The special session is over, and lawmakers agreed to use $99 million from the rainy day fund to close a $304 million midyear budget deficit, which means more cuts are coming to state agencies. New Orleans Representative Walt Leger says the Department of Health, public schools, safety net hospitals, tourism, and the legislature will undergo budget reductions.

The National Retail Federation finds 48-percent of consumers plan to put their tax refunds into savings rather than spend it. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

A study out of Tulane finds 17-hundred public school teachers have left their jobs in Louisiana because of a tougher tenure law that took effect two years ago. That’s a three-percent loss of the state’s teacher workforce. Co-author of the report is Nathan Barrett…

Cut 3 (05) “leaving”

In 2012, the legislature passed a law that made student achievement a major part of the formula to earn tenure.

The Safety Net for Abused Persons for the greater New Iberia area announce they’re closing because of financial struggles. Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Mariah Wineski says they are working on plans for a new permanent facility. She says last year they provided over 90-thousand shelter nights to domestic violence victims around the state, which is why it’s imperative services are available to survivors in these parishes.

Cut 14 (07) “running shortly”

Lawmakers have finally agreed on how many rainy day dollars to use to close a $304 million midyear budget shortfall, and $99 million is the compromise.

Cut 22 (03) “…in good faith”

That’s Senate Finance Chairman Eric LaFleur of Ville Platte, who said earlier on the Senate floor negotiations have gone well.

Republican House leaders have been hesitant to use the rainy day money because of concerns of another shortfall next fiscal year. But House Speaker Taylor Barras is glad they came to an agreement.

Cut 23 (18) “…that is required”

The House agreed to use 99 million rainy day dollars after the Senate approved a bill that frees up money in future budgets by diverting money from areas like TOPS and highway construction.

The special session is coming to a close, but not before lawmakers agree to a variety of cuts. New Orleans Representative Walt Leger explains what services will be impacted.

Cut 24 (19) “…taking a cut”

Leger says higher education and prisons will not face any budget cuts.

As the special session ends, the discussion turns to the fiscal session that begins in April. The Louisiana Budget Project has released its tax reform blueprint. Senior Policy Analyst Nick Albares they’re proposing eliminating the federal income tax deduction and excess itemized deductions. He says they’re calling for a reduction in the state sales tax and broadening its base. Other recommendations include limiting some tax exemptions, including the film tax credit.

A chaotic scene erupted during a town hall meeting in Jefferson Parish hosted by U-S Senator Bill Cassidy. Hundreds of people upset about proposed changes to the Affordable Care Act showed up. Here’s what it sounded like courtesy of WWL-TV….
cut 30 (08) “…your job”

Changes to teacher’s tenure protections has led to more educators leaving the classroom, according to a report from Tulane. Halen Doughty has more…
Voicer 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

How are you planning to spend your tax refund? Well according to a new survey from the National Retail Federation, most people, especially millennials, won’t be spending returns, but instead saving. Denham Springs financial planner Matt Kennedy says younger people saw their parents suffer in the 2008 crash and don’t want to risk it…:
CUT 7 (10) “to spending”
The survey says of 66-percent of those getting a refund, only 21-percent plan to spend it on everyday expenses.

Help is still available for domestic abuse survivors in St. Martin and Iberia Parishes even though the domestic violence service provider in that area is closing its shelter and ceasing services. That’s according to the interim director of the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Mariah Wineski…
cut 12 (10) “be established”
Wineski says they have a statewide hotline that will connect survivors in these parishes to neighboring programs.

A report from Tulane has found that 17-hundred public school teachers have left their profession since the legislature passed a law in 2012 that made it more difficult for educators to achieve tenure. Co-author of the report, Nathan Barrett, says many of the educators that left were close to retirement and teachers who left under-performing schools rose by 27-percent….
cut 4 (12) “….F rated schools”
Student achievement became a major factor in a teacher receiving tenure as part of the 2012 law.

It appears state lawmakers have reached an agreeement on addressing the 304-million dollar budget deficit. The plan is expected to receive legislative approval this afternoon. A major sticking point has been the use of rainy day money to help plug up some of the hole.
A survey from the National Retail Federation finds that 48-percent of consumers who will receive a tax refund plan to put that money towards savings rather spend. The 48-percent is only second to last year’s record high of 49-percent. Denham Springs financial planner Matt Kennedy says consumers are also looking to reduce their debt….
cut 8 (11) “….later”

A domestic violence service provider has closed in the greater New Iberia area. But the Louisiana the Coalition Against Domestic Violence wants victims to know there is assistance avaialble to them. Interim director Mariah Wineski says they call 1-888-4-1-1-13-33….
cut 13 (08) “…housing assistance”
Wineski says they are working closely with stakeholders to get plans in place for a new permanent facility.

We’re still waiting on the state legislature to agree on a budget cut plan. They have until midnight tonight. That’s when the special session ends. The big sticking point is the use of rainy day dollars. The governor and the Senate have agreed on 99-million dollars, but House Republicans believe it should be lower, so more cuts to the budget can be made.

The National Retail Federation finds 48-percent of consumers plan to put their tax refunds into savings rather than spend it. Emelie Gunn has more…
Cut 2 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

A study done out of Tulane shows 17-hundred public school teachers have left the profession since a new law went into effect in 2012 that makes it more difficult for teachers to obtain tenure. Co-author of the report, Nathan Barrett, says whether or not you agree with tenure protections, it’s something many teachers appreciate…
cut 5 (12) “…atrrition rates”
Barrett says many of the teachers who left, worked at low-performing schools or were close to retirement age.

All-Star Center DeMarcus Cousins had his first practice with his new team today. Cousins has teamed up with the Pelicans Anthony Davis and New Orleans now has one of the top front courts in the league. But Cousins can be a problem child, because of his attitude. Head Coach Alvin Gentry….
cut 11 (08) “…at all”
The Pels host Houston tomorrow night.

Changes to teacher’s tenure protections has led to more educators leaving the classroom, according to a new report from Tulane…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

State Police are responding to a crash in Pointe Coupee Parish involving a trooper, and another driver who died in the wreck, according to officials. They say preliminary investigations show the trooper was headed down 190 when a truck pulled out in front of him. The driver of the truck was sent to a hospital where he died. State Police says the trooper is injured, but nothing critical or life-threatening.

How are you planning to spend your tax refund? Well according to a new survey from the National Retail Federation, most people, especially millennials, won’t be spending returns, but instead saving. Denham Springs financial planner Matt Kennedy says younger people saw their parents suffer in the 2008 crash and don’t want to risk it…:
CUT 7 (10) “to spending”
The survey says of 66-percent of those getting a refund, only 21-percent plan to spend it on everyday expenses.

All-Star Center DeMarcus Cousins practices with the Pelicans for the first time today. Head Coach Alvin Gentry on making sure Cousins and Anthony Davis can succeed together…:
Cut 10 (11) “on the floor”
Cousins and his new teammates will host the Houston Rockets tomorrow night.

House lawmakers return to the floor this afternoon at 1:30 with less than 12 hours to go in the special session. The magic number is $99 million at this point when it comes to rainy day dollars to be used for the $304 million dollar deficit. 70 votes are needed. The special session must end at midnight.

A survey from the National Retail Federation finds many consumers plan to put their tax refunds into savings rather than spend. Denham Springs financial planner Matt Kennedy says we’ve seen this trend over the past eight years ever since the 2008 stock market crash…:
Cut 6 (12) “our mind”
48-percent of Americans plan to put their money into savings, second only to last year’s record high of 49-percent.

Demarcus Cousins, aka Boogie, was officially introduced today as one of the newest members of the New Orleans Pelicans. The All-Star comes to The Big Easy from Sacramento and practiced with the Pels for the first time today. Cousins says he’s excited about the opportunity to hit the court with fellow All-Star Anthony Davis…:
CUT 9 (10) “is scary”
Cousins will suit up with the Pelicans for the first time tomorrow night against Houston in the Smoothie King Center.

Today is the final day of the special session and so far it appears lawmakers remain at a standstill over how much money to use from the Rainy Day Fund to put towards the $304 million dollar deficit. Democrats support the Senate bill that would use $99 million. This morning Franklin Democratic Representative Sam Jones asked Republican Speaker Taylor Baras on the House Floor the direct question…:
CUT 25 (11) “address that”
Shortly after the lower chamber took a recess, a mandatory meeting of the House Republican Delegation was called.

Powerball frenzy is in full swing today across the state as tonight’s jackpot soared to $403 million dollars. Lottery officials say Louisiana is due for a big winner as there hasn’t been one here since 2013. The chase value of the Wednesday drawing is $243 million dollars.

A study out of Tulane finds 17-hundred public school teachers have left their jobs in Louisiana because of a tougher tenure law that took effect two years ago. That’s a three-percent loss of the state’s teacher workforce. Co-author of the report is Nathan Barrett…:
Cut 3 (05) “leaving”
The 2012 law made student achievement a major part of the formula to earn tenure.

Smokers who work for the state could be paying more for health insurance soon under a plan by the Office of Group Benefits. Chief executive officer Tommy Teague says a charge like the 50 dollar a month extra if you smoke is already common in the private sector..:
CUT 8 (10) “to implement”
He says individuals who receive health insurance through the state would be required to self-report if they are a smoker.

Lawmakers have until midnight tonight to come to an agreement on how many rainy day dollars to use to address a $304 million midyear deficit. Jeff Palermo has more…
voicer 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A study out of Tulane finds 17-hundred public school teachers have left their jobs in Louisiana because of a tougher tenure law which took effect two years ago. The report says many of the educators that left were close to retirement or worked in low-performing schools. Student achievement is now part of the formula to earn tenure.

Tonight’s Powerball jackpot has reached a whopping 403 million dollars, with a cash value of 244 million dollars. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kimberly Chopin says this drawing is the 19th in the current run…:
Cut 4 (10) “Powerball frenzy”
She says this is the 10th largest Powerball jackpot ever.

There are plans to film a movie called “Cowboy and Indiana” in the Monroe area. Executive producer Rodney Ray it’s about a troubled bull rider named Tulsa who struggles with a pain pill addiction and finds himself charged with a DUI…
cut 10 (11) “…named Indiana”
Ray says they plan to begin filiming in late May and over one-thousand actors from all over the country have applied for roles in the film.

The question of how much of the state’s rainy day fund to use to help plug the $304 million dollar budget deficit remains on this final day of the special session. The House and Senate are still at odds and Jeremy Alford of LaPolitics.com remarks on what happens if lawmakers are still at a stalemate when the session ends at midnight…:
CUT 15 (10) “on their own”
Governor Edwards is slated to speak once the session adjourns.

Smokers who work for the state could be facing a $50 monthly surcharge on their health insurance under a plan by the Office of Group Benefits. OGB chief executive officer Tommy Teague says this is common in the private sector and could produce about $7.5 million dollars.:
Cut 9 (10) “increases”
Teague hopes these benefits will be in place by January 1st 2018.

The Powerball jackpot has jumped up to 403 million dollars. Emelie Gunn has more…:
Cut 1 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

A sentimental bull riding movie called “Cowboy and Indiana” is going to be filmed in northeast Louisiana. R-Squared Productions says Executive Producer Rodney Ray says it’s all taking place in Monroe..:
CUT 12 (10) “to our community”
You can get involved in production at www.r2films.net.