as Mikey Irish.

The state has finalized a deal with contracting firm IEM to manage the $1.3 billion Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program to help flood victims rebuild and repair their homes. The contract is estimated to cost $227 million.