A Senate bill that would prohibit schools that receive state funding from serving ultra-processed foods at lunch is now heading to the House floor after no one voted against it in House Health and Welfare. This is part of the Make America Healthy Again initiative. Committee member and Slidell Representative Stephanie Berault (buh-RAHLT):
During testimony of the bill, opposition came from those who do not like that artificial sweeteners would be banned from being served in school lunches. Lobbyist Alton Ashy represents the Calorie Control Council and he says artificial sweeteners can help with weight management
Louisiana is one of several states considering such legislation.
The Revenue Estimating Conference has recognized an additional 139-million dollars in funding, and some advocates are urging the legislature to use some of that additional money for early childhood initiatives. The House-approved budget contains almost 78-million-dollars for the Child Care Assistance Program. Louisiana Policy Institute for Children CEO Libbie Sonnier says they would like to see funding return to the previous level.
Cut 5 (10) “…young children thrive.”
Livingston Parish once again teamed up with former Dateline NBC correspondent Chris Hansen in an online sex sting. This time, nine men were arrested, including two registered sex offenders and one man who brought a loaded gun to the sting house. Sheriff Jason Ard says this underscores the importance of monitoring your kids’ online activities at all times.