A ten-million dollar proposal to exempt feminine products and diapers from the state sales tax will be heard in a Senate committee today. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”
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Governor Edwards says if it reaches his desk, he would sign legislation concealing the identity of companies that sell the state lethal injection chemicals. Matt Doyle spoke to the bill’s sponsor…
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Juniors and Seniors at public high schools may soon have the chance to take two college courses, free of charge starting next year. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
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Kathleen Blanco’s family wants the public to know the former governor is not as close to death as reports indicated last week when it was announced she was in hospice care. Advocate Reporter Tyler Bridges spoke with Blanco’s husband, Raymond Blanco, and he says his wife is still active despite her terminal cancer
Cut 4 (12) “…those visits.”
Bridges says Blanco can no longer walk, but is getting around with the help of an electric wheelchair
Cut 5 (11) “…going forward.”
Bridges says no one knows how many days the former governor has left, but she’s trying to live them to the fullest. She was first diagnosed with a rare eye cancer in 2011. Blanco announced in 2017 that the cancer had returned and Bridges says it appears she’s in the final stages of her battle
Cut 6 (07) “…her body.”
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A Senate Committee is set to hear a proposal today that would exempt feminine hygiene products and diapers from the state sales tax. Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moller says the proposal would cost the state 10-million dollars in revenues, but that’s not a lot of money in a 30-billion dollar budget…
Cut 7 (11) “…relief.”
There’s two versions of the proposal, one a bill, and one an amendment that would require two thirds legislative support and over 50 percent of the vote on the October ballot. Moller says this legislation would help a lot of working class mothers.
Cut 8 (10) “…budget.”
An NPR report showed goods marketed to women can have as much as a 13 percent markup, known as the “Pink Tax”.
Moller says the precedent for the legislation is already there, as the state constitution exempts “necessities” like groceries, prescriptions, and utilities. Moller says ask any women or parent if these products are optional.
Cut 9 (07) “…by men.″
The legislation is being proposed by New Orleans Senator JP Morrell.
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Hammond Representative Nicky Muscarello has legislation that would conceal the identities of companies that sell lethal injection drugs or equipment to the state. Louisiana has not performed an execution since 2010, and Muscarello says a big reason why is drug companies fear retaliation from anti-death penalty consumers.
Cut 10 (11) “…them private.”
The legislation is similar to that which is in place in neighboring states like Arkansas and Texas.
The Tangipahoa Parish Republican says he was inspired by the testimonies of the families of victims who’s attackers are awaiting their final moments. Muscarello says those families were promised an execution, and this would help increase the odds of that happening.
Cut 11 (07) “…progress.”
Courts, tribunals, commissions, agencies and individuals would not have access to the information if this law were to pass.
Muscarello says the death penalty is law, and it’s the legislature’s responsibility to make the enforcement of law as feasible as possible.
Cut 12 (08) “…with that.”
Governor Edwards says he would sign the legislation if it were to reach his desk.
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A Senate Bill up consideration in the legislative session would allowing every junior and senior public high school students to take two college courses free of charge starting next school year. It’s an effort that has the support of Gov. John Bel Edwards. Higher Ed Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says while Louisiana does offer dual enrollment, there isn’t universal access.
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Hunter Reed says the state Board of Regents is looking into ways to keep the students from having to foot the bill on dual enrollment classes following a fee-shaming study that was conducted last year.
Cut 14 (08) “…around dual enrollment.”
Hunter Reed says emphasizing the importance of college through easier access to dual enrollment is a message that needs to be given to students.
Cut 15 (10) “…is important.”
Only 23-percent of Louisiana high school students participated in dual enrollment in 2017-2018.
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After losing the series opener 16-9, the LSU Tigers roared back over the next two games to beat Florida 13-1 in Game two and then 11-2 in the rubber game on Saturday. Eric Walker was the winning pitcher in the series finale and had plenty of run support, as the Tigers scored nine runs over the first three innings. Coach Paul Mainieri is pleased with his team’s performance…
Cut 16 (13) “…we can play”
For the series, LSU scored 33 runs. Antoine Duplantis had a career best nine hits over a three-game series. Mainieri says you need your best players to perform well in order to win…
cut 17 (17) “.contributing”
Josh Smith also had a big weekend and finished off the series by hitting his sixth home run of the season and driving in four runs. The shortstop says the Tigers knew they had to step up after losing the series opener…