Today is the first full day of the legislative session and approving a new budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1st is a top priority. During his State of the State address last night, Governor Edwards says the state is receiving over three billion dollars in federal stimulus aid, but the money must be spent wisely…
cut 12 (12) “…debt”
But there could be a push to use some of this money on recurring expenses.

The state department of education has announced plans to increase the state’s literacy rates. Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says it’s concerning that by the end of third grade only 46-percent of students have achieved mastery of English Language Arts…
cut 6 (08) “…dropouts”
Schools and families can now access resources on early literacy and foundational skills on the state department of education’s website.

A number of antitransgender bills have been filed that one political analyst says could be costly for the state if any pass. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Advocate is reporting that four LSU Health Shreveport employees have filed complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleging that Chancellor Doctor G-E Ghali covered up harassment claims made by medical students and disciplined faculty who raised the allegations. An LSU Health Shreveport spokesperson says the school is ready to defend itself against these latest allegations.