The Louisiana Department of Health gave updates on measles and whooping cough cases throughout the state. Secretary Bruce Greenstein (“green-steen”) says the state epidemiology team launched an investigation into potential measles exposures after the department confirmed two cases.
Cut 4 (06) “…cases were identified.” (No new cases identified)
Greenstein says for whooping cough, 170 cases confirmed this year, which already surpasses the 2024 total of 154. L-D-H says vaccination is the best way to prevent serious complications.
The Louisiana House will debate the state budget today. The biggest question is whether the legislature would keep teacher pay at its current level in light of the failure of Amendment 2 at the ballot box in March. House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says they were able to do just that.
Cut 7 (11) “…in recurring revenue.”
Once the House approves the budget bill today, the Senate will spend the next few weeks going over the spending plan.
A bill to ban kratom continues to make its way through the legislative process. The House Criminal Justice Committee voted for the legislation that’s already been approved by the Senate. The committee heard tearful testimony from David Lubrano Senior, who told lawmakers his son took his own life after he could not get over his addiction to kratom…
But there are those who say kratom is a better alternative than opioids when it comes to managing pain…
On a ten to one vote, the committee approved the bill, sending to the House floor for more consideration.