State lawmakers return to the capitol for a three-month-long legislative session today. The biggest issue to be discussed is how to reduce auto insurance rates. Republican lawmakers will look to tort reform, including lowering the jury trial threshold from 50-thousand dollars as a way to lower rates. But Real Reform Louisiana Executive Director Eric Holl says lowering the threshold is just a handout to the business lobby…
cut 8 (12) “…rates”
Governor Edwards supports legislation that addresses the factors that lead to higher auto insurance rates, like a person’s credit score and whether they are single.

And the governor is also expected to push for a higher minimum wage and equal pay legislation. Political analyst Clancy Dubos doesn’t see these bills passing…
cut 6 (06) “…opposing them”
The session must end on June 1st.

Federal legislation is introduced that would undo a law penalizing Louisiana teachers and first responders when it comes to social security benefits. Matt Doyle has more…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation is providing a three-year, 600-thousand dollar grant to the Mary Bird Perkins Center in Monroe to increase cancer screenings in 12 northeast Louisiana parishes. Foundation President Michael Tipton this area has a high rate of late-stage cancer diagnoses…
cut 13 (12) “…outcomes for people”