Legislators are at odds over possible reforms to the business tax code. Matt Doyle has this report on the special session.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”
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Auto insurance rates are rising in Louisiana, in some cases as much as 25 percent. Kelley Ray spoke with State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon about what policyholders can do…
Cut 2 (32) “I’m Kelley Ray.”
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A transparency bill passed through the House Appropriations Committee, and may be considered on the House floor later this week. Jeff Palermo has more.
Cut 3 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”
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Four parishes in northwest Louisiana, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne and Webster, are under a flash flood watch through Thursday morning. Forecaster Brandi Hughes, with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says several inches of rain are possible..
Cut 4 (09) “rain continues.”
And more rain could be coming. Hughes says the long range forecast looks wet for the next several days, which could add to already swollen creeks and rivers…
Cut 5 (11) “next week.”
Officials warn some low water bridges and roadways could become flooded. Hughes says if you see water covering the roadway, stay away…
Cut 6 (06) “risk it.”
Temperatures are expected to remain mild through the period.
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The House Ways and Means Committee is expected to vote today on a series of bills that would make changes to the state’s tax code as part of the effort to plug the billion dollar budget shortfall. Jackson Representative Kenny Havard says the current system, which provides tax breaks for businesses in certain industries, is unfair.
Cut 7 (09) “no one”
But Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey says he’s concerned that the current push to fix the fiscal cliff by taxing business will hurt the state’s economy. He says it could result in jobs heading out of state.
Cut 8 (08) “other states”
Ivey says the proposed changes to the business tax code will hurt the budget in the long run, as businesses chose not to expand in Louisiana.
Cut 9 (11) “in Louisiana”
No agreement has been reached on a detailed proposal to solve the fiscal cliff, as legislators have shied away from specifics in the first two days of the special session. Havard says there’s been too much posturing and not enough policy.
Cut 10 (11) “the middle.”
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Automotive insurance rates are on the rise again, after the Louisiana Department of Insurance approved double-digit hikes last year for at least six insurance companies. State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says there are several factors, including an increase in distracted driving…
Cut 11 (13) “in 2015.”
Other factors include cheap gas, which leads to more drivers on the road and the cost of auto repairs have skyrocketed with newer technology on late model cars. Donelon says rates go up faster in Louisiana because the state’s legal climate leads to litigation a lot of times following accidents…
Cut 12 (04) “over accidents.”
Donelon says State Farm Insurance accounts for 30 percent of Louisiana insured drivers are paying on average ten-percent starting this month. Donelon advises motorists to shop around if they think their rates are too high…
Cut 13 (10) “large numbers.”
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A bill to create a transparency tool called Louisiana Checkbook passed the House Appropriations committee, and may be considered on the house floor later this week. The program closely mirrors Ohiocheckbook.com, where Ohio residents are presented a detailed report about state expenses. House Speaker Taylor Barras says it’s a user friendly tool for the public.
Cut 14 (10) “wide range”
Barras says the checkbook would provide detailed information on individual state agencies’ budgets, and allow people to compare expenses across those agencies.
Cut 15 (07) “that system.”
But Louisiana Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the state already has the tools in place to provide some of those services without having to contract with a third party. He says the cost of the program has yet to be revealed.
Cut 16 (08) “as well.”
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After poor starting pitching performances in the series loss to Notre Dame, LSU Coach Paul Mainieri is making changes to his weekend rotation. Mainieri says Zack Hess will start on Friday against the Texas Longhorns, instead of Caleb Gilbert….
Cut 17 (19) “Caleb on Saturday”
Starting shortstop Josh Smith will miss the next four to six weeks with a stress reaction on his vertebrate. Hal Hughes will play shortstop in Smith’s place. But Mainieri says starting catcher Hunter Feduccia will be back tonight against UNO after suffering an injured hand in preseason practice…
Cut 18 (18) “down”
Thibodaux native Cam Sanders will start on the mound tonight against UNO. The right-hander is ready…
Cut 19 (10) “start so.”