Louisiana students performed poorly on the National Assessment of Education Progress exams. The state’s fourth-graders had the worst math scores in the nation and finished 49th in reading. Eighth graders didn’t perform much better, 50th in math and 48th in reading. Last year was the first time, fourth graders took the math portion of the exam on a computer.

Emotional testimony is expected this morning in the House Transportation committee where they’ll vote on a “hands free” bill while driving. Suzanne Salter says the measure by Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval doesn’t say you can’t talk on a cell phone while driving, it just can’t be in your hand…
cut 5 (10) “….steering wheel”
Salter’s daughter was killed in a car wreck caused by a texting driver.

A 24-7 Wall Street report says Louisiana is ranked fifth in the nation in the least amount of taxes paid to local and state governments. LSU Economist Doctor Jim Richardson….
cut 11 (08) “…property taxes”
The report shows Louisiana residents pay just eight percent of their income to state and local governments.

The Senate has approved legislation that makes it clear Louisiana prohibits the sexual abuse of animals. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says the bill also makes it illegal to traffick animals for sex acts, which he says happens in Louisiana…..
cut 14 (04) “….explaining it”
But despite its passage, 10 senators voted against the bill. Morrell said during floor discussion some lawmakers believed the legislation was too ambiguous. The measure still needs House approval before heading to the governor’s desk.

The Senate also approved a bill that allows students to wear bulletproof backpacks in school.