The Governor’s administration and GOP legislators continue to exchange barbs over the decision to mail program cancellation warnings to 37,000 Medicaid patients. Lafayette Representative, Republican Nancy Landry, blamed the Medicaid budget cuts on John Bel Edwards.

Cut 6 (12)  “nursing homes”

But the Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne pushed back, arguing that the feds require Medicaid recipients to be informed of program cancellations ahead of time. Dardenne says with a real threat from House lawmakers to cut these programs, it would have been wrong to wait any longer.

Cut 9 (11) “get out”

A special session that could replace the expiring revenue at the heart of these budget cuts is set to be called next Tuesday.

It was called the “Hail Mary” bill when Senator J.P. Morrell filed it back in March, but unanimous jury verdicts are a vote of the people away from becoming reality in Louisiana. The mood shifted rapidly once the legislation was taken up, gathering major support from liberal groups, and neutral opinions from Das. Louisiana is just one of two states that do not require unanimous verdicts.

Cut 4 (12)      “bill of rights”

Louisiana’s deadline for filing your state taxes is today. Those who do not file in time will be subject to a 5% of tax due penalty for each 30 days of delinquence. Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says if you need more time to file, the department has an option for you.

Cut 23  (10) “late penalties” 

Governor John Bel Edwards has put out the call for a special session that would begin May 22nd, and end June 4th. During the special session, revenue could be raised that would potentially plug the 648 million dollar budget shortfall resulting from expiring sales taxes. The February special session fell apart just days into the process, but Edwards is optimistic that the second time is the charm.
Cut 10 (10) “catastrophic”
Governor Edwards is in Alexandria at this hour. He’s touring the Cabrini Clinic and the Rapides Clinic, before speaking to the Alexandria Rotary Club. At the Rotary Club he’ll discuss his efforts to fund health care services, including partner hospitals.

With a special session beginning next Tuesday, legislators only have a few more days to finish their work in the regular session. Numerous bills will receive final passage this week. One of them is the measure that toughens the law against bestiality.
Another Senate committee will take a look today at proposed legislation that would allow Harrah’s to continue to operate its land-based casino in New Orleans for another 30 years. It passed on a 4-3 vote in Judiciary B yesterday, despite strong opposition….
cut 27 (12) “….twenty five”
The Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs committee will review the legislation this afternoon.

Final legislative passage has been given to a constitutional amendment that would require a unanimous jury verdict in most felony cases. Albany Representative Sherwin Mack led the discussion on the House floor and had this simple appeal to his colleagues…
cut 15 (05) “…right thing”
The amendment needs voter approval and it will appear on the November ballot.

Governor John Bel Edwards has put out the call for a special session that would begin May 22^nd, and end June 4^th. During the special session, revenue could be raised that would potentially plug the 648 million dollar state budget shortfall resulting from expiring sales taxes.

Edwards is hoping the legislature adopts his revenue plan that would keep a portion of an expiring penny sales tax, while eliminating sales tax exemptions for certain industries.

Cut 12 (08) “million dollars”

The House erupted into applause as a constitutional amendment requiring unanimous juries for criminal convictions passed on an 82 to 15 vote. Louisiana is currently one of two states that does not require a unanimous jury verdict. Albany Representative Sherman Mack called on an often divided chamber to come together on a bill that he says is supported by many legal experts.

Cut 14 (06) “caught up”

A Senate committee approves legislation that extends the state contract’s with Harrah’s New Orleans Casino for at least another 20 years. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

 In conjunction with National Police Week, the Louisiana State Police will honor and remember the men and women of law enforcement who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, and will also recognize those who have gone beyond the call of duty at the annual State Police Memorial and Awards Ceremonies.

On Thursday, May 17^th at 10:00 a.m., the annual Louisiana State Police Memorial Ceremony will be held at the LSP Memorial in front of State Police Headquarters located at 7919 Independence Blvd. in Baton Rouge.

A constitutional amendment requiring unanimous jury verdicts in criminal trials flies through the House. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Governor John Bel Edwards has put out the call for a special session that would begin May 22^nd, and end June 4^th. The budget shortfall has forced the legislature to reckon with a lack of funds. Edwards says they have no choice but to raise revenues in response.

Cut 11 (09) “fiscal year”

A bill that would renew the state’s contract with Harrah’s New Orleans Casino passed a Senate Committee on a 4-3 vote. The legislation, which was heavily amended, is a 20 year contract with a ten year renewal option. Caesar’s Entertainment, who owns Harrah’s, sent their regional president Dan Real to argue for the contract renewal.

Hel argued that the tens of millions of dollars the casino has agreed to pay to the state, and large number of employees they employ would be irreplaceable.

Cut 8 (10)  “hope”

The amendments added increased the amount of money Harrah’s would contribute to the city and state.

Houma Senator Norby Chabert engaged Real about just how much the business would be contributing to state coffers.

Cut 9 (11)  “staff yet”

The bill heads to Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs.

The Governor has put out the call for a special session to start May 22nd. Michael Farrar has the story.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Michael Farrar”

Louisiana’s deadline for filing your state taxes is today. Those who do not file in time will be subject to a 5% of tax due penalty for each 30 days of delinquencies. Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says

Being granted an extension does not give you more time to pay the taxes without late fees.

Cut 5  (12)  “payment penalty”

A bill that would renew the state’s contract with Harrah’s New Orleans Casino passed a Senate Committee on a 4-3 vote. The legislation, which was heavily amended, is a 20 year contract with a ten year renewal option. Caesar’s Entertainment, who owns Harrah’s, sent their regional president Dan Real to argue for the contract renewal.

Cut 6 (12) “bad buisiness”

Harrah’s has six years remaining on their current contract, a point that has many opponents arguing that the renegotiation should be postponed.

The deal has received intense scrutiny from leading figures such as US Senator John Kennedy who called it a “bad deal”. Financial Consultant Randy Waeshce says after reviewing fiscal reports and industry analysis, its apparent that Harrah’s is underperforming.

Cut 7 (12)  “twenty five”

A Senate committee approves legislation that extends the state contract’s with Harrah’s New Orleans Casino for at least another 20 years. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Louisiana’s deadline for filing your state taxes is today. Those who do not file in time will be subject to a 5% of tax due penalty for each 30 days of delinquence. Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says if you need more time to file, the department has an option for you.

Cut 4  (10) “late penalties” 

Governor John Bel Edwards has put out the call for a special session that would begin May 22^nd, and end June 4^th. During the special session, revenue could be raised that would potentially plug the 648 million dollar state budget shortfall resulting from expiring sales taxes. The February special session fell apart just days into the process, but Edwards is optimistic that the second time is the charm.

Cut 10 (10) “catastrophic”

The House erupted into applause as a constitutional amendment requiring unanimous juries for criminal convictions passed  on an 82 to 15 vote. Louisiana is currently one of two states that does not require a unanimous jury verdict. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James recalled earlier testimony about what he termed, the law’s racist past.

Cut 13 (12)  “year wrong” 

It’s the final home game of the year for the LSU baseball team as they take on Northwestern State. It’s an important game for the Tigers, who need every win they can get as they try to build a case to receive an at-large berth in the NCAA Tournament. The Demons bring a five-game winning streak into Alex Box Stadium after sweeping Abilene Christian. First pitch 6:30.

The Ragin Cajuns host Tulane tonight as UL Lafayette looks to build momentum heading into next week’s Sun Belt Tournament. ULM is at McNeese. The Warhawks have lost nine straight on the road, while the Cowboys Joe Provenzano needs two hits to tie the school’s career hits record of 247. First pitch is at 6 PM.

Also tonight, Southeastern Louisiana hosts South Alabama. The Lions lost to the Jaguars six to one earlier this season and UNO is at 14^th ranked Southern Miss. The Privateers have won five of their last six.

__________________________________________________________________________

Thanks to a series victory over nationally ranked Southern Miss, Louisiana Tech’s R-P-I moved up 15 spots to number 47. The Bulldogs are in third place in Conference USA, percentage points behind Florida Atlanta. It’s expected two teams from Conference USA will make the NCAA Tournament. Southern Miss is a lock and the Bulldogs have put themselves in contention to receive an at-large berth. Tech concludes its regular season with a three-game series starting Thursday at home against Old Dominion, who has the worst record in the league.

LSU-Shreveport lost in the opening round of the NAIA tournament as they fell to William Carey 11-10 in the Hattiesburg Regional. The Pilots had a 10-2 lead and lost in the bottom of the ninth inning.

Former LSU offensive lineman KJ Malone says his football days are over. Malone received an invitation to the Houston Texans minicamp, but says because of a knee injury suffered in college and can’t continue his career. Malone says he will pursue a career in law enforcement.

A Senate committee approves legislation that extends the state contract’s with Harrah’s New Orleans Casino for at least another 20 years. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The Governor has put out the call for a special session to start May 22nd. Michael Farrar has the story.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Michael Farrar”

__________________________________.

A constitutional amendment requiring unanimous jury verdicts in criminal trails flies through the House. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

____________________________________________

Louisiana’s deadline for filing your state taxes is today. Those who do not file in time will be subject to a 5% of tax due penalty for each 30 days of delinquence. Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says if you need more time to file, the department has an option for you.

Cut 4  (10) “late penalties” 

But Henderson says being granted an extension does not give you more time to pay the taxes without late fees.

Cut 5  (12)  “payment penalty”

As of May 12, 2018, LDR has distributed  1,145,124  state individual income tax refunds.

___________________________________________

A bill that would renew the state’s contract with Harrah’s New Orleans Casino passed a Senate Committee on a 4-3 vote. The legislation, which was heavily amended, is a 20 year contract with a ten year renewal option. Caesar’s Entertainment, who owns Harrah’s, sent their regional president Dan Real to argue for the contract renewal.

Cut 6 (12) “bad buisiness”

Harrah’s has six years remaining on their current contract, a point that has many opponents arguing that the renegotiation should be postponed.

The deal has received intense scrutiny from leading figures such as US Senator John Kennedy who called it a “bad deal”. Financial Consultant Randy Waeshce says after reviewing fiscal reports and industry analysis, its apparent that Harrah’s is underperforming.

Cut 7 (12)  “twenty five”

But Real argued that the tens of millions of dollars the casino has agreed to pay to the state, and large number of employees they employ would be irreplaceable.

Cut 8 (10)  “hope”

The amendments added increased the amount of money Harrah’s would contribute to the city and state.

Houma Senator Norby Chabert engaged Real about just how much the business would be contributing to state coffers.

Cut 9 (11)  “staff yet”

The bill heads to the Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs.

____________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards has put out the call for a special session that would begin May 22^nd, and end June 4^th. During the special session, revenue could be raised that would potentially plug the 648 million dollar state budget shortfall resulting from expiring sales taxes. The February special session fell apart just days into the process, but Edwards is optimistic that the second time is the charm.

Cut 10 (10) “catastrophic”

The budget shortfall has forced the legislature to reckon with a lack of funds, with a House budget that slashed healthcare to spare education, including the elimination of public-private partnership hospitals, and a Senate budget that favored healthcare over higher ed and agency funding. Edwards says they have no choice but to raise revenues in response.

Cut 11 (09) “fiscal year”

Edwards is hoping the legislature adopts his revenue plan that would keep a portion of a expiring penny sales tax, while eliminating sales tax exemptions for certain industries.

Cut 12 (08) “million dollars”

____________________________________________

The House erupted into applause as a constitutional amendment requiring unanimous juries for criminal convictions passed without opposition on an 82 to 15 vote. Louisiana is currently one of two states that does not require a unanimous jury verdict. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James recalled earlier testimony about the law’s racist past.

Cut 13 (12)  “year wrong” 

Albany Representative Sherman Mack called on an often divided chamber to come together on a bill that he says is supported by many legal experts.

Governor John Bel Edwards has called for a special session to begin on May 22nd. The current regular session is set to end on Friday and then legislators will return to Baton Rouge a few days later for a special session to address the fiscal cliff.

Because of expiring sales taxes, legislators are unable to fund health care, public colleges and TOPS to a level that satisfies anyone involved in state government…
cut 11 (09) “…fiscal year”
Edwards is hoping the legislature adopts his revenue plan that would keep a portion of a expiring penny sales tax, while eliminating sales tax exemptions for certain industries.
Cut 12 (08) “million dollars”
The special session must conclude June 4th.
A bill that would renew the state’s contract with Harrah’s New Orleans Casino passed a Senate Committee on a 4-3 vote. The legislation, which was heavily amended, is a 20 year contract with a ten year renewal option. Caesar’s Entertainment, who owns Harrah’s, sent their regional president Dan Real to argue for the contract renewal.
Cut 6 (12) “bad buisiness”
Harrah’s has six years remaining on their current contract, a point that has many opponents arguing that the renegotiation should be postponed.

The House has approved a constitutional amendment that would require a unanimous jury verdict in most felony cases. Albany Representative Sherwin Mack authored the legislation on the House floor and had this simple appeal to his colleagues…
cut 15 (05) “…right thing”
The amendment would need a majority vote of the people to be enacted into law.