State

Legislature marked by sharp political divide

When state lawmakers ended their work last year, having passed a host of temporary tax increases to help fill a looming budget hole, many shrugged off the fact they did not make significant long-term changes to a tax code widely considered broken.

Gov. Edwards: Challenges Republicans to come up with solutions

Gov. John Bel Edwards had a message for Republicans opposing his plans for tax reform: Chart a new path. The call to action came during his State of the State address – the second of Edwards’ tenure – that opened the 60-day Louisiana State Legislature’s 2017 regular session.

State ranks 2nd in nation for male-female wage gap

Louisiana ranks second in the nation for greatest wage gap between men and women, 32 cents less per dollar of wages than men. Wyoming women make 36 cents less. The gap increases even further for women of color.

Opiod abuse reaches epidemic level in La.

Opiod abuse reaches epidemic level in La.

Power plant contractor sues LEPA for $18M

A contractor that built a power plant in Morgan City is suing the Louisiana Energy and Power Authority in federal court for nearly $18 million in damages, alleging that the authority breached its contract.

Medicaid expansion touted as stimulus, saving lives

Louisiana sits below the national average for state spending increases on Medicaid, a House Fiscal Division’s told Wednesday’s House Appropriations subcommittee on Health and Human Services, which also heard the Medicaid dollars needed for the next fiscal year it will be the most expensive in...

Wildlife & Fisheries, Natural Resources chiefs optimistic about funding

Although the funding cards have not always being dealt in their favor, the heads of departments of Natural Resources and Wildlife and Fisheries remain optimistic about their respective fortunes in the forthcoming fiscal year, the House subcommittee on Infrastructure and Resources was told March 30.

LSU Survey finds support for short sentences for non-violent offenders

Half of Louisiana’s overall adult residents believes the state’s criminal justice system is fair, but seven in 10 black respondents say it unfair, according to The Louisiana Survey released Tuesday.

Legislators talk about criminal justice reform

As Louisiana officials have looked for cost-cutting measures amid budget issues, one option that has come up is reforming the criminal justice system. Gov. John Bel Edwards received a plan from the Louisiana Justice Reinvestment Task Force two weeks ago.

La. residents favor taxes for transportation infrastructure improvements

More than half of Louisiana’s residents favor raising taxes to support transportation infrastructure. The state is in need of federal transportation funds, but recent events show it is unclear when the state will get it.