Before lawmakers left for the weekend, the state House approved a 47-billion-dollar budget proposal. House Appropriations Chair Jack McFarland says the spending plan for the fiscal year that begins July 1st makes critical investments in public school classrooms and workforce training.
Cut 12 (11) “…high-impact jobs program.”
In the race for the G-O-P nomination for U.S. Senate, Bill Cassidy has a huge lead with more than seven-million dollars cash on hand. Julia Letlow has more than 2.275-million, while John Fleming has more than 2.2-million after loaning himself 10-million dollars. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says self-funding his campaign may be part of his strategy.
Cut 4 (10) “…more a contender.”
Inmates preparing to be released from prison or jail will get health coverage through Medicaid under a new state policy. Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein (green-steen) says by beginning medical services for substance abuse treatment and mental health disorders while in prison and providing a 30-day supply of prescription drugs, these people are much less likely to go back to jail.
Cut 8 (08) “…once they leave.”
Another whooping crane is shot to death in Evangeline Parish. Biologists reported a lost signal on the whooping crane’s collar on March 19th, and Wildlife and Fisheries agents found the dead bird the next day. LDWF Corporal Tib Guillory says 49-year-old Michael Alaniz of Chicago admitted to killing the bird.