State Rep. Ed Larvadain, D-Alexandria, has authored a workforce bill that would lower the minimum age for the MJ Foster Promise Program from 25 to 21. (Photo by Cross Harris / LSU Manship School News Service) BATON ROUGE — Louisiana lawmakers are advancing a series of education and workforce bills aimed at expanding vocational opportunities for students and addressing gaps in training across the state.   Three key proposals — House Bills 325, 407 and 482 — highlight a broader push to make...

Rep. John Wyble deferred a bill Monday that proposed gradually reducing the state income tax rate over a 10-year-period. ( Photo by Sheridan A. White/LSU Manship School News Service) BATON ROUGE — Efforts to eliminate or significantly reduce Louisiana’s state income tax appear to be on hold this legislative session, as lawmakers have signaled a more cautious approach following recent tax reductions. House Bill 253 by state Rep. Danny McCormick, R-Oil City, and House Bill 411 by state Rep....

State Rep. Debbie Villio, R-Kenner, has authored two bills that would tighten Louisiana’s bail laws for those convicted of major crimes against children. Photo by Francis Dinh / LSU Manship School News Service) BATON ROUGE — State Rep. Debbie Villio, R-Kenner, introduced two pieces of legislation focused on tightening Louisiana’s bail laws for individuals convicted of certain crimes against children. Both measures advanced without opposition in the House Administration of Criminal Justice...