Louisiana is one of just two states to see a decline in median wages between 2013 and 2016, according to Governing magazine’s analysis of federal data. LSU economist Dr. Loren Scott says that’s not surprising because the Bayou State has been in a recession since August of 2015..:
Cut 7 (11) “high wage jobs”
The report finds Louisiana’s median hourly wage fell by 0.5 percent to $15.43 last year.

The House has sent a bill to the Senate that would ban the use of tobacco products on school property. West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman got 60 “Yes” votes for his proposal…:
Cut 15 (06) “to be done”
He hopes this will help teachers quit smoking.

A measure that would increase the age requirement from 18 to 21 for exotic dance clubs to hire strippers is scheduled to be heard by a Senate Committee today. The bill has been touted as a way to stop human trafficking. Jim Kelly runs the Covenant House in New Orleans and he’s helped over 90 human trafficking victims recently…:
Cut 10 (10) “of 21″
A similar law was passed last year but was blocked by a judge for being too vague. Kelly says this year’s measure is far less broad.

An effort to immediately block the removal of one of the Confederate era monuments in New Orleans has been blocked by a judge. A suit was filed claiming the Beauregard statue was on private property and didn’t belong to the city. A hearing is slated for tomorrow morning.