Legislative leaders are optimistic the February special session will end with a deal to fill the one billion dollar budget gap that’s the result of the expiration of sales taxes in July. The session will begin February 19th, and House Democratic Caucus Chairman Gene Reynolds says the two sides are getting close on an agreement.
Cut 10 (09) “this done”
Governor Edwards has pushed for replacing the expiring one cent sales tax by eliminating certain sales tax deductions that benefit businesses. House Republican Caucus Chairman Lance Harris says he’s open to eliminating those deductions, if it’s coupled with spending reductions.
Cut 13 (11) “payers pockets”
The session must come to end by March 7th

Governor John Bel Edwards and state Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson are in Washington DC today to participate in a roundtable discussion at the White House about President Donald Trump’s plans to improve infrastructure across the country. The White House has indicated states may be required to put up additional matching dollars to get access to the potential wealth of federal infrastructure dollars. If so, Wilson says failing to pass a gas tax increase could make it tough to get those funds.
Cut 6 (10) “federal dollar.”

President Trump campaigned on revitalizing the nation’s crumbling infrastructure, and reports indicate that he could be close to unveiling a potential 1.5 trillion dollar plan. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

______________________________________

Lawmakers are optimistic a deal will be reached to fix the fiscal cliff. Jeff Palermo talked to legislative leadership about what they expect in the special session.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

_______________________________________

Raising Cane’s recently held their annual meeting in Baton Rouge with a couple of exciting announcements.  Kelley Ray has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

____________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards and State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson are in Washington to discuss infrastructure plans with the Trump Administration. Reports indicate the President could soon unveil a massive new infrastructure spending plan. Wilson says today’s roundtable discussion is a great opportunity to bring attention to the state’s aging infrastructure.

Cut 4  (09) “additional investment.” 

The reports indicate the President could be seeking as much as 1.5 trillion dollars in new infrastructure spending. Wilson says if the feds put up that kind of money, the state would immediately get to work on a twenty year backlog of projects.

Cut 5  (09)  “put together”

The White House has indicated states may be required to put up additional matching dollars to get access to the potential wealth of federal infrastructure dollars. If so, Wilson says failing to pass a gas tax increase could make it tough to get those funds.

Cut 6 (10)  “federal dollar.”

____________________________________________

A Monroe man has designed a product called Streamleash to help you have better control of your dog. Ian Blaylock says as a runner, if his dog quickly ran in one direction, he would lose his balance and control of his pet. He says Streamleash allows the leash to extend, but the user is in control of the cord length…

Cut 7 (09)  “your dog.”

Blayock says Streamleash features a wrist strap, so you no longer have to grip the leash in you hands, which can be difficult to do if you are on a long walk or run. He says if you dog starts sprinting in a different direction, he just squeezes his hand the leash locks into place…

Cut 8 (07) “in control.”

Blayock has a Kickstarter campaign in the hopes of raising $55,000 so he can create an initial order of 2,000. He says retractable leases are useless for training, but he hopes the Streamless can be instrumental in creating an obedient dog…

Cut 9 (11)  “leader of the pack.”

So far, the Kickstarter project has raised 21-hundred-dollars.  Blaylock says orders made through the website will begin being delivered in May.

__________________________________________

Legislative leaders are optimistic the February special session will end with a deal to fill the one billion dollar budget gap that’s the result of the expiration of sales taxes in July. The session will begin February 19^th, and House Democratic Caucus Chairman Gene Reynolds says the two sides are getting close on an agreement.

Cut 10 (09) “this done”

Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s open to making any deal that does not include renewing a temporary one cent sales tax that’s set to expire. Reynolds says it’s a non-starter for any negotiation.

Cut 11 (08) “look at”

Congress approved a spending bill that reopened the federal government after a brief shutdown. Louisiana’s delegation voted three to five against accepting the budget deal. Senator John Kennedy voted against the bill, saying the spending increases are not paid for.

Cut 9 (10) “new expenses.”

Representative Ralph Abraham is not happy about increasing the deficit, but he says the predictions for how much the debt will balloon may be overstated.

Cut 12 (11) “long run”

Abraham says the increase in defense spending will be a substantial boost the to Louisiana economy. Kennedy was joined in voting no by Senator Bill Cassidy, and Representatives Cedric Richmond, Mike Johnson, and Garret Graves. Representatives Abraham, Clay Higgins, and Steve Scalise voted yes.

It’s going to be a rainy weekend for the busiest Carnival time in South Louisiana.  Many of the larger parades are scheduled for today and tonight.  After the fun here, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser plans to be in Washington DC on Fat Tuesday to promote the state’s new tourism slogan, “Louisiana: Feed Your Soul.” He says it’s his hope that it will be a safe Mardi Gras and he knows our state and local law enforcement is working hard to make sure it is…

Cut 5  (07)  “any incidents”

A couple of parades in Lafayette have been cancelled. The Krewe of Omega and Krewe of Barkus parades scheduled for today will not run. There are no plans to reschedule them. The Endymion Krewe has announced that the largest parade in New Orleans, will roll at 4:30 this afternoon rain or shine.

Carnival season ramps up today, but threatening weather could put a damper on things. Some areas of the state could see a couple of inches of rain.  Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says knows that will not dampen the spirit of the many who visit the state for Louisiana’s largest celebration….

Cut 4  (12) “of the state” 

Even though it will seem gloomy, above normal temperatures will remain, which state climatologist Barry Keim says will help it to feel more like spring…

Cut 7 (07)  “overcast skies.”

The Endymion Krewe has announced that the largest parade in New Orleans, will roll at 4:30 this afternoon rain or shine.

Governor John Bel Edwards has called for a special session to start on February 19^th.  The 17-day special session is being called to address a one-billion-dollar fiscal cliff facing the state starting July 1^st when a one-cent sales tax drops off the books.  He wants to change the budget and tax policy, while the GOP says the Governor’s excessive spending needs to stop and no new taxes are necessary.

Attorney General Jeff Landry filed a lawsuit against the Corps of Engineers alleging that the Corps expanded the Intracoastal Waterway in Vermillion Parish beyond the borders set in a 1920s agreement.  He says even though there are agreements that allow states to construct new waterways, Landry says those states wouldn’t have allowed the Corp to over expand…

Cut 15 (09) “its right”

The Governor says he’ll review the suit, but is concerned Landry did not consult with him, or the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority.

Governor John Bel Edwards has called for a special session to start on February 19^th.  The 17-day special session is being called to address a one-billion-dollar fiscal cliff facing the state starting July 1^st when a one-cent sales tax drops off the books.  His plan calls for structural changes to the budget and tax policy. He is proposing to replace 994-million-dollars to keep TOPS and healthcare funded.  The GOP has said the Governor’s excessive spending needs to stop.

Attorney General Jeff Landry filed a lawsuit against the Corps of Engineers alleging that the Corps expanded the Intracoastal Waterway in Vermillion Parish beyond the borders set in a 1920s agreement. Landry says he’s seeking to force the Corps to roll back the waterway to the limits the state initially agreed to.

Cut 14 (11) “been lost”

A majority of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation voted against the spending bill that reopened the federal government after a brief shutdown…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

The carnival season ramps up this weekend with parades all across the state. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says New Orleans is the focal point for Mardi Gras, but the entire state benefits from an influx of tourists who want to be a part of the celebration….

Cut 3 (09) “of the state”

Congress approved a spending bill early Friday that reopened the federal government after a brief shutdown. The bill includes a substantial increase in defense and discretionary funding, including billions in additional disaster relief money, much of which should find its way back to 2016 Louisiana flood victims. Senator John Kennedy says despite voting against the bill, he sees some upside from the deal.

Cut 10 (10) “the waste.”

The spending bill includes a reported 165 billion dollar increase in military spending. North Louisiana Representative Ralph Abraham says that’s what got his vote.

Cut 11 (12) “the yes”

For many this is one of their favorite weekends of the year. Jeff Palermo has more on the Mardi Gras festivities….

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A 14-year-old Shreveport boy is in serious condition after being shot in the neck last night.  Police say the teen was walking with his friend when a person in dark clothing started walking toward the pair and started firing a weapon.  The boy sustained injuries to his neck and a foot.  He is expected to recover.  There are no suspects at this time.

The Philadelphia 76ers never trailed en-route to a 100-82 drubbing of the Pelicans Friday night.  Anthony Davis led the Pels with 14 points only shooting 31 percent from the floor going 6 for 19 on the night.  New Orleans is now on a three game losing streak.  Next stop for the Pelicans is Brooklyn to take on the Nets tonight.

The Saints have announced they are raising ticket prices for next season. The NFL franchise has told their fans that 75-percent of the seats will see an increase of 10-percent or less and some seats could see even higher increases. The team says the extra revenue will be used to improve the fan experience inside the Mercedes Benz Superdome. The Saints also say it will put their ticket prices around the league average.

LSU baseball has been picked to finish fourth in the SEC West in a preseason poll of the coaches. Arkansas is the favorite to win the West, followed by Texas A-and-M and Ole Miss.

The LSU men’s basketball team is back home this afternoon to host the Ole Miss Rebels. Both teams are 4-7 in league play, but the Rebels have lost four in a row. Tigers Coach Will Wade says Ole Miss has good size and they are physical. He says the key is keeping them off the free throw line.

After losing their first Sun Belt game of the year, UL Lafayette is at Georgia Southern for a 4 PM tip. ULM visits Georgia State, who just beat the Cajuns. The Warhawks are coming off an overtime win over Georgia Southern.

Louisiana Tech has a tough matchup inside the Thomas Assembly Center tonight as they host Old Dominion. The Monarchs are 9-2 in Conference Play, while the Bulldogs are 6-and-6.

In the Southland, first place Nicholls State hosts Houston Baptist. Southeastern Louisiana, who is a half-game back of the Colonels is at McNeese State.

Grambling who has won eight in a row visits Prairie View A-and-M. Southern hosts SWAC leader Arkansas Pine Bluff.

Governor John Bel Edwards has issued the call for a special session to address the fiscal cliff. It will begin February 19th and must end March 7th. Edwards says the special session will give legislators an opportunity to pass reforms to stablize the budget and tax code. It’s still unclear what tax bills House Republicans are willing to support.

A rainy weekend is threatening to make for soggy Mardi Gras parades around the state on Saturday, especially in south Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it won’t be a heavy continuous downpour
Cut 6 (08) “of that.”
Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, who leads tourism efforts in the state, knows the rain will not dampen the spirit…
cut 4 (12) “…of the state”

Out of the eight members of Louisiana’s congressional delegation, only three of them voted for the spending bill that reopened the federal government after a brief shutdown. US Representative Ralph Abraham was one of those three yes votes, because he says it increases federal funding for our military….
cut 11 (12) “…the yes”
Senator John Kennedy voted against the measure, because he says the bill increases the federal debt.

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry has filed a lawsuit against the U-S Army Corps of Engineers claiming the Corps is responsible for causing coastal land loss by expanding the borders of the Intracoastal Waterway in Vermilion Parish. Landry says in bigger states, the Corp would not have gotten away with the over expansion…
cut 15 (09) “….its right”
A spokesperson for the Corps says they can’t comment on pending litigation.