The House will debate the state budget today. Governor Landry is looking to put 94-million dollars into the LA GATOR scholarship program, and House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says the House was able to keep that intact.
Cut 23 (08) “…early childhood education.”
LA GATOR funding, however, could run into some resistance in the Senate. The budget also keeps teacher salaries at their current level, which was thrown into question following the failure of Amendment 2 back in March.
The House Education Committee yesterday revised a bill to prevent hazing, initially requiring a semester-long course for students joining campus groups. It was replaced with a two-hour annual training due to cost concerns. The bill was filed by New Orleans Democrat Delisha Boyd after Southern University student Caleb Wilson’s hazing-related death.
Cut 6 (07) “…don’t have to deal with.”
The Louisiana Department of Health is sounding the alarm on whooping cough. Secretary Bruce Greenstein says the number of cases so far this year has already exceeded those from all of last year.
Addis native John Foster is back in Los Angeles, preparing for Sunday’s season finale of American Idol. He returned after a whirlwind day in his hometown, which included a parade and a mini-concert. Earlier in the day, the 18-year-old LSU pre-med student stopped by the State Capitol, where lawmakers issued a proclamation in his honor. Foster said he makes it a point on American Idol to mention that he’s proud to be from Louisiana.