Governor John Bel Edwards says the budget approved by lawmakers on the final day of the legislative session is finally a spending plan that focuses on the things his administration wants to focus on. Edwards says the budget contains a one-thousand dollar teacher pay raise and more money for public education and pre-k education…
cut 8 (06) “…excellent”
Higher ed also received 47 million more dollars in this year’s budget than last year’s.

House Republican Chairman Lance Harris feels it was a good session. Harris is proud the legislature approved the controversial fetal heartbeat abortion ban, which has already been signed by Governor Edwards. But he says legislation targeting sky high auto insurance rates crashed and burned…
Cut 11 (10) “…in the country.”

The governor has signed a bill that allows Louisiana farmers to grow hemp, which can be used for grain, fiber, building materials and CBD oil. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the parties involved will have to develop regulatory rules, which needs federal approval.
cut 14 (11) “….USDA”
Strain says if everything goes according to plan, Louisiana will join dozens of other states in growing hemp for the next planting season.

The Morganza Spillway in Pointe Coupee Parish will not open on Sunday as scheduled. And a new opening date has not been set. But Army Corps of Engineers spokesperson Rickey Boyett says the battle against high Mississippi River levels is still ongoing and they working 24-7, inspecting levees to make sure they are in good shape…
cut 6 (09) “…address any issues”