At the start of this special session, another special is already looming. Don Molino has more…
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Lawmakers in the House convene at 9 a.m. today to restart the budget discussions after failing to pass a spending plan for next fiscal year during the regular session. Jeff Palermo has more…
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After a grueling fiscal session, some Democratic lawmakers are calling for a change of leadership in the House, staring with Speaker Taylor Barras. Halen Doughty has more…
Cut 3 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”
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With one special session started, another one is already looming in the future. The goal of the current special is to pass a budget for the next fiscal year, but the governor says another one will be needed to implement tax reform and address a looming fiscal cliff in 2018. Kenner Representative Julie Stokes is disappointed the legislature didn’t accomplish that during this year’s fiscal session.
Cut 4 (10) “with its problems”
Stokes says 2017 was the year to implement real tax reform because the legislature won’t enter another fiscal session until 2019. But she says both chambers couldn’t come to an agreement on how to address the state’s inadequate tax code that leads to annual budget deficits.
Cut 5 (10) “complete quandary”
Over $1 billion in temporary taxes that were approved last year are set to expire in 2018. Jackson Representative Kenny Havard says a sunset was placed on the new revenue, so the legislature would be forced to address the financial problems the state has faced for years. He says lawmakers still owe meaningful tax reform to its citizens.
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The House convenes at 9 a.m. as lawmakers try again to pass a spending plan for next fiscal year, after failing to do so in the regular session. Governor John Bel Edwards says his recommendation is that lawmakers pick up where they left off with the conference committee report.
The big debate over the budget came down to lawmakers arguing over how much, if any, of the revenue forecast to withhold in case of midyear cuts. The House wanted to hold back about $200 million, while the Senate pushed to spend more. House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry of Metairie says were it up to him, he’d save even more.
The budget will start on the House side in committee, and from there it still has to pass the House floor and make it through the Upper Chamber. Henry says there are some key priorities lawmakers hope to fully funds, like TOPS. He says giving parole workers a pay raise is also high on the list.
Cut 9 (10) “take care of that”
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Democratic lawmakers are calling for a change of leadership in the House after what many call a grueling session. Some blame House Speaker Taylor Barras and Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry specifically for not approving a budget. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says currently there is no leadership in the House.
James says either lawmakers are going to continue to ignore the needs of the state or continue to embarrass themselves. He says partisan politics have created a House divided along party lines.
But Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh says he absolutely disagrees with that. He says the House has the perfect leadership.
Seabaugh says Barras is looking out for the interest of the people in the state, and the people do not want to see their taxes increased. He says the Speaker is doing his job by adhering to the will of the constituents.
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At least two cases of dog flu have been confirmed in Louisiana, as canine influenza is rearing its head in Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida. Dr. Phillip Cancellari says some early symptoms include coughing, running nose, and red eyes. He says the virus can look a lot like allergies, so it’s important to get your pet checked at the vet.
It’s believed the two confirmed cases in Monroe were a result of exposure at a dog show. Cancellari says some pets from Florida participated in the show and may have brought the virus with them to the Bayou State. He says typical backyard dogs probably aren’t at much risk of contracting the virus.
Dog flu is spread the same way as the flu humans get, through contact. Cancellari says there is a vaccine available that can be given to dogs as young as 7 weeks old. He advises dog owners to consult their vet to determine if their dog should be vaccinated.
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LSU is heading to the College World Series for an 18th time in program history after beating Mississippi State 14-4 in a game that did not end until 1:36 this morning. But Coach Paul Mainieri says it was well worth the wait…
LSU trailed 4-3 in the 5th inning, but took control of the game with a six-run, 5th inning. Michael Papierski delivered the big hit, a two-run double to give the Tigers the lead for good…