Senate Governmental Affairs debated one of the two congressional map offerings for almost five hours on Thursday. As the court-imposed June 20th deadline to submit a new map looms. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (40) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
____________________________________
Another property insurance company exits Louisiana; leaving thousands seeking coverage…with the hurricane season already underway. Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”
_____________________________________
State offices are closed today for the first official observance of Juneteenth. David Grubb has more on the meaning of the day…
Cut 3 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”
________________________________________________
As the June 20th court-imposed deadline lingers, Senate Governmental Affairs debated one bill for almost five hours on Thursday. Committee members voted to hold Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields’ bill over for debate until Friday. Fields’ bill has two Black-majority districts instead of one. He says delaying the vote is a slippery slope on the existing timeline.
Cut 4 (08) “…Federal court.”
Committee Chair, Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt, who also has a congressional map bill in the special session, countered when Fields when reminded members of the looming deadline
Cut 5 (07) “…our job.”
Amendments to Fields’ legislation were discussed in committee, one that will negate Field’s map if the courts ultimately rule that the enacted map with only one Black majority is legal. Fields voiced his frustration.
Cut 6 (08) “…bad advice.”
House Governmental Affairs meets at 9 AM Friday where four congressional maps are on the docket.
_____________________________________________
Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon addresses homeowners’ worries after another property insurance carrier cancels tens of thousands of policies, with hurricane season already underway. Donelon says Lighthouse Excalibur is the latest in a series of companies to declare insolvency…:
Cut 7 (08) “…a new policy.”
Donelon says Lighthouse is the latest property insurer to cancel or non-renew policies in the wake of three strong hurricanes in 2020 and a major storm, Hurricane Ida, last fall. He says Lighthouse customers have until the end of the month to secure new coverage. Donelon says that’s not ALL of the bad news, though…:
Cut 8 (10) “…Southern Fidelity Insurance Company.”
Donelon says Lighthouse Excalibur, and now Southern Fidelity, make five companies to exit the state…:
Cut 9 (12) “…and Lighthouse.”
Donelon says displaced customers can seek assistance getting new coverage by calling the Department of Insurance, or visiting their website at “ldi.louisiana.gov.” He says some may need to use the state’s last-resort property insurer, Louisiana Citizens.
_______________________________________
State offices are closed today for the first official observance of Juneteenth, which became a legal holiday in Louisiana last year. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers reached Galveston, Texas, and relayed the news that the Civil War had ended and that the Emancipation Proclamation had freed all those enslaved there two and half years earlier. Baton Rouge Rep. Larry Selders sponsored the legislation and recalls its passage vividly.
Cut 10 (11) “…part of it.”
While Juneteenth celebrations have been held throughout the state for years, many still don’t know the history of the holiday. Selders says the importance of the Juneteenth lies in the awareness and education it generates for citizens of all races.
Cut 11 (09) “…kids to know.”
Selders says he’s proud that the state eliminated holidays celebrating the Confederacy through legislation during this past session. He says that many didn’t know they existed, just as they didn’t know the history of Juneteenth, and believes we can reckon with the worst of our shared past while working toward a better future.
Cut 12 (08) “…hopefully they will.”
Federal offices will be closed on Monday.
________________________________________
A bipartisan gun safety bill is up for consideration in the US Senate. The bill calls for background checks and billions in funding for community mental health centers. When asked about his thoughts on the legislation on his monthly radio call-in show “Ask the Governor” Governor John Bel Edwards applauds the legislation.
Cut 13 (09) “…Uvalde.”
The bill also calls for extensive background checks for those 18 to 21 wishing to purchase a gun so their juvenile records can be reviewed for violations that would prohibit them from owning a firearm. Edwards who supports Second Amendment Rights is in favor of background checks.
Cut 14 (10) “…long ago.”
The gun safety bill however does not raise the age from 18 to 21 for those wishing to purchase AR-15 style rifles. Edwards believes the age limit to purchase certain types of guns should be raised.
Cut 15 (11) “…then either.”
______________________________________________
The Saints wrapped up minicamp yesterday by working indoors to escape the heat. The team had total participation in minicamp and Dennis Allen thinks they laid a great foundation heading into training camp next month.
Cut 16 (21) “…2022 season.”
Allen says overall he’s been very happy with how the organization has handled the offseason and while he’s excited about the talent on the field and the sidelines, he knows the Saints’ work has just begun.
Cut 17 (18) “ …not satisfied.”
The expectations in New Orleans are high after last season’s disappointment. Allen knows where the bar is and says the Saints are keeping their focus on continuing to improve each day.
Cut 18 (20) “ …in those areas.”
______________________________________________