The Lt. Governor says he’s working to get New Orleans to relinquish control of the four Confederate monuments taken down in 2017, and turn them over to a group dedicated to historic preservation. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”
Motorists on I-49 in the urbanized areas of Alexandria will see an increase in the speed limit to 70. DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan says says speed studies were conducted to calculate the optimal new speed for the area.
Cut 8 (12) “…feel comfortable driving.”
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House Republican Caucus Chairman Lance Harris used today’s joint legislative budget committee to question Governor Edwards re-election claims that taxes have gone down during his term. The state sales tax is about a half-cent lower than it was last year, but still higher than the four-percent during the Jindal administration. Harris points out some business taxes have also increased…
Cut 14 (10) “…three years ago”
Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says a combination of cuts and tax increases were needed to overcome a massive budget deficit.
DCFS Division of Family Support Deputy Assistant Secretary Sammy Guillory says those who normally get their SNAP on the 10th through the 14th will instead get their funds on the 9th in April, to insure some did not go without food for too long.
Cut 10 (09)“…issuances.”

Many Food Stamp beneficiaries will be receiving their funds on a modified schedule next month as the program wraps up its government shutdown inspired scheduling changes. DCFS Division of Family Support Deputy Assistant Secretary Sammy Guillory says those who normally get their SNAP on the 10th through the 14th will instead get their funds on the 9th.

Cut 9 (11) “…freak out”

House Republican Caucus Chairman Lance Harris used today’s joint legislative budget committee to question Governor Edwards re-election claims that taxes have gone down during his term. The state representative from Alexandria says taxes are actually higher than they were when Edwards took office…

Cut 12 (07) “…in taxes.”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser gave an update on the status of the four New Orleans Confederate monuments today on Talk Louisiana, saying he’s working to get the city to transfer control of them. Rumors circulated after the monument’s removal that private citizens were cutting deals to have the statues transferred to their property. Despite the initial failures, the Lt. Governor says some private citizens are still making an attempt.
Cut 4 (07) “…there″

The monuments were taken down in 2017.

Motorists on I-49 in the urbanized areas of Alexandria will see an increase in the speed limit. DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan says the change will see plenty of benefits as many of the drivers are already accustomed to driving the new speed limit.

Cut 7 (11) “…things like that.”

From about Broadway Avenue north to the US 71 interchange, the speed will increase from 60 to 65, and 60 to 70 elsewhere.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser gave an update on the status of the four New Orleans Confederate monuments today on Talk Louisiana, saying he’s working to get the city to transfer control of them. There’s one major roadblock though, and that’s P.G.T Beauregard, who isn’t controlled by the city…
Cut 3 (11) “…forward”
The monuments were taken down in 2017, sparking an intense series of standoffs in front of the statues in multiple areas of the city.
Motorists on I-49 in the urbanized areas of Alexandria will see an increase in the speed limit. DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan says today crews are changing out the speed limits signs in the area.
Cut 6 (09) “…to 65 mph.”
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LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron is set to get more job security and a bump in pay. Jeff Palermo has the story…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Im Jeff Palermo”
Faraday native, 83-year-old Jerry Lee Lewis is canceling his Jazz Fest set as he recovers from a stroke he suffered last month.

The two Republicans running to unseat Governor Edwards have different thoughts in how they’d approach healthcare and education if elected. Matt Doyle was there for their joint public apperance….

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Food stamp recipients will be receiving their April benefits on a modified schedule as the result of the government shutdown that disrupted the normal distribution schedule. Recipients who usually receive their benefits between the 1^st & 9^th will be unaffected, but those that receive benefits between the 10^th & 14^th will receive benefits on the 9^th, ensuring beneficiaries do not go more than 40 days between issuances. Normal distribution is expected in May.

Motorists on I-49 in the urbanized areas of Alexandria will see an increase in the speed limit. DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan says today crews are changing out the speed limits signs in the area.

Cut 6 (09) “…to 65 mph.”

The remaining portions in the Alexandria will see an increase from 60 to 70 miles per hour.

There’s less than a month left before federal taxes are due. Metairie CPA Tyler Johnson says the last few weeks have been mighty busy and getting busier as April 15^th draws closer. Johnson says one of the biggest things is making sure to keep an eye on the mail to make sure you get your tax docs together, whether it’s W-2s, 1099s, or health insurance info.

Cut 11 (06) “things you’re missing.”
Johnson says for those that need to file a six-month extension, it’s important to remember that the extension is only for filing a return, not for paying money if you owe on your taxes.

The two Republican candidates for governor appeared together for the first time in Baton Rouge on Monday and they gave their thoughts on spending within the state’s Medicaid program, which has been expanded under current Governor John Bel Edwards to cover 500-thousand more adults. Congressman Ralph Abraham says if elected he would not undo Medicaid expansion, but it needs to be reformed.
Cut 13 (11) “…economics.”
Businessman Eddie Rispone says after recent reports of improper spending in the Medicaid program, he would place a hold on new applicants until the Department of Health could rectify its problem with ineligible recipients on the rolls.
Cut 14 (11) “…properly.”
Rispone says any freeze would be temporary.

Federal taxes are due in about a month. Kevin Barnhart spoke with Metairie CPA Tyler Johnson on how to reduce the risk of a bumpy experience.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Tomorrow, the LSU Board of Supervisors will vote on giving head football coach Ed Orgeron a contract extension and a 14-percent pay raise. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says the contract extension will help the football program build on last year’s success…
cut 8 (09) “…good thing”

When the legislative session begins in April, teacher pay raises will be a major issue. The two Republican candidates for governor, Eddie Rispone and Ralph Abraham, gave their thoughts on the topic during a Republican Governor Association’s event in Baton Rouge. Abraham says he’d pay for a teacher pay raise through tax reform…
cut 15 (10) “….invest in”
But Rispone, who has been heavily involved in education issues, says not every educator has earned the income bump and he’d rather let local school systems determine who should see a bigger pay check…
cut 16 (08) “….demand”
Governor Edwards is asking lawmakers to approve a one-thousand dollar pay raise for teachers and a 500-dollar pay hike for school support workers when lawmakers convene for the legislative session on April 8th.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott says Governor John Bel Edwards decision to reform the Industrial Tax Exemption, which is a large property tax break for manufacturers, has companies looking at doing business in his state, instead of Louisiana…
cut 5 (11) “…..struggle”
Abbott made his comments at a Republican Governor’s Association event in Baton Rouge. Edwards says Louisiana’s I-TEP remains one of the most generous in the country, even though local officials have more input on who gets the tax break.

The LSU Board of Supervisors is expected tomorrow to approve a two-year contract extension and a 14-percent increase in pay for Coach Ed Orgeron. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says Orgeron’s annual salary will climb to four-million dollars…
cut 9 (08) “…won it”
Orgeron’s buyout at the start of the deal would also be 10-million dollars.

The two Republicans running to unseat Governor Edwards have different thoughts on how they’d approach healthcare and education if elected. Matt Doyle was there for their joint public appearance….

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The executive director of the Louisiana GOP Andrew Bautsch was arrested over the weekend for allegedly shoving a New Orleans Police Officer hours after his wedding. Bautsch is facing multiple charges which include a battery, trespass and resisting an officer. State GOP Chairman Louis Gurvitch told the New Orleans Advocate, that Bautsch denies the charges. Bautsch could not be reached for comment, he’s on his honeymoon.

The LSU Board of Supervisors will vote tomorrow on a contract extension and raise for head football coach Ed Orgeron. The proposed deal would extend Orgeron for another two years, through the 2023 season and he’ll get a 14-percent increase in pay, boosting his salary to four-million dollars a year. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says the contract seems justified…

Cut 7 (11) “…head coach”

There’s less than a month left before federal taxes are due. Metairie CPA Tyler Johnson says the last few weeks have been mighty busy and getting busier as April 15^th draws closer. Johnson says procrastinating in scheduling a time to sit down with someone to do your taxes could be a big mistake.

Cut 10 (12) “…toward April 15th”

State taxes are due May 15th

The two Republican candidates for governor appeared together for the first time in Baton Rouge on Monday and they gave their thoughts on spending in the state’s Medicaid program, which has been expanded under current Governor John Bel Edwards to cover 500-thousand more adults. Congressman Ralph Abraham says if elected he would not undo Medicaid expansion, but it needs to be reformed.

Cut 13 (11) “…economics.”

Businessman Eddie Rispone says after recent reports of improper spending in the Medicaid program, he would place a hold on new applicants until the Department of Health could rectify its problem with ineligible recipients on the rolls.

Cut 14 (11) “…properly.”

Rispone says any freeze would be temporary.

Taxes are due in less than a month.  Kevin Barnhart talks with Metairie CPA Tyler Johnson about how to reduce the risk of a bumpy experience.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

A legislative audit has revealed an LSU employee was given more than $400-thousand in salary and benefits to a worker who has admitted to not performing their job for several years. Auditor Daryl Purpera announced Monday that the school of Veterinary Medicine also never addressed the employee’s lack of work.

The Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine acknowledge the error and is ensuring safeguards to avoid future mistakes. The audit did not name the worker, who was still employed as of late January.