Today the Edwards Administration began detailing its tax proposals that will be debated during the special session. Governor Edwards recommends a combination of budget cuts and revenue raising actions as a way to solve the state’s budget deficit. State Department of Revenue Secretary Kimberly Robinson spoke to the House Ways and Means Committee about a proposed 1-cent state sales tax increase.

CUT 7 (09) “FY-17″

Robinson said the so-called “clean penny tax” would not apply to areas of exemption including groceries, residential utilities, prescription medications and gas.

As part of Governor Edwards plan to fix the state budget, he’s proposing roughly $160 million dollars in cuts. Edwards spoke with reporters following his opening remarks to lawmakers Sunday and said he’s leaving everything on the table…:

CUT 5 (07)  “as well”

The current budget deficit is $957 million.

Former state lawmaker Troy Hebert provided suggestions on how to control government spending in a letter to lawmakers.  Hebert says it is not fair to taxpayers for state workers to be paid for more work than they do. He believes using time clocks would resolve this issues.

cut 14 (07)  “day’s pay”

Hebert’s other suggestions include stopping across-the-board cuts and changing state supervisor-to-worker ratios.

A published report says Nicholls State is considering closing its doors for 12 days because of a lack of state funds. Metairie Senator Conrad Appel is upset to see a headline that Nicholls plans to close, when that’s not the case…

Cut 11 (12) “down schools”

Lawmakers have until March ninth to come up with a funding solution that would spare higher education from deep budget cuts.

Governor John Bel Edwards is proposing roughly $160 million dollars in cuts as part of his plan to fix the state’s budget deficit. Republican Representative Cameron Henry of Metairie says with a $957 million dollar shortfall legislators have to consider more ways to manage spending…:

CUT 3 (06)  “to do there”

Henry says GOP lawmakers will look at every way they can make cuts before anyone agrees to raise taxes.

State Department of Revenue Secretary Kimberly Robinson spoke to the House Ways and Means Committee about a proposed 1-cent state sales tax increase. The current state sales tax is 4%. Robinson says even with the proposed tax increase, the amount of taxes Louisiana citizens pay, is below average when compared to other states….

CUT 8 (08) “in general”

The tax increase, which would take effect by April 1, would generate an estimated $200 million for this fiscal year.

A published report says Nicholls State is considering a 12 day closure due to a lack of state funds. But Nicholls president, Doctor Bruce Murphy, says closing the campus for several days is the last option they would ever take. University of Louisiana System president, Doctor Dan Reneau, encouraged the Senate education committee to do what they can to keep college campuses open…

cut 10 (08)  “three weeks”

Lawmakers have until March ninth to come up with a funding solution that would spare higher education from deep budget cuts.

Former state lawmaker Troy Hebert provided other suggestions on how to control government spending in a letter to lawmakers. Hebert recommends putting GPS devices on state vehicles and requiring state employees, including college professors, to be on a time clock while at work.

cut 13 (05)  “needed services”

Hebert’s other suggestions include tying pay to performance and monitoring civil service actions and settlements.

Nicholls State President, Doctor Bruce Murphy, released a statement today that says the temporary closure of the Thibodaux campus is a possiblity, if sizable cuts to higher education are made. Murphy was forced to release a statement after it was published that Nicholls was planning to close its doors for 12 days, even under the best budget-cutting scenario. In the senate education committee meeting, Metairie Senator Conrad Appel expressed his frustration with the inital report…
cut 12 (10) “…there problem”

Today is the first full day of the special session that’s attempting to fix Louisiana’s budget crisis. Governor John Bel Edwards is optimstic lawmakers and his office can come up with a plan to make sure colleges or universities do not close…
cut 6 (13) “…to happen’
The special session ends March 9th.

The Edwards Administration began detailing today its tax proposals that will be debated during the special session. Governor Edwards is recommending a combination of budget cuts and revenue raising measures as a way to solve a $957 million deficit. Louisiana Department of Revenue Secretary Kimberly Robinson spoke to the House Ways and Means Committee about a proposed 1-cent state sales tax increase….:
CUT 7 (09) “FY-17″

So far many republican lawmakers have expressed their concerns about raising taxes in Louisiana. Former state lawmaker Troy Hebert believes looking at the work habits of state employees can help various agencies save money. Hebert says he learned this first hand when commissioner of alcohol and tobacco control…
cut 15 (06) “….an hour early”
At ATC, Hebert says he cut the number of employees in half, reduced the budget and increased services.

Governor John Bel Edwards has told lawmakers that the state cannon simply just make a series of budget cuts to make up for a 957-million dollar budget deficit this fiscal year. He says some tax increases are also needed. But Metairie Representative Cameron Henry says he’s concerned about increasing taxes….
cut 4 (09) “…concerned”

A one-cent increase to the state sales tax is one of the tax proposals that will be up for debate during the ongoing special session that must end March 9th. Louisiana Department of Revenue Secretary Kimberly Robinson says the additional penny would be temporary, until deficit is resolved…
cut 9 (10) “…phasing out”

Former state lawmaker and commissioner of alcohol, tobacco control, Troy Hebert, outlined 15 suggestions to resolve the state’s budget issues in a letter to lawmakers. Halen Doughty has the story…
voicer 2 (28) “….I’m Halen Doughty”

There’s been several reports of hail across the state, especially in southeast Louisiana as some strong storms are moving through. A tornado watch is in effect for much of the southern half of Louisiana. Strong winds caused damage to a Pizza Hut in Alexandria.

As part of Governor John Bel Edwards plan to fix the state budget, he’s proposing roughly $160 million dollars in cuts. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

Three teens have been arrested in Tangipahoa parish for the shooting death of a 19-year-old. Gerrell Lee Jr. was shot while riding in a car near Hammond on February 9^th. Two 15-year-olds and one 16-year-old charged with murder are being held at the Florida Parish Detention Center. Authorities say no other details will be released until the investigation is complete.

A published report says Nicholls State is considering closing its doors for 12 days because of a lack of state funds.  Metairie Senator Conrad Appel is upset to see a headline that Nicholls plans to close, when that’s not the case…

Cut 11 (12) “down schools”

Lawmakers have until March ninth to come up with a funding solution that would spare higher education from deep budget cuts.

Former state lawmaker Troy Hebert recommends putting GPS devices on state vehicles and requiring state employees, including college professors, to be on a time clock while at work. Hebert says it is not fair to taxpayers for state workers to be paid for more work than they actually do. He believes using time clocks would resolve this issues.

cut 14 (07)  “day’s pay”

Governor John Bel Edwards proposes $160 million dollars in cuts as part of the way to fill a $940 million dollar current year deficit. He says it’s impossible to operate on nothing…:
CUT 6 (13) “to happen”
GOP lawmakers say they’d like to see more cuts before raising taxes.

Department of Revenue Secretary Kimberly Robinson says even with the proposed one-cent sales tax increase, the amount of taxes Louisiana citizens pay is below average when compared to other states…:
CUT 8 (08) “in general”
The tax increase, which would take effect by April 1, would generate an estimated $200 million for this fiscal year.

Former state lawmaker Troy Hebert recommends putting GPS devices on state vehicles and requiring state employees, including college professors, to be on a time clock while at work. Hebert provided other suggestions on how to control government spending in a letter to lawmakers…:
cut 13 (05) “needed services”
Hebert’s other suggestions include tying pay to performance, monitoring civil service actions and settlements, stopping across-the-board cuts, and changing state supervisor-to-worker ratios.

A published report says Nicholls State is considering closing its doors for 12 days because of a lack of state funds. But Nicholls president, Doctor Bruce Murphy, says closing the campus for several days is the last option they would ever take. University of Louisiana System president, Doctor Dan Reneau, encouraged the Senate education committee to do what they can to keep college campuses open…:
cut 10 (08) “three weeks”
Lawmakers have until March ninth to come up with a funding solution that would spare higher education from deep budget cuts.

The Edwards Administration began detailing today its tax proposals that will be debated during the special session. Governor John Bel Edwards is recommending a combination of budget cuts and revenue raising measures as a way to solve a $940 million deficit. Louisiana Department of Revenue Secretary Kimberly Robinson spoke to the House Ways and Means Committee about a proposed 1-cent state sales tax increase….:
CUT 7 (09) “FY-17″
Republican Representative Cameron Henry of Metairie says GOP lawmakers will look at every way to cut before anyone agrees to raise taxes. He says Louisiana can not continue spending more money than it makes…:
CUT 4 (09) “concerned”
The 25 day long session began yesterday.

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for most of central and south Louisiana until 6pm. Forecasters say showers and thunderstorms will become more numerous as a line moves across the state today. The fast moving system could produce hail, gusty winds and a possible tornado.

The Department of Health and Hospitals is telling citizens to be aware of the Zika virus situation, but not alarmed. State health director, Dr. Frank Welch, says pregnant women should take extra precautions…:
CUT 12 (07) “defects happen”
He says the Zika virus is carried by a mosquito that is currently not active in Louisiana. People travelling to the Caribbean, where the disease is prevalent, should also take extra precautions.

As part of Governor John Bel Edwards plan to fix the state budget, he’s proposing roughly $160 million dollars in cuts. Republican Representative Cameron Henry of Metairie says with a $940 million dollar deficit you have to look at more ways to manage spending…:
CUT 3 (06) “to do there”
Edwards spoke with reporters following his opening remarks to lawmakers Sunday and said he’s leaving everything on the table…:
CUT 5 (07) “as well”
The 25 day special session must end March 9th.

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for a good portion of central and south Louisiana until 6 this evening. Forecasters say a cold front is approaching producing numerous showers and thunderstorms that could bring with it the possibility of large hail and damaging winds with an isolated tornado not being ruled out.

Baton Rouge Police identifies the two officers injured in a shooting over the weekend. They say Theodore Smith III and Sean Garic were shot in the line of duty on Saturday and sustained non-life threatening injuries. Authorities say the alleged gunman, 22-year-old Calvin Smith, later died at a hospital.

A state health director says Louisiana residents should use caution when it comes to the Zika Virus, but they should not be alarmed. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Governor John Bel Edwards says there is no easy way to address the $940 million dollar current year shortfall, or the $2 billion dollar deficit for the budget year that begins July 1st. Last night Edwards told House and Senate members that some tax increases will be needed…:
Cut 13 (10) “so massive”
But Republican lawmakers have already said they are not on board with raising taxes. The special session must end March 9th.

Teachers unions are working together to prevent cuts to public school funding. Louisiana Association of Educators President Debbie Meaux says that’s why they joined forces with the Louisiana Federation of Teachers…:
CUT 9 (05) “our children”
She says the unions also want to make sure that the accountability and evaluation systems are in place for both students and teachers in Louisiana.

The Zika virus may be cause for caution but not alarm. State health officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry with DHH says when people are infected with the virus, the illness usually doesn’t last very long…:
CUT 11 (05) “five days”
Two Louisiana residents who recently traveled to the Caribbean, were recently diagnosed with the Zika virus, after complaining about a minor illness.

During testimony lawmakers learned under a worst case scenario that students must achieve at least a 28 on their ACT in order to receive the TOPS scholarship. Senate Education Chairman Blade Morrish says if the legislature elects to make dramatic changes to TOPS, they will likely not take effect immediately. He says that would be unfair to students who are already counting on the program….:
Cut 6 (10) “in high school”
Morrish has proposed bill to cap TOPS in the past, and he plans to propose bills on the TOPS issue in the upcoming regular session.

The special legislative session got underway Sunday and Governor John Bel Edwards told lawmakers it will take more than just cutting to repair the state’s budget and plug the $940 million dollar current year deficit. He says he doesn’t want partisan politics to get in the way of doing what’s right for the state…:
CUT 14 (12) (applause)
Many GOP lawmakers have already expressed reservations about raising taxes. Republican Bossier City Representative Mike Johnson wants to use this time to look at ways to reduce spending….:
Cut 16 (08) “uninformed“
The special session must conclude by March 9th.

The budget crisis in Louisiana has called into question the future of the TOPS scholarship program. Halen Doughty reports…:
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Louisiana’s two largest public school teacher unions, the Louisiana Federation of Teachers and the Louisiana Association of Educators, announced they are teaming up in an effort to prevent cuts to public school funding. LAE President Debbie Meaux believes they can achieve powerful results by working together…:
CUT 7 (06) “of Louisiana”