Lawmakers have started talking about the various bills to increase revenue to close a $1.6 billion dollar budget shortfall. Before debate began, House Speaker Chuck Kleckley explained how important today is for lawmakers..:
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Among the bills that could generate revenue are a cigarette tax hike and a reduction in tax credits and tax exemptions that businesses receive. They are looking for more money to spend next year to try to stay away from cutting higher ed and healthcare.

Governor Bobby Jindal has reportedly set a self-imposed deadline on when he’ll make a decision about whether or not to run for president. Jindal now says he’ll make an announcement at the end of June. Previously he said he would announce after the session ends June 11th.

State Police announce the arrest of 34 individuals over the last two months following numerous criminal investigations by their Insurance Fraud/Auto Theft Unit. These people were involved in committing insurance fraud, including staged or “jump-in” crashes and falsifying documents to make injury claims. Sgt. Nick Manale says some think these crimes are harmless, but that is far from the truth…:
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It is reported that intentional or staged crashes costs the insurance industry billions of dollars each year in fraudulent claims.

It appears that the first shot has been fired in Louisiana’s governor’s race. Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne issued a statement calling US Senator David an absentee Senator after he missed a budget vote in the Senate. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says this is expected…:
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New Orleans Representative Austin Badon’s bill to reduce penalties for simple marijuana possession will be heard on the House floor. Eric Gill has more…:
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Cops say DNA results show former LSU Tiger La’el Collins was not the father of Brittney Mills’ baby. Mills was gunned down and killed at her apartment on April 24th and investigators sought Collins out for questioning in the case as he and the victim were previously in some sort of relationship. They say he is not a suspect and never was. Collins, who was not drafted, has been publicly meeting with NFL teams.

Members of the House today are talking about all things taxes as they continue to look for ways to plug the state’s $1.6 billion dollar budget shortfall. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says we’ll know more today about which way the budget will lean…:
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He says it’s entirely possible today’s meeting will last all day and possibly into the night.

The sale of raw milk will remain prohibited as another bill fails in the Senate. Some believe it is a basic human right to be able to purchase raw milk and not something the government should be interfering with. State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry opposed but said he struggles with the issue because he drank raw milk as a kid, but knows the risks are far greater now…:
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The measure failed on a 5-3 vote.

Legislation that would legalize the sale of raw milk in Louisiana did not make it out of a Senate Committee. Michelle Southern reports…

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The Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest in a homicide in the Wollen Lake area. Authorities say 49-year-old Eugene Stickle has been arrested in the death of Brandy Branch. They say there was no visible cause of death on the body of Branch; however, officers confirm she and Stickle were in a relationship and there was some sort of altercation between the two yesterday afternoon.

It’s decision making day for House leaders as they vote on what changes to make when it comes to tax hikes and scaling back incentives in order to balance the state’s budget. LaPolitics-dot-com Publisher, Jeremy Alford, says the absolute linchpin this legislative session is the inventory tax. Whether the tax credit is scaled back or the tax is repealed altogether, he says lawmakers must do something to the inventory tax system…

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Alford says the House could meet well into the night.

Two bills that seek to control the wild hog population in Louisiana pass the House Natural Resources Committee. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Robert Barham supports the lifetime license bill saying they want to be able to choose the price. Ouachita Parish DA Jerry Jones says it will be easier on farmers to have a one-time permit…

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The bills now head to the Full House.

Today House leaders will vote on various proposals that will go towards filling a massive budget shortfall. Jeff Palermo reports…

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Shreveport Police have arrested two men in connection with the shooting death of 4-year-old Cameron Morris. 19-year-old Anthony Perot and 25-year-old Jeveara Johnson are each charged with a count of convicted felon in possession of a firearm and various drug charges. Authorities determined that both men were present at the scene when Morris was accidentally shot by another juvenile. Neither man has been charged with Morris’ death.

Two bills that seek to control the wild hog population in Louisiana will now head to the full House. One measure would approve year-round hunting seasons on razorbacks and the other would create a lifetime hunting license for the animal.Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Robert Barham says it’s a rural problem that’s about to become an urban one…

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The bills passed the House Natural Resources Committee.

New Orleans Representative Austin Badon’s bill to reduce penalties for simple marijuana possession passed the House Criminal Justice Committee. Louisiana ACLU Executive Director Marjorie Esman voiced her opposition to Badon’s measure saying this bill doesn’t do enough…

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The measure will now be debated on the House floor.

Today is decision making day for House leaders as they will vote on what changes to make when it comes to tax hikes and scaling back incentives in order to balance the state’s budget. LaPolitics-dot-com Publisher, Jeremy Alford, says today will be long one but we’ll find out which way the budget will lean…

cut 4 (08) “fill those holes”

He says this entire legislative session is about the budget and filling a $1.6 billion shortfall.

Legislation that would legalize the sale of raw milk in Louisiana did not make it out of a Senate Committee. The bill’s author, Ville Platte Senator Eric LaFleur, says there are many who believe purchasing raw milk is a basic human right and not something for government to be involved in…

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Opponents argue there are dangers associated with consuming raw milk. The vote was 5-3 and the issue is essentially dead for the session.

New Orleans Representative Austin Badon’s bill to reduce penalties for simple marijuana possession advances from the House Criminal Justice Committee. Livingston Representative Sherman Mack questioned the need for Badon’s bill since judges and district attorneys already have the ability to shorten a sentence for simple marijuana possession…

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The bill passed on a 10 – 4 vote and will now be discussed on the House floor.

Baton Rouge Police confirmed that a paternity test shows that former LSU offensive lineman La’el Collins is not the father of murder victim Brittney Mills’ son. Authorites say Collins is still not considered a suspect in Mills’ death after meeting with police Monday. It’s reported that Collins will meet soon with the Dallas Cowboys.

Baton Rouge Representative Dalton Honore has decided to pull his bill from further discussion that would have put recreational marijuana legalization on an upcoming ballot for voters to decide. Honore says maybe in the future, Louisiana residents should have the option to decide, but not right now…
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In the same committee room, New Orleans Representative Austin Badon’s bill to reduce penalties for simple marijuana possession passed. Jill Trahan’s son is currently serving a 15-year prison sentence for simple marijuana possession. Trahan wants lawmakers to really consider the penalties imposed on marijuana possession convictions…:
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The vote was 10-4 and now heads to the House Floor.

Legislation that would legalize the sale of raw milk in Louisiana did not make it out of a Senate Committee. The bill’s author, Ville Platte Senator Eric LaFleur, says there are many who believe purchasing raw milk is a basic human right and not something for government to be involved in…:
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But State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says it’s far too risky to consume raw milk and he testified in opposition.

A bill that would prohibit sex-selection abortions in Louisiana receives the approval of the House Health and Welfare Committee. Houma Representative Lenar Whitney says in several Asian countries, abortions are performed when the mother finds out she’s having a girl. Natchitoches Representative Kenny Cox says Louisiana should not follow what China does…
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The bill heads to the House floor for more discussion.