Gov. John Bel Edwards calls for unity as Legislature convenes for regular session _lowres

Advocate staff photo by BILL FEIG -- Azalea bloom in the Capital Gardens in front of the State Capital Building on the first day of the regular legislative session which convened at noon. Gov. John Bel Edwards addressed the joint session at 1:00 for the State of the State.

Today in The Rundown: Updates on how much money the state spent for Gov. Edwards to travel to Puerto Rico; The latest in Congress' tax proposals; A curious hang-up in the appointment of a well-known lawyer to an important judicial bench; A Louisiana Legislature candidate blows up on radio caller; and everything else you need to know in Louisiana politics today.

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Countdown…

Days until the runoff election for state treasurer: 2

Days until the 2018 regular legislative session begins: 117

The News

Gov travels: Here's how much Louisiana paid for Gov. John Bel Edwards' trip to Puerto Rico: http://bit.ly/2A3qL1d

LA Flood: The latest version of the U.S. Senate's sweeping tax overhaul proposal includes a set of long-sought tax breaks for survivors of the catastrophic flood that swept the Baton Rouge area last year. http://bit.ly/2A43vjs

LaLege: A candidate for an open state legislative seat (you may remember his name from the past two U.S. Senate runs), had an explosive exchange with a radio show caller this week -- just days before voters head to the polls. http://bit.ly/2AG5kPG

New Orleans Mayor: Louisiana's most powerful Congressman has made his pick known through direct mailers and robocalls this week. http://bit.ly/2zFFr5J

ER, IRL, TY: North Baton Rouge now has an emergency room, which has been a major issue for members of the state Legislature and Gov. John Bel Edwards since the General closed its ER. http://bit.ly/2zHSZ0V

Courts: U.S. Sen. John Kennedy isn't addressing questions about his delay of voicing support for Kyle Duncan's proposed appointment to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, despite local television ads featuring AG Jeff Landry that are urging conservative Duncan's approval. http://bit.ly/2zDJYpq

Tax bill: A national group that opposes raising the national debt ceiling is targeting U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy with its ads. http://bit.ly/2zGQrQA

Social media: Accounts that have now been identified as being run by Russian agents portrayed themselves as being Louisiana based and stayed up-to-date on news here. http://bit.ly/2AEMnNw

Happening this week

Today

  • Board of Ethics Review Committee on Campaign Finance meets at 10 a.m. in Room F.
  • Gaming Control Board meets at 10 a.m. in Room 1.
  • State Bond Commission meets at 10 a.m. in Room A-B.
  • Legislative Audit Advisory Council meets at 1 p.m. in Room A-B.
  • Louisiana State Boxing and Wrestling Commission meets at 1 p.m. in Room 2.
  • Cash Management Review Board meets after the Bond Commission meeting in Room 3.
  • LABI’s Free Enterprise Awards take place at 6:30 p.m. at the APTIM Headquarters on Essen Lane in Baton Rouge. 
  • Gov. John Bel Edwards and Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain are touring farms in Ferriday and Slaughter.

Friday

  • Senate Finance meets at 8:30 a.m. in Room A-B.
  • House Appropriations meets at 9 a.m. in Room 6.
  • Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget meets at 9:30 a.m. in Room 5.
  • House Ways and Means meets at 9:30 am or upon adjournment of House Appropriations in Room 6.
  • Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs meets at noon in the John J. Hainkel, Jr. Room.
  • Joint Budget Dedicated Fund Review Subcommittee meets when Joint Budget ends in Room 6.
  • Gov. John Bel Edwards and Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain are touring farms in Ville Platte and Arnaudville.

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