The House approves a tax and fee structure for sports betting. The legislation calls for a ten-percent tax on the net proceeds of an operator for on-premise sports wagering and an 18-percent tax on net proceeds from mobile betting. Crowley Representative John Stefanski’s bill also allows the Louisiana Lottery to oversee sports betting at bars and restaurants, where alcohol is served
Stefanski says most of the tax money from bets placed at kiosks run by the Louisiana Lottery will go towards education…
Voters in 55 of the state’s 64 parishes approved sports betting.
The House approves legislation that would roll back the use of non-compete clauses for doctors.
An effort to end the use of nearly unpaid involuntary servitude in Louisiana prisons was defeated in committee. Bill author Brusly Representative Edmond Jordan contended the current practice is tantamount to slavery, and cited the fact it’s only allowed under the state’s “slavery exception” for convicted criminals. The effort failed 9-5 with some opponents arguing that because the 13th Amendment also includes the prison work exception the legislation would have no effect.
The National Federation of Independent Businesses is calling on lawmakers to roll back federally enhanced unemployment benefits as state businesses begin reopening only to find a critical lack of workers. Louisiana NFIB Director Dawn McVea says labor shortages are impeding economic recovery.
Opponents argue if businesses are having troubling hiring right now it’s because their pay is too low. (5-11-2021 AM)