A Republican-led effort to prevent Governor Edwards from enforcing stay at home order restrictions won its first legislative battle yesterday when the House Governmental Affairs Committee approved the resolution. The proposal would give local governments the power to move forward with reopening based on guidance laid out by the federal government.

Many Republicans have criticized the governor’s decision to extend the Stay at Home order to May 15th, including Congressman Garret Graves, who accuses the governor of trying to derail the President’s re-election effort. …
cut 14 (12) “…being played”
But Edwards’ executive counsel Matthew Block says the President supported the extension and a premature easing of restrictions would be costly…
cut 15 (11) “….nothing”

The Senate Transportation Committee hears legislation today that would prohibit drivers from using a handheld phone while driving a vehicle. Covington Senator Patrick McMath says his proposal would not prevent a driver from talking on the phone or answering a call….
cut 9 (07) “…your car”
Similiar bills such as this one have failed to receive legislative support.

The Louisiana Public Health Institute and the Louisiana Department of Health are holding a series of regional tele-town halls on COVID-19. Earl Benjamin-Robinson says the goal of these informational sessions is to educate the community about COVID-19 response measures….
cut 6 (09) “…social distancing”
One of the tele-halls is today at 4 PM for Monroe area residents. Got to L-P-H-I-dot-org for more information.