BY DOUG GRAHAM | Staff writer Signs are beginning to form that Gov. Jeff Landry’s plan to remodel the state's tax system may see some increased opposition as it moves through the special session of the Legislature. The governor's administration says the net results of the changes will be a small budget surplus in future years, but some lawmakers say they are concerned that the moves would actually cause deficits. The House Ways and Means Committee overwhelmingly passed a series of changes Friday that ultimately would have to be approved by amending the state constitution in a statewide vote on March 29. Read more about Friday's developments. Gov. Jeff Landry has ordered the head of the Department of Environmental Quality to review the agency's permitting with an eye on streamlining the system. The goal is to help Louisiana compete for new investment against other states like Texas, where Landry says the permitting process is easier and cheaper. Some local environmental groups questioned the need for the order for an agency that rarely rejects projects. Read more about the issue. If LSU doesn’t make the College Football Playoff, is coach Brian Kelly on the hot seat? Hardly, says columnist Scott Rabalais. But with a win Saturday night over Alabama in Death Valley, the Tigers and their coach could take a big step toward their ultimate goal. Read more about what a victory could mean for Kelly's stature on campus. |