The first budget hearing of the 2018 regular session is underway. Matt Doyle reports the chairman of the budget committee believes the legislature can pass a budget, but the Edwards administration disagrees, because that would mean 700-million dollars in cuts…
voicer 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Saints fans can take a deep breath. Multiple reports say the Black and Gold and have reached a two-year, 50-million dollar contract with Quarterback Drew Brees. 27-million dollars are guaranteed.

Governor John Bel Edwards has presented a broad agenda to lawmakers during this legislative session. One of the things he’d like to see legislators do is loosen the regulations that are on small businesses…
cut 13 (11) “….regulatory relief”
That includes repealing licensing requirements for florists, as Louiaina is the only in the nation to require one.

School safety will be a topic in this legislative session. West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth has legislation that would make it legal for a student to bring a bulletproof backpack to school. Walsworth says they cost anywhere between 150 to 200 dollars on the internet….
cut 16 (08) “…specially made”

The saints have reportedly inked quarterback drew brees to a two year deal to keep the future hall of famer in new orleans. Brees is able to negotiate with other teams and the vikings had shown some interest. However reports indicate that the brees deal is done at least for another two years.

There are several bills filed for this legislative session that will seek to make major changes to the state’s gaming industry. Executive Director of the Louisiana Casino Association Wade Duty says the state legalized riverboat gambling in 1991 and now those casinos are looking to become more attractive to players.

Duty realizes that there will be opponents against the modernization of the gambling industry, but stresses the bills before the legislature will not expand gaming as they are not seeking additional riverboat gaming licenses. He says these changes are designed to help casino operators and benefit the state with more tax revenue…

Cut 6 (13) “the state.”

In Baton Rouge today the House Appropriations Committee will begin the long process of attempting to hammer out a budget before the end of the regular session. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne doubts the legislature can pass a spending plan facing a billion dollar revenue shortfall.

Dardenne says because of a lack of revenues, deep cuts will be needed in the areas of health care, higher education, and TOPS.

But Appropriations Chairman Rep. Cameron Henry disagrees, saying the budget gap only amounts to a fraction of the total budget. Cameron believes the legislature will find the cuts necessary to avoid having to enter a special session.

The Republican from Metairie says before assuming the state needs more revenue, legislators should look at making cuts to the Department of Health’s budget.

Cut 10 (09) “billion dollars.”

The regular session is scheduled to end June 4^th.

School students may be allowed to bring bullet proof backpacks to school. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

There are several bills filed for this legislative session that will seek to make major changes to the state’s gaming industry. Executive Director of the Louisiana Casino Association Wade Duty says the state legalized riverboat gambling in 1991 and now those casinos are looking to become more attractive to players.

Duty says not only are riverboat casinos asking the legislature to allow gaming on land, they are also seeking extra floor space…

Cut 5  (11)  “the floor.”

==———————–

In Baton Rouge today the House Appropriations Committee will begin the long process of attempting to hammer out a budget before the end of the regular session. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne doubts the legislature can pass a spending plan facing a billion dollar revenue shortfall.

Dardenne says because of a lack of revenues, deep cuts will be needed in the areas of health care, higher education, and TOPS. He says it will result in layoffs in state government and in the private sector.

Cut 8 (08) “care arena”

But Appropriations Chairman Rep. Cameron Henry disagrees, saying the budget gap only amounts to a fraction of the total budget. Cameron believes the legislature will find the cuts necessary to avoid having to enter a special session.

Cut 9 (05)  “this point”

Police are investigating the shooting death in Lake Providence of a 7 year old by a 12 year old. That investigation is still on-going.

Several bills related to casino gaming in Louisiana will be considered during the regular session. Kelley Ray has a look.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

In Baton Rouge today the House Appropriations Committee will begin the long process of attempting to hammer out a budget before the end of the regular session. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne doubts the legislature can pass a spending plan facing a billion dollar revenue shortfall.

Cut 7 (09)  “to dramatic.”

West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth has filed legislation that would allow school students to use bullet proof backpacks on campus and school buses. Concerned parents have come to him with their fears about their children while they are attending classes. Walsworth says he’s not sure why it’s currently illegal to have a bulletproof backpack, but he has a theory…

Cut 15 (05) “something bad..”

The minimum wage proposal faces opposition from the National Federation of Independent Businesses, who says the market should set wages, not government.

The governor sited a report showing Louisiana with one of the worst gender pay gaps in the nation, and came out in support of legislation that would make it illegal to pay women less than men for the same job.

Several bills related to casino gaming in Louisiana will be considered during the regular session. Kelley Ray has a look.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

There are several bills filed for this legislative session that will seek to make major changes to the state’s gaming industry. Executive Director of the Louisiana Casino Association Wade Duty says the state legalized riverboat gambling in 1991 and now those casinos are looking to become more attractive to players if they can have gambling space on land… Cut 4  (10) “games themselves.” 

Governor John Bel Edwards laid out his economic agenda in front of the legislature, calling for a higher minimum wage, fewer small business regulations, and equal pay legislation for women. 18 states raised their minimum wage this year, and Louisiana remain one of only five states without its own minimum wage. Edwards says the current minimum wage just isn’t right to workers.

Cut 11 (11) “two years”

West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth has filed legislation that would allow school students to use bullet proof backpacks on campus and school buses. Concerned parents have come to him with their fears about their children while they are attending classes. Walsworth says parents want alternatives to further protect them…

Cut 14 (10) “in Louisiana.”

Several bills related to casino gaming in Louisiana will be considered during the regular session. Kelley Ray has a look.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

______________________________________

The House Appropriations Committee will take its first look at the budget today. Matt Doyle has competing reactions.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_______________________________________

School students may be allowed to bring bullet proof backpacks to school. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

There are several bills filed for this legislative session that will seek to make major changes to the state’s gaming industry. Executive Director of the Louisiana Casino Association Wade Duty says the state legalized riverboat gambling in 1991 and now those casinos are looking to become more attractive to players if they can have gambling space on land…

Cut 4  (10) “games themselves.” 

Duty says not only are riverboat casinos asking the legislature to allow gaming on land, they are also seeking extra floor space…

Cut 5  (11)  “the floor.”

Duty realizes that there will be opponents against the modernization of the gambling industry, but stresses the bills before the legislature will not expand gaming as they are not seeking additional riverboat gaming licenses. He says these changes are designed to help casino operators and benefit the state with more tax revenue…

Cut 6 (13) “the state.”

___________________________________________________

In Baton Rouge today the House Appropriations Committee will begin the long process of attempting to hammer out a budget before the end of the regular session. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne doubts the legislature can pass a spending plan facing a billion dollar revenue shortfall.

Cut 7 (09)  “to dramatic.”

Dardenne says because of a lack of revenues, deep cuts will be needed in the areas of health care, higher education, and TOPS. He says it will result in layoffs in state government and in the private sector.

Cut 8 (08) “care arena”

But Appropriations Chairman Rep. Cameron Henry disagrees, saying the budget gap only amounts to a fraction of the total budget. Cameron believes the legislature will find the cuts necessary to avoid having to enter a special session.

Cut 9 (05)  “this point”

Henry says part of the reason for the budget gap is that state agencies are requesting more money than they did last year.

The Republican from Metairie says before assuming the state needs more revenue, legislators should look at making cuts to the Department of Health’s budget.

Cut 10 (09) “billion dollars.”

The regular session is scheduled to end June 4^th.

______________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards laid out his economic agenda in front of the legislature, calling for a higher minimum wage, fewer small business regulations, and equal pay legislation for women. 18 states raised their minimum wage this year, and Louisiana remain one of only five states without its own minimum wage. Edwards says the current minimum wage just isn’t right to workers.

Cut 11 (11) “two years”

The minimum wage proposal faces opposition from the National Federation of Independent Businesses, who says the market should set wages, not government.

The governor sited a report showing Louisiana with one of the worst gender pay gaps in the nation, and came out in support of legislation that would make it illegal to pay women less than men for the same job.

Governor John Bel Edwards kicked off the regular session today by laying out his legislative agenda. The governor is urging legislators to cut back on unnecessary regulations hampering the state’s economy. He says Louisiana has some of the most burdensome occupational licensing restrictions in the nation.
Cut 13 (06) “to require.”
The governor also pushed for the passage of a higher minimum wage bill and equal pay for men and women.

One of the many issues lawmakers will consider is changes to the riverboat gaming industry and allowing them to have gambling on shore. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says other gambling operators are seeking changes to current laws…
Cut 7 (09) “to speak.”
Bills to legalize sports betting and fantasy sports with a third party vender have also been filed for this session.

NFL teams can contact Drew Brees’ agent and begin the negotiating process about joining their team. Brees is free to sign with another team on Wednesday. But NFL analyst Mike Detillier still believes Brees will stay with the Black and Gold…
cut 9 (09) “with it.”
The NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero says the Vikings have made a call to Brees’ agent.

Also, today Baton Rouge porn star Stormy Daniels is offering to pay back the 130-thousand dollars she received for allegedly agreeing not to disclose a sexual relationship she had with President Trump. Daniels says she wants to openly talk about the relationship.

The F-B-I said today they have arrested 62 people for making threats against schools since the deadly school shooting in south Florida on February 14th. Those arrested range in age of 11 to 28 years old and most those arrested were charged with terrorizing.

Over 11-hundred bills have been filed for the regular session. Kelley Ray spoke with LAPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford on what lawmakers will take about over the next couple of months…
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

Tomorrow, the House Appropriations Committee will hold its first budget hearing. Chairman Cameron Henry says they will work to pass a budget for next fiscal year in this regular session, even though the administration claims the cuts will be to deep.

During this session legislators will not be able to vote on revenue raising bills, which means there’s a great uncertainty over whether TOPS will be fully funded next school year. Governor Edwards told legislators he knows of a student who is considering Alabama instead of LSU, because of uncertainity with TOPS funding..
Cut 12 (09) “on both.” (audience clapping)
If lawmakers fail to find a solution to the billion dollar budget gap, TOPS could receive an 80 percent cut in funding.

There are several bills filed for this legislative session that will seek to make major changes to the state’s gaming industry. Executive Director of the Louisiana Casino Association Wade Duty says the state legalized riverboat gambling in 1991 and now those casinos are looking to have gambling space on land…
Cut 4 (10) “games themselves.”
Duty says these changes are designed to help casino operators and benefit the state with more tax revenue.