Starting Monday, Louisianans who lost their jobs or had their hours reduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic will receive federally enhanced unemployment insurance payments in addition to the unemployment they already receive from the state. State Workforce Commission Director Ava Dejoie says the higher payments should be automatically added to your benefits if you’ve recertified your hours.
State benefits cap out at 247 dollars a week, but the feds are now throwing an extra 600 dollars a week on top of it.
Be prepared for severe weather on Easter Sunday. State climatologist Barry Keim says the Storm Prediction Center has south Louisiana under an enhanced threat on Sunday and the northern half is under a moderate risk on Sunday.
Cut 9 (13) “…hail and tornadoes.″
Governor Edwards says the state will look at its options for potentially partially reopening Louisiana next month as coronavirus infections continue to level off. The curve is flattening, but fatalities remain high. Edwards says tough times are still ahead and acknowledged Thursday’s COVID-linked passing of state representative Reggie Bagala.
54-year-old Bagala was a Freshman Representative from Lafourche Parish. Bagala succeeded former Representative Truck Gisclair in House District 54. Gisclair says Bagala was an energetic public servant, excited to serve his first term at the Capitol.
The state reported 19,253 cases on Friday, and 755 deaths.