State

Louisiana budget 2022-23: Winners and losers

The Louisiana Legislature passed its final version of the 2022-2023 state budget proposal Thursday, totaling an unprecedented $47 billion with a focus on major bridge projects, increasing salaries for lower-paid government workers and paying off state debt.

Lawmakers, grieving parents differ on how tough to get on fentanyl

Sen. Glen Womack, R-Harrisonburg, and Rep. Marcus Bryant, D-New Iberia, have combined their individual proposals to create Millie’s Law, named after Millie Harvey. The 28-year-old woman died of an overdose in 2017 after taking heroin that she didn’t know included fentanyl.

Critical race theory bills killed

Louisiana Illuminator The Louisiana House Education Committee rejected two bills Tuesday that would have made it illegal for schools to teach that people of any race or national origin are still affected by racism or oppression, among other topics. Both authored by Rep.

House passes bill restricting transgender athletes

The House passed a bill Tuesday that would prohibit transgender athletes from competing according to their gender identity. Senate Bill 44, sponsored by Sen.

La. House committee advances bill to ban hair discrimination

The Louisiana House Committee on Civil Law and Procedure advanced a bill Monday that would prohibit discrimination based on certain hairstyles. House Bill 41, sponsored by Rep. Candace Newell, D-New Orleans, would amend discrimination law to include “natural, protective, or cultural hairstyle.

If Louisiana bans abortion, will the state spend more money on pregnant people, children?

Government leaders are split on whether the possibility of an abortion ban in Louisiana should require the state to devote more money to services for pregnant people and vulnerable children. Gov.

Something blue — and a little pink, too

If you are looking for a small, flowering shrub that tolerates drought and heat while attracting pollinators, look no further than bluebeard. No, I am not talking about the French folklore tale from the 1600s. I’m talking about a low, mounding deciduous shrub from the mint family.

Mother’s Day is gone, but termites aren’t

LSU AgCenter urban entomologist Karen Sun says right now is when Formosan subterranean termites swarm and spread their colonies. The swarm season for this destructive pest starts as early as April and lasts through June, with a peak in early to mid-May around Mother’s Day.

Louisiana state income tax filing deadline is Monday

The filing and payment deadline for 2021 state individual income tax is Monday. Taxpayers can file their returns electronically through Louisiana File Online, the state’s free web portal for individual tax filers.

Juvenile justice with focus on therapy questioned

Michele Piazza’s face swelled up with bruises. Her leg was broken in more than one place. She was beaten so severely that a year after the attack on her, she continues to have physical and mental health challenges. Piazza has worked in prisons and secure care facilities for 18 years.