Over a dozen states have announced they will be withdrawing from the federally enhanced unemployment insurance boost to unemployment benefits in an effort to force residents back to work as the economy begins to reopen.
State lawmakers are taking a slightly different approach here, more carrot than stick with a House committee approving legislation that would offer a 1,000 dollar bonus to beneficiaries who return to work off of unemployment. But there’s a catch, those who accept the bonus would be barred from receiving unemployment benefits for 24 weeks.
Natchitoches Representative Kenny Cox says he’s concerned about that…
But Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews reluctantly supports it…
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There were other concerns raised by committee members over just how the bonuses would be administered, and whether or not unemployment funds can actually be used or restricted in this way.
A House committee approves legislation that would allow either chamber of the Legislature to fully terminate or modify an emergency declaration by the Governor on a majority vote. Opponents took issue with the fact that only one chamber would have these sweeping powers during an emergency, but bill author Abita Springs Representative Larry Frieman says requiring both chambers would make the bill pointless.
The House is set to consider legislation that would ban the use of handheld wireless devices while driving. It’s now several years in a row the Legislature has considered this type of bill, but Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval says we now have ample evidence to support passing it.
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Fines would not begin until January 1st 2022 and would begin at 100 dollars for a first offense.