wrkf news

Legislature Avoids Fiscal Cliff, Closes 2018 Session

By & • Jun 24, 2018
Jessica Rosgaard / WWNO

After months of deadlock, lawmakers have finally agreed on a solution to the fiscal cliff, avoiding major cuts to state services and bringing an early end to the third special session.

Louisiana House Reaches Tax Deal, Sending Bill To The Senate

By • Jun 22, 2018

Lawmakers in Louisiana’s House reached a bipartisan compromise Friday, ending a months-long stalemate over taxes. The House narrowly approved setting the state sales tax rate at 4.45% starting July 1. That rate would stay in place for 7 years - until 2025.

Lawmakers Fail To Solve Budget, Revenue Problems As Special Session Ends

By • Jun 5, 2018
Tryfon Boukouvidis / LSU Manship School News Service

The legislature managed to pass a budget on the final day of the special session, but ultimately failed to raise revenue to fund it.

Governor John Bel Edwards - in a press conference after the House adjourned at midnight - called it a disaster and pointed the blame at Republican leaders in the House.

Medicaid Recipients And Safety Net Hospitals Concerned As Lawmakers Debate Budget

By • May 11, 2018
Wallis Watkins / WRKF

On the same day thousands of letters were sent to Medicaid recipients across Louisiana warning them of potential cuts to the program, Governor John Bel Edwards tried to address concerns at University Hospital and Clinics in Lafayette - one of the state’s hospital partners threatening to shut down if they aren’t fully funded in next year’s budget.

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