The 2020 legislative session begins today and for many lawmakers, lowering auto insurance rates is a top priority. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says tort reform could be the answer as Louisiana has the highest jury trial threshold at 50-thousand dollars, which means a jury will not hear a case unless there are at least 50-thousand dollars in damages. He says this allows trial lawyers to judge shop for favorable venues…
cut 7 (09) “…system”

Over 11-hundred bills have been filed for the session that must end by June 1st. Sports betting and recreational marijuana are among the issues to be discussed. Political analyst Clancy Dubos expects to see a push to abolish the death penalty and other criminal justice bills…
cut 5 (08) “…the table”

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy is co-authoring legislation that he says will lead to bigger social security checks for teachers, first responders and other public servants who receive Social Security according to their work history. Cassidy says the bill will produce a better formula that allocates based on what workers earn throughout their lifetime…
cut 15 (10) “…should be”
Cassidy says Louisiana is one of 16 states with is called a Windfall Provision.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation announces a three-year, $600,000 grant investment into the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Monroe. Foundation President Michael Tipton says the money will lead to more cancer screenings, prevention and education programs in 12 parishes.
Cut 11 (11) “…the Delta region.”
Tipton says parishes in the Louisiana delta have some of the highest rates of cancer but also some of the latest-stage diagnoses.