With the Louisiana Radio Network Legislative Report, I’m Kevin Barnhart.
Lawmakers will be faced with two big policy questions this session that could end up being defining issues of the session in sports betting and marijuana, and according to the latetest release from the Louisiana Survey theres majority support for both legalized sports betting as well as the legalization of recreational marijuana use. LSU Public Policy Research Lab Director Dr. Mike Henderson says sports betting received support from 59% of residents while recreational marijuana received the approval of 55% of residents.
Cut 6 (08) “…social issues.”
Legislation to legalize sports betting in Louisiana is up for discussion in the session. Governor Edwards has voiced his support for the activity.
Henderson says there is a big generational gap on recreational pot support. A majority of support comes from younger residents. 80% of those ages 18-29 support the idea of legalization, but those 65 and older showed a 69% opposition.
Cut 7 (10) “…to the idea.”
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A family advocacy group is bringing legislation that would guarantee Louisianans 12 weeks of paid parental, family emergency, or long term illness leave. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”
Former Governor Kathleen Blanco is not bedbound and “in hospice care” according to her family. This was a contradiction of recent reports that the Katrina era governor had entered into hospice end of life care. The family says while she is not able to walk, she still visits friends and loved ones by getting around on her scooter. The family defined the care as “hospice assistance” and say she is no longer seeking treatment for her cancer.