WBRZ - Baton Rouge

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• Jindal: Marine contractor plans $30M expansion

  May 21, 2013 3:27 PM

  THIBODAUX - An oilfield service company plans a new $10 million headquarters in Gray and a $20 million manufacturing and fabrication plant at a Louisiana port. President and CEO Hank Danos says Danos & Curole Marine Contractors LLC is considering at least two ports. The manufacturing site to be selected... more »

• Jindal orders review of Texas Brine permits Play Video

  May 20, 2013 3:13 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Governor Bobby Jindal today ordered a review for all permits given to Texas Brine, the company which owns land a massive sinkhole appeared on last year, after he accused the company of dragging its feet in paying costs associated with the cleanup. "It has become clear... more »

• Governor to discuss sinkhole response efforts

  May 20, 2013 11:38 AM

  BAYOU CORNE - Buyouts and outstanding costs for dealing with a sinkhole in Assumption Parish could be on Governor Bobby Jindal's agenda for a press conference scheduled for this afternoon. The governor scheduled the event for 1:20 p.m. at the Bayou Corne Sportman's Landing on Hwy 70 South. ... more »

• Jindal's state salary provides main income in 2012

  May 16, 2013 2:53 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Gov. Bobby Jindal's latest financial disclosure report shows his annual nearly $128,000 state salary provided the main source of income for he and his wife in 2012. That's according to the Board of Ethics. The report shows the couple also received income from capital gains and dividends paid... more »

• Voucher supporters to rally at state capitol

  May 15, 2013 10:49 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Supporters of Louisiana's school voucher program will join Gov. Bobby Jindal this afternoon at a rally for the program. The state Supreme Court recently ruled that the method used to fund the program violated the state's constitution. Jindal swore the program would be funded by the... more »

• Audit: $42M in layoff costs for LSU privatization

  May 13, 2013 10:12 AM

  BATON ROUGE - A new audit says Gov. Bobby Jindal's push to privatize all but one of the LSU-run hospitals across south Louisiana would cost the state $42 million for layoff costs. The analysis by Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera's office says privatization of six hospitals in the LSU Health Care... more »

• House backs big budget compromise Play Video

  May 10, 2013 6:19 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The Louisiana House voted overwhelmingly in favor of a $25 billion budget today which sways from spending plans recommended by Gov. Bobby Jindal. The House stripped $500 million from Jindal's plan which was either one-time money, or not guaranteed. They instead opted for cuts to state... more »

• Reworked budget compromise taking shape in House

  May 9, 2013 10:38 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The Louisiana House is considering substantial tweaks to an alternative proposal to Gov. Bobby Jindal's budget for next year. A bipartisan group of lawmakers is working to strip out $500 million in uncertain funding proposed by Jindal. In its place, lawmakers are proposing changes to tax break... more »

• Budget debate delayed as Republicans negotiate

  May 8, 2013 5:34 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The Louisiana House has delayed its budget debate, as Republicans continue to haggle over an alternative to Gov. Bobby Jindal's spending proposal. The compromise plan drafted by a block of conservative House Republicans and Democrats includes $329 million in cuts to tax break programs that largely benefit... more »

• La. Supreme Court rules voucher funding unconstitutional Play Video

  May 7, 2013 10:47 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The state's highest court ruled today that the funding formula for Gov. Bobby Jindal's key education reform, school vouchers, violates the state's constitution. Today's ruling was 6-1, with Justice Greg Guidry dissenting. It affects Act 2, which diverts per-student funding to private and parochial schools to... more »

• Republicans clash over House budget compromise

  May 7, 2013 10:22 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal is making a strong bid to kill a bipartisan budget compromise that contains $329 million in cuts to tax break programs that largely benefit businesses. Jindal assembled a group of industry lobbyists Tuesday to criticize the budget proposal, which was devised by conservative House... more »

• CNSI sues La. over canceled Medicaid contract

  May 6, 2013 3:11 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The company hired to handle Louisiana's Medicaid system filed suit today against the state, saying the $200 million contract was improperly canceled by Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration. Client Network Services. Inc., known as CNSI, wants compensation for the work they did, costs incurred, and other financial... more »

• Budget compromise taking shape, without Jindal

  May 6, 2013 12:41 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal blasted bipartisan House budget negotiations today as a secretive, back-door attempt to raise taxes on Louisiana businesses and residents. The governor's criticism Monday came as lawmakers in the House moved ahead with the building blocks of a budget compromise that Jindal opposes because it... more »

• Lawsuit looming over canceled Medicaid contract

  May 3, 2013 11:33 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration is facing a likely lawsuit from the Maryland-based company whose nearly $200 million Medicaid contract with the state was terminated. Client Network Services Inc., known as CNSI, issued a statement Friday from lawyer Kathryn Harris saying the state won't negotiate in good faith... more »

• Nearly 8,000 students offered vouchers Play Video

  May 1, 2013 3:03 PM

  NEW ORLEANS - State education officials said nearly 8,000 students have been offered vouchers to attend private schools for the next school year, despite an ongoing court battle over funding for the program. State Superintendent of Schools John White said the total is 3,000 more than last year's enrollment... more »

• Senate committee backs Medicaid expansion model

  April 30, 2013 6:53 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A proposal for Louisiana to tap into the federal health overhaul money available for expanding Medicaid has won approval from the state Senate's health committee, despite opposition from Gov. Bobby Jindal. The committee voted 4-3 Tuesday to send a modified Medicaid expansion bill to the full Senate... more »

• House committee working on 2013-14 budget

  April 29, 2013 8:48 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Lawmakers are making their first changes to Gov. Bobby Jindal's $24.7 billion budget proposal for next year in the House Appropriations Committee. Among the largest points of contention for Monday's committee hearing is whether to use piecemeal financing from land sales, legal settlements and fund sweeps... more »

• Jindal proposes restoring funding for some programs

  April 26, 2013 3:16 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Governor Bobby Jindal's administration proposed restoring funding for several programs when the Appropriations Committee takes up next year's budget on Monday. The proposal includes $700,000 for breast and cervical cancer screenings at LSU hospitals, $1 million toward the Department of Children and Family Service's Family Violence Prevention... more »

• Lawmakers weigh in on Medicaid expansion

  April 24, 2013 8:54 AM

  BATON ROUGE - State lawmakers are taking their first votes on whether they want to cover more uninsured people in the state's Medicaid program, as allowed under the federal Affordable Care Act. Both the House and Senate health care committees have hearings scheduled Wednesday on Medicaid expansion bills. ... more »

• Jindal disputes savings estimate for expansion

  April 23, 2013 4:24 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal is disagreeing with a nonpartisan financial analysis done for lawmakers that estimates the state could save more than $500 million over 10 years by expanding Louisiana's Medicaid program under the federal health law. The estimates by the Legislative Fiscal Office came in advance of... more »

• Jindal says he'd veto cigarette tax without offset

  April 18, 2013 3:20 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal says he'll veto any cigarette tax increase that wins passage from lawmakers, unless it's coupled with a corresponding cut in taxes somewhere else. Jindal says he will oppose anything he considers a net increase in state tax revenue. A few weeks ago, Jindal was... more »

• Flags at La. buildings lowered to half-staff

  April 16, 2013 4:39 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal has ordered that state flags at government buildings in Louisiana be flown at half-staff until sunset Saturday. The executive order issued Tuesday is an expression of respect for victims of Monday's explosions at the Boston Marathon. Similar gestures are being made by local governments.... more »

• Legislative fiscal analysts question Jindal budget Play Video

  April 15, 2013 6:53 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Senators opened their budget hearings with questions raised about financing plans proposed by Gov. Bobby Jindal to balance next year's budget. Members of the Senate Finance Committee heard Monday from analysts with the Legislative Fiscal Office about the 2013-14 budget proposal. Fiscal office analysts say the governor's... more »

• Lawmakers refuse to hear income tax repeal bills Play Video

  April 15, 2013 10:40 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The state House Ways and Means committee said today they would defer all income tax repeal bills for this session, essentially killing Governor Bobby Jindal's main plan for tax reform. Committee chair Joel Robideaux (R-Lafayette) said such bills already scheduled for a hearing would still be... more »

• Jindal won't seek to follow Arkansas on Medicaid Play Video

  April 9, 2013 6:52 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana's private hospitals are supporting the expansion of the state Medicaid program under the federal health care law. The Louisiana Hospital Association's announcement Tuesday puts the organization at odds with Gov. Bobby Jindal, who opposes the expansion. The announcement comes the same day the Jindal administration said... more »

• Jindal admin: Non-revenue neutral tax plans an option

  April 9, 2013 10:43 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal's leader on tax issues is indicating to lawmakers that the governor is no longer seeking a dollar-for-dollar swap in an income tax repeal. Tim Barfield, executive counsel for the Department of Revenue, told a Senate committee on Tuesday that now that Jindal is supporting... more »

• Sources: Jindal to scrap tax plan, propose 10-year rollout

  April 8, 2013 1:09 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Governor Bobby Jindal is expected to announce he's scrapping his plan to immediately eliminate personal and corporate income taxes, according to multiple sources at the Capitol. Those sources tell WBRZ News 2 the governor will instead propose rolling out the eliminations over the next decade, without... more »

• Jindal scraps tax reforms, 10-year rollout proposed Play Video

  April 8, 2013 1:02 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Governor Bobby Jindal announced today he was scrapping his plan to immediately eliminate personal and corporate income taxes, and instead try to phase the changes in over the next decade. Jindal made the announcement during his joint address before the state House and Senate at the... more »

• Jindal to speak on tax reform at session opening

  April 8, 2013 10:31 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal will open the 2013 legislative session this afternoon with remarks about his tax reform plans. Jindal is scheduled to speak around 1 p.m. before the joint House and Senate, just after the two-month session opens officially at noon. The governor has proposed... more »

• Taxes, gun permits, school district on session agenda

  April 8, 2013 6:54 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The agenda is already packed with more than 900 pre-filed bills, as dozens of state lawmakers flock to the capitol to begin the 2013 legislative session. The two-month session opens at noon. The centerpiece of the session will likely be Gov. Jindal's tax reform plan.... more »

• Consulting firm against part of Jindal tax plan

  April 5, 2013 11:25 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The consulting firm hired by Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration for economic analysis of the governor's tax plan says states should not enact a key plank of Jindal's proposal. In a report released nationally, Ernst & Young economists say sales taxes on services bought by businesses are bad... more »

• Higher Ed Commissioner says budget has problems

  April 4, 2013 12:09 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana's higher education commissioner says the governor's budget would leave colleges uncertain of their funding levels next year and create cash flow problems at schools. Commissioner Jim Purcell told the House Appropriations Committee that he's troubled by Gov. Bobby Jindal's budget recommendation. Jindal's spending plan would plug... more »

• Civil Service panel approves hospital outsourcing

  April 2, 2013 3:02 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The state's Civil Service Commission has approved a Jindal administration plan to outsource the health care services currently provided by LSU's public hospital in Baton Rouge. The 4-2 vote by the commission Tuesday paves the way for 777 employee layoffs at Earl K. Long Medical Center. The... more »

• Lawmakers seek injunction against Jindal budget

  April 1, 2013 4:45 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Two Jefferson Parish lawmakers have tweaked their legal challenge to Gov. Bobby Jindal's patchwork financing of the budget. Now, they're asking a Baton Rouge judge to block the use of such financing in next year's spending plans. Republican Reps. Kirk Talbot and Cameron Henry filed their amended... more »

• Lawmaker: Jindal tax plan faces hurdles to passage

  April 1, 2013 2:39 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The Lafayette lawmaker sponsoring Gov. Bobby Jindal's tax rewrite proposals says no one should consider the tax package dead on arrival, as some critics have claimed. Rep. Joel Robideaux, Republican chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, says opposition from a powerful business lobbying group and hundreds... more »

• Jindal tax plan includes rebates for poor, retired

  March 29, 2013 3:13 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal's tax package includes handing out rebate checks to the poor, military employees and certain retirees who otherwise could face hefty tax hikes under the restructuring. Those groups don't pay income taxes, so Jindal's proposal to eliminate income taxes in exchange for higher and more... more »

• Treasurer pushes for vote on Jindal tax plan

  March 29, 2013 10:20 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Treasurer John Kennedy says he thinks voters should decide whether to rewrite Louisiana's tax laws, if lawmakers pass Gov. Bobby Jindal's tax swap. Kennedy said in a column Thursday that the governor's proposal would impact every Louisiana taxpayer, so voters should decide in a statewide election if... more »

• Jindal increases proposed sales tax hike

  March 28, 2013 6:13 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal has made changes to his tax revamp proposal and will push to boost state sales taxes even higher than already announced to make the numbers balance. Jindal's proposal would increase the state sales tax from 4 percent to 6.25 percent, rather than the 5.88... more »

• Woman threatens Gov. Jindal by crashing car into mansion gate Play Video

  March 27, 2013 10:36 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana State Police arrested a woman accused of using her car as a battering ram and smashing it into security gates at the (new) Governor's Mansion in Baton Rouge. According to arrest records, on March 8th at 5:41 pm, Cheryl Aljuwani, 51, crashed her car into... more »

• La. Dems sound off against Jindal tax plan

  March 27, 2013 10:41 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Democrats critical of Gov. Bobby Jindal's tax swap plan sounded off at the state Capitol today. Representative James Armes (D-La. 30) said Jindal's plan to eliminate the state income tax and increase the state sales tax would take from the poor and give to the rich,... more »

• Jindal plan estimated to boost business tax costs

  March 26, 2013 1:56 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal's leader on his tax rewrite says the plan would shift $500 million in tax costs from individuals to businesses. Tim Barfield, executive counsel for the Department of Revenue, says companies will benefit from the simplicity and stability of the rewritten tax laws. Lawmakers questioned... more »

• Phase-In Recommended for Tax Plan

  March 25, 2013 11:23 AM

  BATON ROUGE - A government watchdog group says Gov. Bobby Jindal's tax plan should include a "margin of error" factor so the state doesn't end up facing new budget shortfalls. The Council for A Better Louisiana also suggests that if lawmakers agree to the tax system revamp, it should be... more »

• Religious leaders say Jindal tax data is wrong

  March 22, 2013 2:14 PM

  BATON ROUGE- A group of Louisiana religious leaders say Gov. Bobby Jindal used flawed data to claim nearly all families won't see increased costs under the governor's tax code rewrite. Jindal wants to get rid of state income taxes, in exchange for higher and more state sales taxes. The clergy... more »

• Jindal cancels Medicaid contract under grand jury review

  March 21, 2013 4:53 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration is scrapping a lucrative state Medicaid contract that is the subject of a federal grand jury investigation. Commissioner of Administration Kristy Nichols issued a statement Thursday announcing the termination of the more than $185 million contract with Maryland-based CNSI. Nichols says she made... more »

• PAR: Jindal plan $650M short of 'revenue neutral'

  March 21, 2013 12:21 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A nonpartisan watchdog group says Gov. Bobby Jindal's tax code rewrite could cost the state as much as $650 million in lost revenue as currently proposed. The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana says Jindal's plan appears to fall short of the claim that it is "revenue... more »

• Web purchase tax included in Gov. Jindal's reforms Play Video

  March 19, 2013 5:58 PM

  BATON ROUGE - One option being considered for Governor Bobby Jindal's tax reform package is a blanket, income-based tax which would cover all online purchases. It's called a safe harbor plan, and Louisiana budget officials say other states have already adopted similar measures. The plan would let people make... more »

• Gov. Jindal to visit Bayou Corne community

  March 19, 2013 10:27 AM

  BAYOU CORNE - Governor Bobby Jindal scheduled a meeting today with families and officials in the Bayou Corne community, which has been battling the effects of a large sinkhole. Buyouts began this week for property owners evacuated or affeted by the sinkhole, which is on land owned by Texas... more »

• Committee approves state property sale

  March 18, 2013 1:43 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A joint legislative committee today approved the sale of a state property as proposed in Governor Jindal's executive budget. Wooddale Towers has been vacant since April 2011. State budget officials say some of the last tenants were state offices that have since been consolidated. A... more »

• 250 clergy call Jindal tax plan unfair to poor

  March 18, 2013 12:04 PM

  BATON ROUGE - More than 250 Louisiana clergy members have signed a letter to Gov. Bobby Jindal opposing his tax swap proposal. The letter was delivered to Jindal's office Monday, calling the Republican governor's proposal unfair and saying it would worsen the financial burden on the poor and moderate-income. Jindal... more »

• Jindal proposes $1.4B in new taxes on services

  March 15, 2013 2:58 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Your paycheck will grow larger, but in exchange, your haircut, cable TV and insurance bills will go up, if lawmakers agree to Gov. Bobby Jindal's rewrite of Louisiana's tax code. Jindal wants to do away with state income taxes, but he doesn't want to shrink the state's revenue... more »

• Tax plan targets services Play Video

  March 14, 2013 5:35 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Governor Bobby Jindal's plan to reform the state's tax system and eliminate the individual income tax would also need to add taxes on some services for the first time. Traditionally, services like haircuts, landscaping, pet grooming and cable TV aren't taxed, but Jindal's plan would add the... more »

• Jindal details tax reform plan at Capitol Play Video

  March 14, 2013 11:25 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Governor Bobby Jindal said the Louisiana's sales tax rate would increase from 4 percent to 5.88 percent under his plan to eliminate both the individual income tax and corporate income and franchise taxes. If approved, the tax reforms would also boost Louisiana's combined local and state... more »

• Jindal to reveal tax code revamp proposal Thursday

  March 14, 2013 8:58 AM

  BATON ROUGE- After months of behind-the-scenes discussion, Gov. Bobby Jindal is unveiling the details of his tax code rewrite proposal to lawmakers. Jindal wants to eliminate state income taxes and replace them with other tax hikes. The Republican governor will describe his plan in person to the House and Senate... more »

• Jindal: Buyout process for sinkhole starts this week

  March 13, 2013 3:24 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Governor Bobby Jindal said today Texas Brine will buy out property owners affected by a massive sinkhole which appeared in Assumption Parish last year. Jindal said the buyout process will begin this week, starting with property appraisals. People who volunteer to be bought out will be... more »

• Jindal to meet with Texas Brine over buyouts

  March 13, 2013 10:28 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Governor Bobby Jindal said he plans to push for quick buyouts of property affected by the Assumption Parish sinkhole when he meets with Texas Brine officials today. Jindal met with parish officials to discuss the sinkhole Monday. He said then he planned to push Texas Brine,... more »

• Lawsuit against Jindal considered over reef money

  March 13, 2013 9:52 AM

  BATON ROUGE- Gov. Bobby Jindal's appointees on the state's wildlife and fisheries regulatory panel are threatening to sue the Jindal administration. At issue is Jindal's continuing diversions of millions of dollars donated by oil companies to turn old drilling rigs into artificial reefs to instead pay for other items across... more »

• Legislators hold hearing on federal health care law

  March 13, 2013 7:40 AM

  BATON ROUGE - This morning, state lawmakers plan to weigh the pros and cons of expanding Louisiana's Medicaid program to cover more uninsured adults. During the hearing, The Senate and House insurance committees will get information about the federal health care law that allows for the expansion. Gov.... more »

• Jindal to visit sinkhole, push for buyouts Play Video

  March 11, 2013 2:38 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Governor Bobby Jindal's office said he plans to visit the site of the Bayou Corne sinkhole next week, and push for buyouts of property affected by evacuations in the area. Jindal met today with Assumption Parish President Marty Triche and other parish leaders to discuss the... more »

• Jindal to meet with parish leaders about sinkhole

  March 11, 2013 10:53 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Governor Bobby Jindal scheduled a meeting this afternoon with Assumption Parish leaders to discuss the status of the Bayou Corne sinkhole, and what could done for displaced residents. The meeting will be at 1 p.m. today at the governor's mansion in Baton Rouge. The meeting... more »

• Jindal sidesteps questions about sinkhole visit

  March 6, 2013 3:17 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Governor Bobby Jindal has dodged questions about whether he'll visit the site of a massive sinkhole that has swallowed nine acres of land in swampy Assumption Parish. Residents displaced since August have criticized the governor for having never traveled to see the sinkhole or speak with the families.... more »

• New multi-million dollar plant bringing jobs to BR Play Video

  March 6, 2013 1:35 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Jindal and city leaders announced today that a new multi-million dollar chemical company project would start construction soon in Baton Rouge, leading to hundreds of new jobs. Jindal said the state had been working for a year to land the $150 million expansion for Katoen... more »

• Tax break study panel releases recommendations

  March 5, 2013 10:37 AM

  BATON ROUGE- Lawmakers who spent months reviewing Louisiana's lengthy list of tax breaks are recommending more regular oversight and study of the credits, exemptions and rebates. In its final report released Tuesday, the Revenue Study Commission didn't recommend getting rid of any specific tax breaks. Instead, the 14-member panel provided... more »

• Education reform ruling victory for teachers group Play Video

  March 4, 2013 6:03 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The Louisiana Federation of Teachers is applauding the judge who struck down the third part of Gov. Jindal's education reform, ruling it unconstitutional. President of LFT Steve Monaghan says, since the law has been enacted, it's created tension among the state's educators. "It was a... more »

• Treasurer slams Jindal's budget as unbalanced

  March 4, 2013 2:53 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Treasurer John Kennedy says Gov. Bobby Jindal's budget proposal for next year is unrealistic and unbalanced. Kennedy says that the state will face another round of midyear budget slashing if lawmakers approve the governor's spending plans for the 2013-14 fiscal year. The Republican treasurer says Jindal's budget includes... more »

• Jindal calls for eliminating 25 boards, commissions

  March 1, 2013 5:27 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Governor Bobby Jindal's office released a list of 25 state boards and commissions he's asking state lawmakers to eliminate. Jindal's office said the groups were either inactive, fulfilled their original mission or could be absorbed into existing boards and commissions. Jindal also proposed legislation to... more »

• Sale of state buildings are a part of Jindal's proposed budget Play Video

  February 27, 2013 6:25 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Governor Bobby Jindal plans on selling $47 million dollars in state property to help balance next year's budget. The properties on the market include Wooddale Towers, the state office building at the corner of Convention Street and 3rd Street, and the parking lot where the old state... more »

• Jindal proposes $47M in property sales in budget

  February 26, 2013 2:10 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Governor Bobby Jindal's budget is relying on selling six tracts of state property around south Louisiana to remain in balance. However, none of the land sales are done deals. Jindal's budget for next year assumes the state will receive $47 million from the property sales. Its... more »

• Landrieu: Jindal an obstructionist on Medicaid

  February 26, 2013 11:53 AM

  BATON ROUGE- U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu says Gov. Bobby Jindal's refusal to expand Louisiana's Medicaid program is tied to his presidential ambitions at the expense of benefits for Louisiana. The Democratic senator accused the Republican governor of obstructionism. Landrieu said Jindal seems adamant about putting his political future ahead of... more »

• Jindal faces trouble in home state

  February 25, 2013 2:42 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Governor Bobby Jindal is facing trouble in Louisiana, even he gives advice on how the GOP can regroup and looks to position himself to be a national party front man. The new head of the Republican Governors Association has made a series of cuts to health services... more »

• Jindal budget calls for $424M in one-time cash

  February 22, 2013 10:57 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Lawmakers questioned Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration today about decisions in their proposed budget for next year. Jindal's $24.7 billion budget calls for the use of $424 million in one-time cash and college tuition increases to prevent deeper cuts to higher education. Commissioner of Administration Kristy... more »

• Gov. Jindal to reveal budget plan today

  February 22, 2013 7:31 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal says his proposed $24.7 billion budget for next year relies heavily on privatization plans for LSU's charity hospitals to offset the loss of hundreds of millions of dollars in federal Medicaid funding. Congress cut Louisiana's Medicaid payment rate last year. That's a significant factor... more »

• No new details on income tax elimination from Jindal

  February 21, 2013 5:15 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal gave no new details today on his plans to eliminate the state's income tax when he preview his proposed budget plans for next year. Jindal said he is still meeting with legislators to discuss revenue-neutral solutions to eliminating the state income tax, and... more »

• John Bel Edwards running for governor

  February 20, 2013 11:21 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The Democratic leader in the Louisiana House says he's running for governor in 2015. Rep. John Bel Edwards of Amite becomes the first Democrat to say he'll be a candidate in the race. He announced his plans Wednesday on a Baton Rouge-based radio show hosted by Jim... more »

• Jindal asks for disaster declaration after January floods

  February 18, 2013 5:27 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal asked FEMA today to expedite a disaster declaration after statewide flooding last month. Jindal sent a letter requesting the declaration to the federal government, saying Louisiana saw more than $6.5 million in damage from the widespread floods between Jan. 8 and 17. ... more »

• Jindal's trips for Romney cost La. taxpayers

  February 18, 2013 12:09 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Taxpayers spent more than $18,000 to cover Gov. Bobby Jindal's security detail during his trips to stump for former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney. The other costs of Jindal's trips for non-state business, such as flights, meals and hotels, are paid for by his own campaign,... more »

• Jindal administration weighs debt refinancing

  February 14, 2013 5:45 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The Jindal administration is looking at ways to restructure Louisiana's debt to keep dollars flowing for state construction projects, even as the state hovers near its debt ceiling. The governor's top budget adviser, Commissioner of Administration Kristy Nichols, said Thursday that the administration will ask the Bond... more »

• Jindal says he won't reconsider Medicaid expansion

  February 14, 2013 3:38 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal is holding firm to his decision not to expand Louisiana's Medicaid coverage under new health care reforms, despite the participation of several other Republican governors. Jindal said Thursday he won't be including the federal funding for a Medicaid expansion in his state budget proposal... more »

• Governor's Mansion goes red for Heart Health Month

  February 14, 2013 11:11 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The Governor's Mansion will glow red for Heart Health Month. This is the fifth year in a row that the Mansion will be lit red to highlight the impact of cardiovascular disease on all our citizens, but particularly women. It will be red from Feb. 14... more »

• Jindal administration hires new technology chief

  February 8, 2013 11:23 AM

  BATON ROUGE- Louisiana is getting a new state technology chief. Chief Information Officer Ed Driesse is retiring in April. Gov. Bobby Jindal's commissioner of administration, Kristy Nichols, announced Friday that Louisiana's former social services secretary will return to the state to take over the vacant job. Ruth Johnson will lead... more »

• Jindal, McDonnell to talk about education reform

  February 8, 2013 6:25 AM

  RICHMOND, Va. - A week after enlisting former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush in his campaign for education reform, Gov. Bob McDonnell is calling on a fellow Republican leader from Louisiana. Governor Jindal is scheduled to appear with McDonnell at a news conference Friday in Richmond. They will talk about McDonnell's... more »

• Judge calls off execution scheduled on Ash Wednesday

  February 7, 2013 11:41 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The execution for a Desoto Parish man convicted in the death of his stepson has been put on hold by a federal judge in Baton Rouge. U.S. District Judge James Brady ruled Thursday that state corrections officials have given Christopher Sepulvado too little information about the... more »

• Jindal seeking to expand sales tax to more items

  February 6, 2013 3:08 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Governor Bobby Jindal wants to charge state sales taxes on more services and products than there are currently provided. Items like landscaping, marina services and cable TV could be included. Governor Jindal says the increase on the state's sales tax income would help offset the loss... more »

• Jindal rejects call from bishops to stop execution Play Video

  February 5, 2013 2:03 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal won't halt a state execution planned for next week of a DeSoto Parish man who murdered his 6-year-old stepson two decades ago. Jindal spokesman Sean Lansing said Tuesday that the governor sees no reason to intervene in the case. Christopher Sepulvado is scheduled to... more »

• Jindal tax plan expected to include cigarette tax

  February 4, 2013 3:12 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Two years after strongly opposing a 4-cent cigarette tax renewal, Gov. Bobby Jindal is considering his own larger proposal to raise tobacco taxes. The Jindal administration has floated the idea to lawmakers for the upcoming legislative session that begins in April, as part of a proposed rewrite... more »

• Trial set in lawsuit against state retirement plan

  January 24, 2013 10:20 AM

  BATON ROUGE - A Baton Rouge judge is hearing arguments in a lawsuit challenging Gov. Bobby Jindal's 401(k)-style retirement plan for future rank-and-file state workers. The Retired State Employees Association of Louisiana claims the law is unconstitutional because it didn't get a two-thirds vote in the state House of Representatives.... more »