Two bills to ensure the safety of nursing home patients during natural disasters pass unanimously in Senate Health and Welfare. Senate Bill 33 requires all long-term care facilities to have generator power. Mark Berger, Executive Director of the Louisiana Nursing Home Association says while most facilities have generators large enough to support their heating and cooling systems…
Cut 10 (07) “…their peers.”
Berger estimates about two dozen facilities do not meet the standards outlined in the bill. Also moving to the Senate floor is a bill that puts the State Fire Marshal in charge of approving nursing home evacuation plans.

Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey, Jr. wants to make the Gulf Fritillary (frit-ah-lar-ee) the official state butterfly.
Cut 16 (11) “…first for me”
Senate Governmental Affairs approved the bill and it heads to the Senate floor.

Port Allen Senator Rick Ward has released a 30-second campaign commercial. He’s not asking voters for their vote, but to call their local legislator and demand they approve a proposal to put 500-million dollars towards a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge…
cut 6 (08) “…projects”
But some lawmakers would like to use that 500-million dollars elsewhere.

Ponchatoula-based candy maker Elmer Chocolate has been producing sweets since 1855, but the last year has presented some challenges in meeting the demand for Easter. CEO Rob Nelson…
Cut 7 (11) “…pecan egg supply.”
Nelson says supply is a little light this year, but demand is high as the confectionary business has done well during the COVID pandemic.