The 5th Circuit Court of appeals rules that Louisiana can begin enforcing a law that requires abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals. Benjamin Clapper with Louisiana Right to Life says this is common sense and he’s not sure what the Department of Health and Hospitals will do now…:
CUT 7 (10) “their facilities”
Those who opposed the legislation said it would make it harder for women to get an abortion in Louisiana.

Lawmakers on the House floor have begun what is sure to be a heated day of discussions over tax raising measures the Edwards Administration is pushing to help close the more than $900 million dollar current financial year deficit. Republicans have asked the Governor to change the way government does business so that these budget issues don’t keep popping up. They are interested in pension reform, capital outlay reform and tax reform.

A new study from AAA shows 87% of drivers engage in risky behaviors behind the wheel. Halen Doughty has more…:
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

The Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance launches its “In for 10” campaign to build support for a new Interstate 10 bridge over the Calcasieu River.

Eighty-seven percent of drivers engaged in at least one risky behavior while driving in the past month, according to a new study from AAA. Spokesperson Don Redman says the data is not surprising. He says in the US about 30 to 40 thousand people die each year in car crashes…:
CUT 3 (11) “or impaired”
Redman says distracted driving is the most common risky behavior.

The St. James Parish Coroner has identified the two people who died when tornadoes ripped through an RV Park in Convent. They are 59-year-old David Eugene Swan of Satsuma, Alabama, and 51-year-old Scott Ellis of North Carolina.

Lawmakers have convened on the House Floor as today they get set to take up tax proposals Governor John Bel Edwards is proposing to close the current year massive budget deficit. Under consideration is an increase to the state’s sales tax, higher cigarette and alcohol taxes and fewer tax exemptions for businesses.

A three judge panel of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals rules that Louisiana can enforce a state law that requires doctors preforming abortions must have admitting privileges at hospitals within 30 miles. Benjamin Clapper with Louisiana Right to Life says this legislation ensures that in an emergency the physician can take the proper steps to protect the health of the woman…
CUT 6 (09) “same standard”
Planned Parenthood says the ruling will force the closure of three out of the four abortion clinics in the state.

A contractor in Caddo is behind bars for allegedly scamming a 70-year-old victim, according to the sheriff’s office. They say Andre Blaze of Minden allegedly entered into the contract with the elderly resident of Shreveport and was paid $3700 for work that he never performed. Blaze was caught and booked into the Caddo Correctional Center for Residential Contractor Fraud.

The House convenes at this hour as they will vote on a variety of bills that would raise taxes. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says the House is reluctant to raise taxes, so there’s a lot of negotiating behind the scenes…
cut 6 (09) “….their caucus”
The big tax proposal on the agenda is a penny increase to the four-cent sales tax, which would raise an estimated 220-million dollars by June 30th and help fill a 900-million dollar shortfall.

The chairman of the House Republican Legislative Delegation, Lance Harris of Alexandria, says they’ve sent a list of proposals to the governor’s office for long-term changes to how the state spends its money. Harris says some of their proposals can be addressed in the upcoming regular legislative session, while others will have to wait for next year’s fiscal session…
cut 12 (05) “….couple of years”
Harris says they are also pushing for any tax increases approved in the special session to be removed once the budget is stabilized.

Cleco’s proposed sale to a foreign private investment firm has been rejected by the Public Service Commission. . Cleco spokesperson Jennifer Cahill says the sale would have been good for their customers…
cut 15 (06) “….it’s stakeholders”
So what’s next for the Pineville-based utility company. Cahill says they are reviewing their options.

ExxonMobil has invested 13-million dollars to help a college readiness program that’s already been successful in several Louisiana high schools…
cut 9 (08) “….18 schools”
That’s Matthew Randazzo with the National and Science Initiative College Readiness Program, who says these dollars will get more students involved in Advanced Placement courses and improve student performance in math, science and English.

The St. James Parish coroner has identified the two victims who were killed when a tornado hit an RV park in St. James Parish. They are 59-year-old Eugene Swann of Alabama and 51-year-old Scott Ellis of North Carolina. Officials many residents of the RV park were contractors working at chemical plants.

Republicans in the House sent a letter to Governor John Bel Edwards outlining long-term changes they want made in the state’s budget, so they don’t have to keep battling deficits like we’re seeing now. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris oversaw the writing of the letter says these changes might lead Republican House members to approve the governor’s proposed tax increases…:
cut 11 (10) “revenue options”
He says they are interested in pension reform, capital outlay reform and tax reform.

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu released documents Wednesday indicating three Confederate monuments in the city could come down by the summer. He is formally seeking bids to remove the statues after the previous contractor quit the deal in the face of death threats. The City Council voted in December to allow four of the Confederate monuments to come down. Bidders have until March 29th to submit proposals.

The National Math and Science Initiative College Readiness Program received a $13 million investment from ExxonMobil. Halen Doughty has the story…:
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

In Baton Rouge Wednesdy, the Public Service Commission did not approve the sale of Cleco to Macquarie Infrastructure. Regulators said the deal was not in the best interest of those who’s homes and businesses in central Louisaiana are powered by Cleco. Commissioner Foster Cambell…:
CUT 14 (06) “to do”
Cleco says they are still exploring options.

The long talked about tax measures will be heard for the first time on the House floor today. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says House Republicans want the administration to commit to long term budget reform, before taxes are raised, and for good reason…:
Cut 5 (10) “revenue side”
It takes 70 votes for a bill that raises taxes to pass the House and advance to the Senate.

AP courses will soon be expanded in Louisiana after ExxonMobil put up 13 million dollars for the National Math and Science Initiative College Readiness Program. NMSI CEO Matthew Randazzo says the investment will allow them to support educators with the tools they need to effective AP teachers. He says students benefit from high school AP courses…:
Cut 8 (07) “from college”

Cops are investigating a rare possible homicide in Point Coupee Parish where a man was found dead in a vehicle with a gunshot wound to the head. Investigations say foul play is suspected. The State Police Crime Lab is processing the scene.

The Public Service Commission rejects Cleco’s attempt to sell the Pineville-based utility company to a private investment group. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A judge in New Orleans appeals court said Wednesday that Louisiana can enforce the law that requires abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals, which opponents argued would force the closure of clinics.

The House of Representatives votes today on several different tax proposals that the governor is pushing as a way to solve the state’s budget crisis. Up for consideration, is an increase to the state’s sales tax, higher cigarette and alcohol taxes and fewer tax exemptions for businesses. Political Analyst Clancy Dubos…:
cut 4 (10) “they want”
There are just 14 days left in the special session.

The National Weather Service confirmed that at least eight tornadoes hit Louisiana during the destructive weather system on Tuesday. They say four of those were classified as EF-2, including the one that blew through Convent, destroying an RV park while killing two people, and injuring 30. EF2 twisters pack winds of up to 135 miles per hour. The other EF2 tornadoes hit Livingston, Paincourtville (PAN’-koor-vil), and LaPlace. The four others were in Lacombe, Kenner, Montpelier and Prairieville.

The Public Service Commission has rejected Cleco’s attempt to sell the utility company for 5-billion dollars to a foreign investment group. The deal was rejected on a 3-2 vote. Commissioner Foster Campbell voted against the sale…:
Cut 13 (06) “public monopoly”
Cleco says they are disappointed in the decision and they are reviewing their future options.

Republican State Representatives sent Governor John Bel Edwards a list of long-term changes they want in the state government as they try to negotiate the administration’s proposed tax increases aimed at fixing the budget deficit. Legislators are interested in reforms in pensions, capital outlay, and taxes. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris, who oversaw preparation of the letter, says legislators don’t want to keep having to deal with midyear deficits…:
Cut 10 (05) “year out”
The letter also asks that any tax increases approved during the special session end once revenue from long term reform is collected.

Today the Louisiana House of Representatives will vote on multiple tax proposals that Governor John Bel Edwards is pushing to solve the state’s massive budget deficit. Emelie Gunn has more…:

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Freshman Baton Rouge Representative Ronnie Edwards lost her life Wednesday after a more than two year battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. House Speaker Taylor Barras confirmed the news to the full House at the State Capitol yesterday afternoon. Governor John Bel Edwards said even though Rep Ronnie Edwards’ time was short in the legislature, it was a dream come true for her and a testament to her tireless effort to improve her community. She was 63.

ExxonMobil invests $13 million into the National Math and Science Initiative College Readiness Program. NMSI CEO Matthew Randazzo says the College Readiness Program is focused on driving student achievement around rigorous college-level courses and advanced placement. He says students will have access to more AP courses and fee waivers for the AP tests…:
CUT 7 (09) “excited about”
Four schools in Louisiana already benefit from this program, including Bossier and Parkway High Schools.

On a three-to-two vote the Public Service Commission rejects Cleco’s attempt to sell the Pineville-based utility company to a private investment group. International investors were looking to buy Cleco for nearly five billion dollars.

Today the Louisiana House of Representatives will vote on multiple tax proposals that Governor John Bel Edwards is pushing to solve the state’s massive budget deficit. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The National Math and Science Initiative College Readiness Program received a $13 million investment from ExxonMobil. Halen Doughty has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The Public Service Commission rejects Cleco’s attempt to sell the Pineville-based utility company to a private investment group. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The House of Representatives votes today on several different tax proposals that the governor is pushing for as a way to solve the state’s budget crisis. Up for consideration, is an increase to the state’s sales tax, higher cigarette and alcohol taxes and fewer tax exemptions for businesses. Political Analyst Clancy Dubos says negotiations have been ongoing on which tax bills will pass…

cut 4  (10)  “they want”

It takes 70 votes for a bill that raises taxes to pass the House and advance to the Senate. Dubos says House Republicans want the governor to commit to long term budget reform, before taxes are raised. And he says they have a good point…

Cut 5  (10)  “revenue side”

There are 14 days left in the special session and whatever tax bills clean the House, still need to be debated in the Senate. Dubos says the House seems more reluctant to raise taxes than the Senate so there is a lot more negotiating to do….

Cut 6 (09)  “their caucus” 

_________________________________________________________

ExxonMobil invests $13 million into the National Math and Science Initiative College Readiness Program. NMSI CEO Matthew Randazzo says the College Readiness Program is focused on driving student achievement around rigorous college-level courses and advanced placement. He says students will have access to more AP courses and fee waivers for the AP tests.

CUT 7 (09)  “excited about”

Randazzo says the investment will allow NMSI to support educators with the tools they need to be better AP teachers. He says students benefit from high school AP courses…

Cut 8  (07)  “from college”

Four schools in Louisiana already benefit from this program, including Bossier and Parkway High Schools. Last year, students from Parkway and Bossier saw a 215% increase in qualifying math, science and English AP exam scores. Randazzo says this investment will allow NMSI to impact additional schools

Cut 9 (08)  “18 schools”

______________________________________

Republican State Representatives sent Governor John Bel Edwards a list of long-term changes they want in the state government as they try to negotiate the governor’s proposed tax increases aimed at fixing the budget deficit. Legislators are interested in pension reform, capital outlay reform and tax reform. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris, who oversaw preparation of the letter, says legislators don’t want to keep having to deal with midyear deficits.

Cut 10 (05) “year out”

Harris says legislators realize there are structural problems with the way Louisiana conducts its fiscal business. He says these changes might lead Republican House members to approve the governor’s proposed tax increases.

cut 11 (10) “revenue options”

Harris says these and other ideas should get Louisiana to a position where it is not dealing with serious budget issues every year. He says that while some of their proposals will be addressed immediately, many of them will have to wait until next year’s fiscal session.

cut 12 (05) “couple of years”

The letter also asks that any tax increases approved during the special session end once revenue from long term reform is collected. The governor’s office did not have an immediate response to the letter.

_________________________________________________________

The Public Service Commission has rejected Cleco’s attempt to sell the utility company for 5-billion dollars to a foreign investment group. The deal was rejected by a 3-2 vote. Commissioner Foster Campbell voted against the sale. He says we need stronger regulations on monopolies, not weaker regulations.

Cut 13 (06)  “public monopoly”

Campbell says the sale would have led to less control over a company that has 286-thousand customers throughout Louisiana who depend on Cleco for power. Campbell says the citizens of Louisiana are better off because the deal did not pass.

Cut 14 (06)  “to do” 

Cleco representative Jennifer Cahill says Cleco is disappointed with the PSC’s decision not to allow the transaction.

Cut 15 (06) “its stakeholders” 

Cahill says the sale would have been in the best interest of the customers. She says Cleco will review its options regarding this decision.

About two-thousand students rallied at the state Capitol today to protest cuts to higher education. Michelle southern reports…
voicer 2 (30) “….I’m Michelle Southern”

On a three-to-two vote the Public Service Commission rejects Cleco’s attempt to sell the Pineville-based utility company to a private investment group. International investors were looking to buy Cleco for nearly five billion dollars. Cleco says they are disappointed in today’s decision and they are reviewing their future options.

Governor John Bel Edwards has declared a state of emergency in seven parishes as a result of Tuesday’s severe weather. Halen Doughty reports…
voicer 1 (30) “….I’m Halen Doughty”

Funerals were held today for two DeQuincy High School seniors that were killed in a two vehicle crash on LA 27 on Sunday. Lauren Leblanc was 17 years-old and Charlee Smith was 18-years-old. KPLC-TV is reporting residents of DeQuincy raised 27-thousand dollars to help pay for the teenagers funerals.

Governor John Bel Edwards spoke at a rally on the steps of the state capitol today in which about two-thousand students attended to protest proposed cuts to higher education.  UNO Student Government Vice President Jessica Willis told the students from colleges and universities throughout the state that this effort is about working together as a group…:

cut 15 (10) “state of Louisiana” 

The Council of Student Body Presidents and the Board of Regents organized today’s rally.

The House Appropriations Committee approved a bill that would cut 117 million dollars from this fiscal year’s budget, which is 87 million dollars more than what Governor John Bel Edwards recommended. Chairman Cameron Henry’s plan also calls for a 44-million dollar cut to K-12^th grade public school education. Democratic Representative Walt Leger of New Orleans objects to these cuts…

Cut 11 (08) “unhappy”

Governor Edwards has said he opposes any cuts to public schools.

The Louisiana Public Service Commission has rejected the proposed sale of utility company Cleco to a private investment group. Cleco argued the transaction would benefit customers, but PSC members Clyde Holloway and Foster Campbell raised concerns about having a foreign investment group operating the power company.

Several south Louisiana parishes are still recovering from yesterday’s storms today after as many as seven suspected tornadoes touched down. St. James spokesperson Brandon Keller says two people were killed and 30 were injured when one of twisters leveled an RV park in Convent. He says there are ways people can get involved to help.

CUT 7 (06) “can help”

Assumption was also hit hard by a tornado. John Boudreaux, director of the Assumption office of emergency preparedness, says a water tower on LA-1 was knocked down.

Cut 8

Governor Edwards has declared 7 parishes a disaster area.