Tagged News

• Citing 'devastating' effects on public, Edwards puts line item veto to work

  June 29, 2023 6:38 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. John Bel Edwards used his line item veto powers on Thursday to strike what he called "painful" cuts from the budget given to him by the state legislature. In his letter to the leaders of the House and Senate, Edwards said he signed "House Bill... more »

• Pointe Coupee school board mulls new tax amid financial woes Play Video

  February 4, 2020 11:39 PM

  NEW ROADS - For the second time in less than two weeks, the Pointe Coupee Parish School Board met to discuss how it will bridge a $1.5 million deficit. While no specific action was taken, members of the public tapped to serve on a committee to find solutions had... more »

• Pointe Coupee school board hears parents, teachers but doesn't fix budget shortfall Play Video

  January 23, 2020 9:55 PM

  NEW ROADS - More than 100 people showed up for the Pointe Coupee school board meeting Thursday to talk about how to plug a $1.5 million hole in the system's budget. Those that couldn't fit in the room listened in from the hallway. On the agenda, was Superintendent... more »

• Mayor's office to consider 20% budget cut in preparation of successful St. George effort Play Video

  May 8, 2019 10:47 AM

  BATON ROUGE – In a quiet email Wednesday, the mayor’s office issued a news release warning of a significant revenue reduction to the city-parish budget should the proposed City of St. George successfully carve out a new municipality in East Baton Rouge Parish. The mayor’s office said St. George... more »

• Public school employees in EBR will get a raise

  June 22, 2018 10:58 AM

  BATON ROUGE – All public school employees in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System will get raises after the school board approved the system’s budget Thursday night. The increase is above the annual increase employees receive each year and is matched with years of experience. The $4.3... more »

• Former Governor Edwin Edwards blames all sides for no compromises at the Capitol Play Video

  June 5, 2018 5:50 PM

  GONZALES- From the office of his Ascension Parish home, former Governor Edwin Edwards said he's been keenly watching what's been happening with lawmakers reaching an impasse when it comes to passing a budget. Edwards is the only four-term Governor in the history of Louisiana. The 90-year-old is just shy of... more »

• Special Session ends in failure; TOPS cut thirty-percent Play Video

  June 5, 2018 2:38 AM

  BATON ROUGE- Frustrated state lawmakers shouted at each other in the House of Representatives late Monday night as last-ditch efforts to raise sales taxes failed. The $29 billion state budget beginning July 1 is short $540 million with pro-rata cuts to services including the TOPS college scholarship program. TOPS... more »

• TOPS scholarships on the chopping block again Play Video

  March 14, 2018 7:37 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Lawmakers failed to raise revenue in the recent special session, leaving TOPS scholarships in peril. Louisiana's budget is short $700 million dollars going into the regular session, with most of the cuts going toward higher education and healthcare. Some lawmakers don't expect a budget deal until another... more »

• Gov. Edwards on fixing budget hole: 'I've got to have some plan' Play Video

  January 8, 2018 6:19 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The question of how the state will be making up a $1 billion budget gap this year still remains unanswered. Governor John Bel Edwards is trying to avoid making huge cuts to the budget, but says the biggest issue right now is a lack of agreement... more »

• Here is how much will be spent on BRPD in 2018 Play Video

  November 3, 2017 3:07 PM

  BATON ROUGE – While it's not a large increase in spending, city hall is working toward increasing the number of police in the city. In a proposal set to be made before metro council members later Friday, Mayor Sharon Weston Broome will ask the legislative body to agree on... more »

• In campus memo, LSU President grateful of state budget deal

  June 16, 2017 6:41 PM

  BATON ROUGE – LSU President F. King Alexander was appreciative of lawmakers' ability to deal with state budget issues and fund TOPS at the end of a special session at the legislature this week. TOPS was funded 100% and higher education funding was restored to July 2016 levels. ... more »

• Governor Edwards calling precautionary special session

  May 31, 2017 6:01 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Governor John Bel Edwards is calling a special legislative session to start next week, a precaution for the possibility he won't reach agreement with lawmakers on Louisiana's budget. The special session will convene at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 8, 2017, and it must adjourn by midnight... more »

• Louisiana senators hear grim predictions of budget impact

  May 29, 2017 11:44 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. John Bel Edwards' administration has presented to senators a grim picture of the fallout from the House-proposed version of next year's budget. The governor is threatening a veto if anything resembling the spending plan reaches his desk. Agency leaders say they'd have to release prisoners early,... more »

• TOPS could get fully funded Play Video

  May 22, 2017 6:54 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana Senate President said Monday he expects his colleagues to pass a budget that fully funds the TOPS scholarship program. "In order to do that we may have to move some monies around that the House of Representatives did not allocate," said Alario. Three weeks... more »

• Southern University's disrepair could affect enrollment Play Video

  March 22, 2017 5:32 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Wires hanging out of the ceilings, makeshift air-conditioning units, and water damaged classrooms have left many buildings at Southern University in Baton Rouge resembling condemned structures. Administrators fear the enormous maintenance backlog is driving students away. "The students are a different breed these days," said Vice... more »

• Legislators believe special session will come down to the wire Play Video

  February 22, 2017 8:20 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The pressure is on for lawmakers to find a way to cover the state's massive budget gap. They've spent the past nine days negotiating a plan, and many legislators believe it will come down to the wire. The main concern is approving how much of... more »

• Student body presidents express concern over threats to higher education

  February 16, 2017 8:58 PM

  BATON ROUGE - In a plea to the governor, the Council of Student Body Presidents expressed their concern over "constant cuts" to higher education. More than 30 student body presidents from Louisiana schools, including Louisiana State University and Southern University, issued a letter to Governor John Bel Edwards and... more »

• Governor Edwards opens special session to address state budget Play Video

  February 13, 2017 8:44 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Governor John Bel Edwards opened a special session to address Louisiana's $304 million budget deficit Monday night. In his opening address, he pleaded for Republicans and Democrats to compromise in order to solve the state's budget crisis. The governor's plan, if approved, would use $119.6... more »

• Edwards unveils plan to bridge $304 million budget gap Play Video

  February 3, 2017 3:15 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards unveiled his plan to bridge a $304 million budget gap for the upcoming special session Monday. Edwards revealed plans to take advantage of the state's $119.6 million Rainy Day Fund to stabalize the budget. The governor's plan does not include raising... more »

• Edwards calls special session for Feb. 13-23 Play Video

  January 27, 2017 10:58 AM

  BATON ROUGE – Governor Edwards announced on Friday that he is bringing the legislature into its next special session starting Feb. 13 to address the state's $300 million budget deficit. The special session will run to Feb. 23. Gov. Edwards: Next week, I intend to issue a... more »

• State budget cuts loom Play Video

  January 26, 2017 11:55 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Governor John Bel Edwards is scheduled to address state lawmakers in a joint budget meeting Friday morning at the capitol where he's expected to disclose more details on an upcoming special legislative session. The Louisiana budget is short $304 million for the current fiscal year leaving state services... more »

• Louisiana colleges spared some cuts for now

  December 15, 2016 4:45 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Louisiana colleges took a lighter hit to their budgets Thursday than state lawmakers had feared a month earlier. Members of the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget recognized a $312 million mid-year budget cut at the capitol and higher education took a $12 million hit. In November,... more »

• Council on Aging keeps its funding Play Video

  December 13, 2016 10:53 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Metro-council members failed to strip funding from the Council on Aging in Baton Rouge Tuesday. Republican Buddy Amoroso wanted the senior-citizen group to be solely funded by a tax hike voters approved in November. "I'm disappointed we gave them $872,000 from the budget," said Amoroso after his... more »

• State planning financial cuts to higher education, health care Play Video

  November 18, 2016 6:17 PM

  BATON ROUGE – The state is currently $300,000 million short and in order to fill the gap, the governor's office is proposing big cuts and, once again, higher education and health care may not be spared. Students at LSU are worried. "It will be more difficult to get... more »

• Pointe Coupee police jury shaves 16 jobs to close deficit

  June 29, 2016 12:53 PM

  NEW ROADS - Council members in Pointe Coupee Parish agreed last week to shave 16 positions to close this year’s budget hole. Justin Cox, Chairman of the Finance Committee, said that this year’s projected parish sales tax revenue will be $580,000 less than last year. To make up... more »

• Lawmakers making last minute effort to fund TOPS Play Video

  June 22, 2016 7:44 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The Capitol is taking last minute efforts to put more money into the TOPS Scholarship program. The plan requires a tax hike and would only effect those who make more than $100,000 a year. However, Republicans are not in favor of the plan. The proposal for the... more »

• TOPS not fully funded has parents and students concerned Play Video

  June 20, 2016 6:58 PM

  BATON ROUGE – The state budget has TOPS funded at only 70 percent leaving many parents worried about their children. Due to the program's current funding, no student will get a full TOPS scholarship. "It's very alarming to me as a parent. That my daughter has worked so hard though... more »

• Lawmaker calls proposed tax policy 'worst ever' Play Video

  June 15, 2016 11:12 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Some lawmakers are calling a tax bill that passed through the House Ways and Means Committee Wednesday as some of the worst tax policy ever. The tax hike would mainly impact wealthy people when they file their state return. It will only take effect if the... more »

• Pointe Coupee begins tackling budget crisis

  June 14, 2016 10:59 PM

  POINTE COUPEE PARISH - The Point Coupee Parish Police Jury agreed to the first round of budget cuts Tuesday after sales tax revenues fell short. Police jurors agreed to eliminate a position in the utility department and a $40,000 contract with cleaning services, as well as 25% cuts across... more »

• Lawmakers approve budget, look to raise taxes in special session

  June 5, 2016 10:08 PM

  BATON ROUGE - State lawmakers passed a budget Sunday evening that slashes funding for both TOPS scholarships and hospitals. The approved cuts means the TOPS scholarship would be cut in half, costing an LSU student about $1,800 to go to school next year. The healthcare cuts could hurt health... more »

• State budget concerns cause change of location for LSU nutrition building

  May 26, 2016 12:18 AM

  BATON ROUGE - A new athletic nutrition center planned for LSU's campus won't be built where it was planned because of the state's uncertain budget situation. The $12 million facility was supposed to be built on Skip Bertman Drive, near the old LSU baseball stadium. Instead, it will be... more »

• Students out of time to raise ACT score

  April 14, 2016 8:26 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Students hoping to boost their ACT scores to save their TOPS scholarships have run out of time. The last day to take the test to qualify for the next school year was Saturday. Before the latest round of state budget cuts were announced, students only needed an... more »

• LSU President warns current students they could lose TOPS under governor's proposed cuts Play Video

  April 12, 2016 10:33 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Healthcare and TOPS took the brunt of the cuts in the governor's proposed budget cutbacks presented to the legislature Tuesday. Here's most the cuts that matter #lalege pic.twitter.com/EShyf63key — Mark Armstrong (@TV_MarkA) April 12, 2016 Governor John Bel Edwards and his budget advisers... more »

• Gov. Edwards to outline budget cuts Tuesday

  April 12, 2016 8:33 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Governor John Bel Edwards is getting ready to release his budget cut proposals for the fiscal year beginning July 1st. On Tuesday, lawmakers will hear the governor's plan to close the state's $750 million shortfall. Legislators have been struggling to balance the budget for the past... more »

• Public defender's office warns it's too poor to represent the poor

  April 6, 2016 1:50 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The public defender's office in East Baton Rouge started warning judges of its inability to represent poor defendants in the criminal justice system. The letter, which was obtained by the WBRZ Investigative Unit Wednesday, cites budget issues and warns of layoffs at the office beginning next... more »

• House budget hearings begin with uncertainty about cuts

  March 21, 2016 5:59 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Lawmakers in the House have opened their hearings on next year's budget, while Gov. John Bel Edwards' administration is still working to cut another $70 million this year. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne told the House Appropriations Committee the governor will unveil the reductions to rebalance this... more »

• EBR Public Defender's office is going broke Play Video

  March 21, 2016 8:54 AM

  BATON ROUGE- There could be no public defenders in Baton Rouge by the summer, an audit released Monday found. The state may not have enough money to keep the public defender's office handling cases in East Baton Rouge Parish open past June 30th. Already, public defenders said they're entering... more »

• Back in session: Higher education, healthcare could face cuts

  March 14, 2016 8:51 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The new legislative session began today, and Governor John Bel Edwards delivered grim news to lawmakers regarding the state budget in his opening address. Lawmakers didn't raise enough money in the special session to keep critical services from being cut. Under state law, they can't raise... more »

• Special session deadline looms at the capitol Play Video

  March 9, 2016 12:03 AM

  BATON ROUGE - A deadline looms at the state capitol. By the end of Wednesday, the special session called to deal with the state's budget woes will be over. It'll be a busy day. Lawmakers have to find another $200 million. Accomplishing that could be easier said than done; They've... more »

• Annoyed Edwards hammers lawmakers over budget Friday

  March 4, 2016 11:39 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Hopes that the state budget crisis was nearing a resolve were shattered Friday when the legislative body that monitors finance determined a plan to generate $75 million before the end of the budget year wouldn't work out. The plan called for a change to the payment... more »

• Standoff between state House, Senate impeding progress Play Video

  March 2, 2016 1:22 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Tuesday at the capitol, discussions over raising sin taxes stalled again, but lawmakers did make a last minute decision to approve a one cent sales tax increase. For a 3rd consecutive day, Louisiana's House of Representatives refused to take an action on two tax increases - cigarettes... more »

• House and Senate appear in stalemate over budget rebalancing

  March 1, 2016 6:18 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Negotiations over how best to rebalance Louisiana's budget are staying behind the scenes. Lawmakers in the House on Tuesday again stalled votes on tax hikes, as bill sponsors tried to rally enough support for passage. House Speaker Taylor Barras, a Republican, called on lawmakers in his... more »

• Budget, taxes and baseball: This week at the Capitol Play Video

  February 23, 2016 12:55 AM

  BATON ROUGE - While most bills filed this session deal with raising taxes, cutting incentives or trimming departmental budgets, the State House of Representatives is expected to take up a bill that would sweeten Louisiana's bid to host the SEC Baseball Tournament in New Orleans. The bill would ammend an... more »

• Students rally at capitol Play Video

  February 19, 2016 6:39 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A small group of college students rallied at the capitol Friday protesting higher education cuts. They demanded state lawmakers take action in the current special session. The rally was completely organized by students, about fifty attended. "I think this is amazing that we were able to turn... more »

• Sin tax likely to increase Play Video

  February 17, 2016 8:00 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Smokers and drinkers could soon pay more for their vices. A number of tax increases were debated at the state capitol Wednesday. These "sin" taxes are on Governor Edwards wish list for tackling the states budget deficit. The increases could come as soon as April. The proposed increases... more »

• Income tax overhaul proposed Play Video

  February 15, 2016 8:35 PM

  BATON ROUGE- A number of proposals for a revised income tax system are on the table at the state capitol. It's part of an effort to solve the state's budget crisis. Governor Edwards' administration wants to lower to income taxes for everyone while reducing deductions. In one plan,... more »

• Budget cuts might close special needs day care

  February 15, 2016 5:50 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A special needs day care might have to close their doors if the state cuts the budget. Pediatria employees care for special needs children with ventilators and feeding tubes on a daily basis. "This is one of the jewels that we truly have," State Rep.... more »

• No college sports, a distant reality Play Video

  February 12, 2016 9:29 PM

  BATON ROUGE - University athletics are putting a lot of faith in state leaders to right the state budget gap. The state partially reinstated TOPS Friday , following a big scare to Louisiana students and their parents. Many in-state student athletes rely on TOPS. LSU baseball head Coach Paul... more »

• Expert: TOPS situation shows need for other scholarships; tips for students here

  February 12, 2016 6:14 PM

  PONCHATOULA - Educators advise high school students to take a serious look at how they will pay for college outside of state assistance since TOPS funding could be suspended or decreased. In a 24-hour window this week, TOPS officials caused panic among students and parents of college-aged children when... more »

• The governor's evening address: read it here Play Video

  February 11, 2016 7:27 PM

  BATON ROUGE - In a 2,023 word address Thursday night, Governor John Bel Edwards attempted to sell Louisianans on higher taxes to fill the state's growing budget hole. The state is looking at a near $1 billion hole in the current fiscal year which will end this summer. The... more »

• Kennedy suggests Gov. Edwards scaring people into supporting tax increase

  February 11, 2016 1:27 PM

  BATON ROUGE - State Treasurer John Kennedy likened Governor John Bel Edwards' address on the budget to scare tactics to sell a tax proposal to fill a growing state budget deficit. "Governor Edwards is planning to implement the largest tax increase in Louisiana history," Kennedy said. "It will wreck... more »

• State economist: La. entering recession Play Video

  February 10, 2016 11:24 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The economic outlook of the state took a dramatic, somber turn Wednesday morning when revenue estimators met at the capitol. The deficit for the current fiscal year grew to almost $1 billion. It had hovered around $750 million until Wednesday. The fiscal year ends at the... more »

• Ahead of special session, governor's site solicits budget ideas from voters

  February 8, 2016 4:46 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Governor John Bel Edwards' administration is seeking the advice of a different kind of expert in how to deal with the state's looming budget crisis. Monday, the state posted a special web page soliciting comments from Louisiana citizens. The site provides information on the governor's plan... more »

• Edwards calls special session to raise taxes Play Video

  February 5, 2016 4:20 PM

  BATON ROUGE - State lawmakers will start debating a tax hike next week with Governor John Bel Edwards calling a special legislative session Friday to tackle Louisiana's budget crisis. Lawmakers will go into the special session on Sunday, Feb. 14 and will remain in session until Mar. 9. Edwards... more »

• Possible gas tax hike for road work Play Video

  February 3, 2016 7:42 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Some lawmakers want you pay a little more at the pump to help fix the roads. There's no official proposal yet but a 10 cent bump has long been discussed. Currently, Louisiana has a 20 cent gas tax, the ninth lowest in the country. Nationally it's... more »

• PAR wants cuts before taxes Play Video

  February 2, 2016 6:56 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A "good government" group wants Louisiana's leaders to get control of spending before they raise taxes. The Public Affairs Research (PAR) Council released a report where it lists specific cuts. A few of the proposed measures include: - Control increased spending for state workers' health... more »

• Thousands of disabled children could lose health services Play Video

  January 28, 2016 6:46 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Kodi Wilson has a special way of talking to her son Braden. She runs her fingers through his blonde curls while he hums back at her. Braden can't talk or sit up or even grasp his mother's hand. He has a rare disorder known as Leigh's Disease... more »

• DHH says cuts could be 'catastrophic' to Medicaid patients Play Video

  January 27, 2016 4:35 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The Department of Health and Hospitals said on Wednesday that $131 million in cuts which could come from midyear budget negotiations could be "catastrophic" for those who rely on Medicaid. DHH Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee said they submitted their plan Wednesday for how to spread the... more »

• Southern revises budget plans, says closures aren't in the picture Play Video

  January 26, 2016 11:55 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The morning after saying deep cuts to state funding could effectively close their doors, Southern University said that is not the case. SU Baton Rouge spokesperson Henry Tillman sent out a narrative Monday night which described the effects of a proposed 32 percent mid-year cut in... more »

• Southern releases midyear budget cut details

  January 25, 2016 10:02 PM

  BATON ROUGE - In a plan released Monday night, Southern said worst-case-scenario budget cuts could effectively close the institution. Because of the dire budget situation in Louisiana, Governor John Bel Edwards has asked state colleges and universities to submit proposals on cutting spending. The state currently faces a $750... more »

• LSU releases plan for possible 32 percent budget cut Play Video

  January 25, 2016 8:50 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Officials with Louisiana State University released a list of possible cuts and savings in order to absorb a possible $65 million midyear budget cut, which represents 32 percent of its total state funding. University President F. King Alexander said LSU's share of the cuts alone, which... more »

• Education leaders meeting with Edwards over funding

  January 20, 2016 12:36 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Governor John Bel Edwards and education leaders from around Louisiana met at Governor's Mansion Wednesday to discuss how the ongoing budget crisis will impact colleges and universities. The meeting comes a day after Edwards proposed tax increases and budget changes to help get Louisiana back in... more »

• Possible sales tax increase by April part of plan to balance budget

  January 19, 2016 3:25 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Governor John Bel Edwards proposed, among other things, a one-cent sales tax increase to help balance the budget. The plan was revealed at a news conference Tuesday afternoon. Edwards discussed ways he plans to fill a $750 million shortfall in the current budget and a shortfall... more »

• Lawmakers urged to raise state sales tax Play Video

  January 13, 2016 7:51 PM

  BATON ROUGE - State lawmakers were told to face the music and raise the sales tax Wednesday. LSU professor Jim Richardson said it's one of the only ways to raise money immediately. Lawmakers have till June to raise $700-$750 million. Otherwise Medicaid, public schools and state colleges could run out... more »

• WATCH Governor-Elect Edwards talks possible tax increase

  January 4, 2016 8:09 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Governor-Elect John Bel Edwards gave some indication Monday about a possible plan to raise taxes to fill Louisiana's budget deficit. Specifically he would be in favor of eliminating some income tax deductions for individuals and corporations while lowering income taxes overall. Edwards said people would pay a... more »

• Medicaid, TOPS, public schools all running out of money Play Video

  December 30, 2015 1:58 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The state's budget woes keep getting worse. Louisiana now has a $2.65 billion budget hole to be filled by June. Incoming Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne announced the sobering news Tuesday at LSU. "This is the clear view, the true picture for where we are today. It's... more »

• Council approves 2016 city budget; funds city's largest police force

  December 8, 2015 11:22 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Metro council members approved the mayor's spending plan for next year Tuesday evening. No one voted against the $880 million spending plan that includes significant growth for public safety . The entire budget is about 6% more than the spending plan for 2015. The budget... more »

• Louisiana tax amnesty program resumes today

  December 1, 2015 8:38 AM

  BATON ROUGE- The Louisiana tax amnesty program reopens on Tuesday after being temporarily shutdown due to a paperwork error. During the amnesty period delinquent taxpayers are given a chance to bring their tax accounts up to date by clearing unpaid tax bills and filing overdue state tax returns. The Department... more »

• Gas prices are an early Christmas gift on Thanksgiving

  November 25, 2015 11:16 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Drivers are taking advantage of some of the cheapest gas prices in the country. Wednesday, ahead of one of the busiest weekends to hit the roads, a gallon of regular was as little as $1.59. The cheap fuel was at select locations - some requiring a... more »

• Proposed city budget grows police to largest force in history

  November 18, 2015 11:56 PM

  BATON ROUGE - City leaders have started to discuss the next budget, a 6% increase from 2015. Wednesday, the Metro Council analyzed the first group of proposals. Among them, the spending plan for Baton Rouge Police. The mayor is asking to increase spending by 2% for the department. ... more »