The Louisiana House passes a constitutional amendment that would lower state personal income tax rates in exchange for eliminating the ability to deduct federal income taxes. Lafayette Representative Stuart Bishop says Louisiana lawmakers have tried to do this for decades.

Cut 10 (08) “…tax reform.”

The tax swap would be revenue-neutral.

An effort to provide a hiring bonus for jobless individuals who find a job and increase the maximum weekly unemployment benefits the state provides by 28-dollars to 275-dollars failed on the House floor. Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews liked the idea of a hiring bonus…

Cut 14 (07) “…this helps.”
But 54 lawmakers voted against the bill. One reason is that if a person receives the hiring bonus, they can’t apply for unemployment for six months.

Boating season is getting started with Safe Boating Week beginning Saturday and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has some reminders for eager boaters. LDWF spokesperson Adam Einck says have enough flotation devices for all passengers and if you get caught drinking and driving your boat, you’ll face the same penalties that you’d face if you got caught driving drunk on the road.

Cut 5 (08)”… that boat.”

Louisiana saw 24 boating fatalities last year and nine so far this year.

The Louisiana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and others are urging parents to have children ages 12 and up to be vaccinated for COVID. Our Lady of the Lake Pediatric Immunologist Dr. Theron McCormick says in the U-S of the 3.9-million children who’ve had COVID, 300 have died as a result.

Cut 8 (07) “…big deal.”

You can visit LDH’s website to find a vaccine site.

State Health Officials and Pediatricians are encouraging parents to have their children ages 12 and up vaccinated for COVID. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

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The House passes a tax reform constitutional amendment that many Republicans feel is the signature bill of the session. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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A bill to increase the weekly unemployment benefit amount beginning next year fails in the house after being attacked by lawmakers on both sides. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Boating season is getting started with Safe Boating Week beginning Saturday and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has some reminders for eager boaters.

LDWF spokesperson Adam Einck says you must have enough personal flotation devices for everyone aboard. Even if you think you are a strong swimmer…

Cut 4 (10)“…afloat.”

Anyone 16 or younger must wear their flotation device at all times in vessels shorter than 26 feet.

Einck says another thing to note is that if you get caught drinking and driving your boat you will face the same penalties that you’d face if you got caught driving drunk on the road.

Cut 5 (08)”… that boat.”

Louisiana saw 24 boating fatalities last year and nine so far this year.

A lot of folks got cabin fever last year and bought their first boat but Einck says if you’re a millennial you need to complete a NASBLA boating education course before piloting.

Cut 6 (10) “..1984.”

This only applies to motorboats with 10 or more horsepower.

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The Louisiana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and others are urging parents to have children ages 12 and up to be vaccinated for COVID. Since the CDC’s approval to have 12- to 15-year-old vaccinated last week, Governor Edwards says more than five thousand in that age range have received one shot of the Pfizer vaccine in Louisiana.

Cut 7 (07)  “…their age.”

Edwards says he’s considering possible incentives to get more Louisianans vaccinated. To date, only 30% of the state’s eligible population is fully vaccinated.

While children are less likely to contract COVID compared to adults they are still suspectable for the virus, Our Lady of the Lake Pediatric Immunologist Dr. Theron McCormick says in the U-S of the 3.9-million children who’ve had COVID, 300 have died as a result.

Cut 8 (07) “…big deal.”

State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter and McCormick encouraged parents to speak with their pediatrician if they have any questions about the vaccine for their child. McCormick says children might experience side effects from the vaccine, like the ones they have when being immunized, low-grade fever, and tiredness.

Cut 9 (10) “…the trials.” 

McCormick says trials indicate the Pfizer vaccine is 100-percent effective for ages 12 to 15.  You can call the Vaccine Hotline at 1-855-453-0774 to make an appointment and/or to answer questions about the vaccine.

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The House passes a constitutional amendment that would lower state personal income tax rates in exchange for eliminating the ability to deduct federal income taxes.

Lafayette Representative Stuart Bishop thanked House members for passing his bill, saying Louisiana lawmakers have tried to do this for decades.

Cut 10 (08) “…tax reform.”

The bill needed 70 votes to pass and ultimately won 98 just a day after it fell four votes shy amidst a Democratic blockade.

At one point the bill was at risk of sinking due to an unrelated controversy involving former Chairman of House Education Ray Garofalo…

Cut 11 (07) “….passing this.”

After Garofalo made a controversial comment about slavery in committee the Legislative Black Caucus threatened to withhold support for the tax reform effort unless he was removed as chairman. Garofalo was removed or stepped down, depending on who you ask earlier this week.

If approved by the Senate Louisianans will have a chance to vote on it on the November 2022 ballot. This is what the language will say…

Cut 12 (12) “…individual income taxes.”

The amendment would lower the state personal income tax rate on your first 12,500 dollars by point one five percent, half a percent on the next 37,500 dollars, and one and three-quarters percent for income over 50,000 dollars. Proponents say the tax swap is close to revenue-neutral and if approved by voters would kick in in 2023.

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A bill to increase the unemployment weekly benefit by $28 beginning in 2022 fails in the House. The bill came under bipartisan assault especially after a hiring bonus was added. Bill author Harvey Democrat Representative Rodney Lyons says the original intent was to increase the weekly amount, an initiative that began before the pandemic.

Cut 13 (07) “…benefits.”

Louisiana has the 49^th lowest unemployment weekly benefit in the nation.

A hiring bonus of up to $1,000 was added to the bill to entice those on unemployment to return to work, Bossier City Republican Representative Raymond Crews was one of the lawmakers that submitted the bonus amendment.

Cut 14 (07) “…this helps.”

But Lyons says accepting the bonus came with a caveat of forfeiting unemployment for six months even if you lose your job again.

Albany Republican Representative Sherman Mack questioned Lyons on why the state doesn’t go after those who received $400-million in benefits they weren’t entitled to in order to finance the weekly increase and hiring bonus.

Cut 15 (12)“…correct you don’t.”

The bill failed on 44-54 vote.

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The NCAA Baton Rouge Softball Regional gets underway today at Tiger Park as top-seeded LSU will host fourth-seeded McNeese at 3 o’clock, while second-seeded U-L Lafayette will take on third-seeded George Washington at 5:30 PM. Tigers Coach Beth Torina is excited to see the best that the Bayou State has to offer

Cut 16 (13) “…state of Louisiana (x2).”

LSU is 32-and-19 on the season and received a seven national seed. Torina says she’s counting on their defense to keep them in games

Cut 17 (17) “..some runs.”

The Cajuns bring a 44-and-10 record to the Baton Rouge Regional. Coach Gerry Glasco’s team has won nine of its last ten…

Cut  18 (16)”…absolutely amazing.”

The NOAA Climate Prediction Center predicts another above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. They say between 13 to 20 named storms are expected to form and between six and ten will become hurricanes. NOAA’s lead season hurricane forecaster Matthew Rosencrans says several factors have been combined for them to predict another active hurricane season…

Cut 10 (10) “…West African monsoon” 

A bill prohibiting the handheld use of a cellphone when you’re driving makes passage out of the house. Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s bill would impose a $25 fine for the first offense and $50 for a second violation.

Cut 3 (11)  “…make a call” 

The bill now heads to the Senate.

Lumber prices have more than tripled over the year amidst a pandemic-driven surge in new home construction and renovation. LSU Forestry Economist Joseph Chang says new home construction is up about 30 percent from last year and there are more remodeling projects in the works as well.

Cut 6 (12) “…space”

Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s not looking to continue his political career after his term ends in 2024. Edwards says there have been no conversations about him leaving Louisiana to join President Biden’s cabinet, but…

Cut 14 (10) “…consider” 

Edwards says he’s also not considering a run for the US Senate race next year.

NOAA is once again predicting an active hurricane season. Erik Picolli reports on how many storms we could see in 2021…

Cut 2 (29) …I’m Erik Piccoli.”  

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter received a phone call from President Biden and the two discussed Monday’s flooding and hurricane recovery. Biden visited Lake Charles on May 6^th in person and pledged to assist with long term recovery efforts from the 2020 hurricane season. Biden also spoke with the Mayor by phone on Wednesday. Hunter says Biden assured him help is on the way.

Lumber prices have more than tripled over the year amidst a pandemic-driven surge in new home construction and renovation. LSU Forestry Economist Joseph Chang says his sense is that the price will eventually decline, but the question is when…

Cut 8 (11) “…fall”

Last year lumber prices were clocked at around 354 dollars per thousand feet of lumber. As of May 18^th, that number is up to 1,264 dollars

Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s not looking to continue his political career after his term ends in 2024. Edwards says he’s also not considering running for any other office before this term ends, such as the US Senate race next year.

Cut 13 (12)“…term”

The governor made his comments on his monthly radio show Wednesday.

The NOAA Climate Prediction Center predicts another above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. Acting NOAA administrator Ben Friedman says between 13 to 20 named storms are expected to form and between six and ten will become hurricanes.

Cut 9 (8) “…miles per hour”

A record 30 named storms formed in 2020.

A bill prohibiting the handheld use of a cellphone when you’re driving makes passage out of the house. Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s bill allows for use of Bluetooth and speakerphone. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick feels the law would hurt criminal justice reform and create a negative interaction between the police and the public.

Cut 5  (11)  “…oppose the bill”

The vote was 76-21 and the bill now heads to the Senate.

Governor John Bel Edwards says he is not looking to continue his political career after his term ends in 2024. Edwards says he does not anticipate that he will continue in public life as an elected official once his second term ends.

Cut 12 (07)    “…sector” 

Edwards says he’s also not considering running for any other office before this term ends, such as the US Senate race next year.

Lumber prices have more than tripled over the year amidst a pandemic-driven surge in new home construction and renovation. LSU Forestry Economist Joseph Chang says prices last year clocked at around 354 dollars per thousand feet of lumber. As of May 18^th that number is up to 1,264 dollars. Chang says folks hoping to build or buy new homes are really feeling that lumber price increase…

Cut 7 (07) “…buying”

A bill prohibiting the handheld use of a cellphone when you’re behind the wheel makes passage out of the house. Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval has brought similar legislation in the past and Baton Rouge Representative Denice Marcelle says she supports the bill now because it prohibits police from pulling one for handheld phone use to search their vehicle.

Cut 4 (07) “..with me” 

The vote was 76-21 in favor and the bill now heads to the Senate.

Lumber prices have more than tripled over the year amidst a pandemic-driven surge in new home construction and renovation. LSU Forestry Economist Joseph Chang says new home construction is up about 30 percent from last year and there are more remodeling projects in the works as well.

Cut 6 (12) “…space”

Governor Edwards says he used to be staunchly against legalizing recreational marijuana, but like many Louisianans, his opinion is changing. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

Business organizations are asking Governor John Bel Edwards to stop federally enhanced unemployment benefits. Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack says the state is very dependent on a service-based economy like hospitality, tourism, restaurants, and retail.

Cut 4 (11)“…(x2) to work..”

While neighboring states like Arkansas, Texas, and Mississippi are opting out of federally enhanced unemployment, Governor Edwards says he does not want to react too quickly.

Cut 5 (11)”…we are.”

Governor Edwards says while the enhanced benefits are only temporary, the tourism industry has yet to rebound from pre-pandemic levels. The current enhanced $300 unemployment benefits are scheduled to end on September 6^th.

A House committee unanimously approves a resolution calling for the formation of a committee dedicated to studying the impacts of potentially legalizing marijuana in Louisiana. Thibodaux Representative Bryan Fontenot was one of the leading voices against legalization this year, saying this kind of study must be conducted before lawmakers can make an informed decision…

Cut 11 (07) “….those people”

17 states have legalized recreational marijuana so far.

During a Congressional hearing, Senator John Kennedy questioned an official with the US Housing and Urban Development on why the Biden administration has not formulated a disaster aid package to assist 2020 hurricane victims. Kennedy says it’s been nine months since Hurricane Laura nearly flattened southwest Louisiana…

Cut 8 (08) “…get an answer?” (2x)

Business groups are calling on Governor Edwards to stop enhanced unemployment benefits so more people will reenter the workforce. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

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Governor Edwards says he used to be staunchly against legalizing recreational marijuana, but like many Louisianans, his opinion is changing. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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A Senate bill setting up the rules and regulations for sports betting passes in the Senate. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Business organizations are asking Governor John Bel Edwards to stop federally enhanced unemployment benefits. Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack says the state is very dependent on a service-based economy like hospitality, tourism, restaurants, and retail.

Cut 4 (11)“…(x2) to work..”

While neighboring states like Arkansas, Texas, and Mississippi are opting out of federally enhanced unemployment, Governor Edwards says he does not want to react too quickly.

Cut 5 (11)”…we are.”

Waguespack says the enhanced benefits are why people are not returning to the workforce and the evidence it there when you talk to employers on Main Street.

Cut 6 (10) “…call back.”

Governor Edwards says while the enhanced benefits are only temporary, the tourism industry has yet to rebound from pre-pandemic levels.

Cut 7 (09)  “…net costs.”

The current enhanced $300 unemployment benefits are scheduled to end on September 6^th.

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During a Congressional hearing, Senator John Kennedy questioned an official with the US Housing and Urban Development on why the Biden administration has not formulated a disaster aid package to assist 2020 hurricane victims. Kennedy says it’s been nine months since Hurricane Laura nearly flattened southwest Louisiana…

Cut 8 (08) “…get an answer?” (2x)

HUD Deputy Assistant Secretary Arthur Jemison says he sympathizes with Kennedy and HUD is ready to support the residents of Louisiana struggling to recover from the multiple hurricanes that hit the state.

Cut 9 (08) “…with every day” 

Kennedy concluded by asking if HUD would recommend providing disaster assistance and who would be the best person to speak within the white house to settle the matter.

Cut 10 (07) “…an answer”

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A House committee unanimously approves a resolution calling for the formation of a committee dedicated to studying the impacts of potentially legalizing marijuana in Louisiana.

Thibodaux Representative Bryan Fontenot was one of the leading voices against legalization this year, saying this kind of study must be conducted before lawmakers can make an informed decision…

Cut 11 (07) “….those people”

The committee will be made up of legislative leaders, DAs, Sheriffs, the state medical marijuana industry, LSU and Southern Ag, and criminal justice reform advocates. The committee must report its findings no less than 14 days prior to the start of the 2022 Regular Legislative Session.

Despite widespread public support the legislation could not overcome strong opposition by the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association, but Executive Director Mike Ranatza backs this resolution…

Cut 12 (11) “…diligence.”

17 states have legalized recreational marijuana so far.

Governor Edwards says like many Louisianans his opinion on legalization has changed over time. He says legalization is likely going to happen within the next few years, but…

Cut 13 (06) “…benefits.”

Governor Edwards made the comments on this monthly talk show Ask the Governor.

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Sports betting is another step closer to becoming a reality in Louisiana. Senate President Page Cortez’s bill passed in the Senate and now heads to the House. Port Allen Senator Rick Ward says as far as he’s concerned 65-percent of voters approved the bill last fall.

Cut 14 (08) “…want to do.”

The bill creates 20 licenses for sportsbook operators with the current land-based and riverboat casinos in the state along with racetracks. Ward says the operators can also have windows and kiosks to place bets along with a website and mobile app.

Cut 15 (09)“…in place.”

If the existing casinos and racetracks do not seek all 20 licenses by January 1^st then fantasy sports betting operators and video poker establishments in the 55 approved parishes where sports betting is legal can apply for a license.

Sports wagering would be overseen by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and they would provide the rules and regulations.

Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns says it’s time to catch up with other states and approve the measure.

Cut 16 (12) “…legally.”

It passed on a 31-6 vote and now heads to the House.  A separate bill to levy taxes and fees on sports betting will be heard in House Ways and Means and a bill to allowing the Louisiana Lottery to conduct sports wagering awaits final passage in the Senate.

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The LSU baseball team begins an important series tonight in College Station against the Texas A-and-M Aggies. The Tigers need one win in order to qualify for the SEC Tournament and the Bayou Bengals need a series victory over the Aggies to keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive. Coach Paul Mainieri says Texas A-and-M’s best weapon on offense is Will Frizell…

Cut 17 (17) “..hard throwing guys.”

Landon Marceaux will start on the mound for the Tigers. Marceaux says if they win, they will get into the NCAA Tournament…

Cut  18 (12)”…to be.”

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For the Ragin Cajuns to get in the NCAA Tournament they need to win next week’s Sun Belt Tournament. But this weekend the Cajuns have a chance at winning the Sun Belt West if they have a good weekend against Troy and U-T-A falters at Georgia Southern. Louisiana Coach Matt Deggs

Cut 19 (18) “…of the league.” 

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14th ranked Louisiana Tech will conclude its regular season by hosting Conference USA rival Old Dominion tonight and tomorrow at the Love Shack. The two games will not count toward the league standings. The Monarchs are 36-14 overall, 22-and-10 in league play. Bulldogs Coach Lane Burroughs says they are a good hitting team…

Cut 20 (20) “…this weekend.” 

Legislation allowing anyone 21 and older without a felony record to concealed carry a handgun without a permit is headed to the House for final passage. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

Video footage of the 2019 arrest of Ronald Greene shows state police dragging the black man face down while his hands are cuffed, and legs shackled. Initially, state police told his family Greene died in a crash however a medical examiner later questioned why two stun-gun prongs were found in his back. The case is under a federal civil rights investigation.

The Louisiana House approves legislation to increase certain hunting and fishing license fees to assist the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala says if they do not raise fees, then LDWF would have to take money from the general fund.

Cut 4 (04) “..be given” 

The vote was 79-20 in favor, the measure still needs Senate approval.

A bill mandating trauma training for all public-school employees passed unanimously in House Education. Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson’s bill requires the one-hour class, to recognize students experiencing trauma, will be taught during in-service days for instructors so it will not be an unfunded mandate. Baton Rouge Representative Barbara Freiberg questioned if one hour is long enough. Jackson says she hopes class will be extended in the future when they have dedicated funding. Freiberg praised Jackson’s efforts.

Cut 11 (03) “…good”

It now heads to the House for final passage.

In video footage of the 2019 arrest of Ronald Greene, he’s heard saying I’m scared while officers repeatedly use a stun gun on the unarmed black man as he’s wrestled to the ground. Greene is also dragged face down while handcuffed and legs are shackled. State Police originally told the family Greene died in a crash, but a medical examiner questioned that after finding stun-gun prongs in Greene’s back.

The Louisiana House has voted for a bill that would increase hunting and fishing licenses starting next year. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

A House committee advances Senate-approved legislation that would do away with the need to get a permit to carry a concealed handgun. The bill is opposed by the Louisiana Chiefs of Police Association, but West Monroe Senator Jay Morris says not all law enforcement are against his bill, including his chief of police…

Cut 6 (08) “…criminals”

Seacor Power salvage crews have managed to remove all of the vessel’s diesel fuel stores, averting potential environmental contamination. Coast Guard Petty Officer Cory Mendenhall says they’re now moving from the environmental response to a salvage phase that will involve raising the vessel and getting it back to port.

Cut 14 (11) “…crews” 

Seven crew members remain missing from the April 13^th capsizing.