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After years of fighting attempts to lessen the generosity of Louisiana’s film tax break program, industry leaders have come to the negotiating table. The state’s continuing budget woes, stretching into a sixth year, have provoked new scrutiny for the billions of dollars in tax breaks Louisiana gives to businesses. In the past, tax breaks received quick and easy passage, as legislative sponsors described them as critical to one industry or another and talked of the hundreds or thousands of jobs they predicted would follow. Now, lawmakers — particularly in the House of Representatives — are focusing on the price tag and questioning whether Louisiana’s getting enough for what it gives away in tax credits, exemptions, rebates and deductions. The House has stalled a proposed tax credit for firearm and ammunition manufacturers who move their businesses to Louisiana because of concerns about the cost. Lawmakers in the chamber also agreed to suspend planned tax rebate programs that haven’t yet started, sending that proposal to the Senate for debate. Wholesale change in the IRS is needed in light of disclosures that the agency targeted Tea Party and other conservative organizations for extra scrutiny. Late Wednesday, President Barack Obama responded, announcing the forced resignation of acting IRS Commissioner Steven Miller for lax oversight. Representative John Fleming, of Minden, said Congress should temporarily stop the audit authority for the Internal Revenue Service until it has a "chance to get to the root of the misconduct within that agency." Representative Steve Scalise, of Jefferson, said the scandal "is a fresh reminder of the political thuggery that has characterized the Obama administration." Four individuals are facing criminal charges, resulting from a Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office investigation of a string of all-terrain vehicle thefts in Pineville and Ball. Since May 10, detectives have recovered nine stolen ATVs, a stolen motorcycle and a utility trailer. The ATVs that have been recovered are possibly from the Tioga and Grant Parish areas. Detectives said one suspect would receive stolen property, swap parts and strip down the ATVs to sell the parts or the entire vehicle without the buyer knowing the vehicle was stolen. The Internal Revenue Service will face intensive congressional investigation after its leadership admitted to singling out some tea party-related groups for extra scrutiny. U.S. Representative Charles Boustany has been looking into allegations of the IRS targeting conservative nonprofit groups for about two years. Boustany, of Lafayette, has examined the matter as the chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight and expressed concern Monday that former IRS Administrator Doug Shulman “flat-out denied” such concerns when asked about it last year. The IRS story has picked up steam since Lois Lerner, an IRS official who oversees tax-exempt groups, apologized Friday for the Cincinnati IRS office singling out tax-exempt applications to the IRS that included phrases like “tea party” or “patriots” dating back to 2010. The admission came in advance of a U.S. Treasury Inspector General report on the topic that is expected this week. |
Winn Parish Sheriff's Department Arrest Report: On Monday, April 8, the Winn Parish Sheriff's Department arrested 18 year-old Jacob Kuhlman of Montgomery. Kuhlman was charged with illegal use of a weapon. Also arrested Monday was Jonnie Taylor, 25, of Robeline, for simple battery and unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling. On Tuesday, April 9, 27 year-old Joshua Hattaway of Winnfield was arrested for probation violation. Clint Snelling, 30, of Winnfield, was arrested Tuesday on a bench warrant for no driver's license and no seatbelt. 36 year-old Jimmy Caskey, Jr. of Jonesboro was arrested for possession of meth, possession of Xanex with intent to dristribute, possession of hydrocodone with intent to distribute, and distribution of hydrocodone. Kellogg Clifton Price, 45, of Jonesboro, was arrested for aggravated flight from an officer. 28 year-old Jerome Sanders of Kenner was arrested for possession of possible cocaine. The Winn Parish Tax Assessor will hold a public meeting Monday, May 20, at 2:30 p.m. in Room 101 of the Winn Parish Courthouse. Items of business include approval of the minutes from the last meeting on August 14, public comments, and a motion to adopt the millage rate for the 2013 tax year. The Winn Parish Police Jury will hold its regular meeting Monday, May 20, at 5:00 p.m. in the Winn Parish Courthouse. Items of business include a road update from the Road Superintendent, monthly invoices, personnel, the speed limit on George Jordan Road, assisting the Village of Sikes in repairing Caney Street, the official journal of the Police Jury, the Federal Highway Administration Recreational Trails program, and the parking lot project. The North Central Louisiana Arts Council's annual Summer Arts Camp is scheduled for July 15-19 in Jackson Parish. This camp will be at the United Methodist Church at 402 Fourth Street in Jonesboro, from 9:00 a.m. until noon each day. The camp explores 2D and 3D art, along with drama, and is designated for students entering 2nd-7th grades. Tuition for the week is $60 when registering before May 1; and $65 after May 1. The camp fee includes supplies and snacks. Space is limited, so parents are urged to register child early. To register by phone, call 255-1450.The Winn Parish Sheriff’s Department will hold two hunter safety courses at the Sheriff’s Department Shooting Range. The first session will be June 24, 25, and 27. The second session will be July 22, 23, and 25. The classes will begin at 5:30 pm and will continue until 9:00 p.m. each night. Those interested in attending one of the classes should register with the Sheriff’s Department by calling 628-4611. Each class will be limited to 30 persons. The Juanita Pharr Cancer Support Group meets on the first Friday of each month at 12:00 noon for a dutch treat meeting. All cancer survivors and caretakers are invited. There is a different meeting place each month, and persons may contact Maxine Godman for more information at 628-3858. |