The special session of the Louisiana legislature kicks off this evening at 6:30pm.

Governor John Bel Edwards will address lawmakers and outline his ideas for dealing withe the state's $304 million dollar deficit. Edwards wants to use $119 million from the rainy day fund and implement cuts to several agencies. He's not proposing any new taxes or fees. 2/3 of the house and senate have to ok using money from the rainy day fund.

Edwards' plan calls for cutting the judiciary and the state Legislature's budgets by 2.5 percent; pulling back money that was intended for a new office building for the Legislative Auditor; sweeping $3.98 million from an escrow account that was created in a settlement with a pharmaceutical company; and using nearly $10 million that the state received on bond financing.

The special session must wrap up by midnight on February 22nd.

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