The state transportation department says 77 percent of the nearly 800 crashes annually along a notorious stretch of Interstate 10 just west of the Mississippi River are the result of drivers not paying attention. Kevin Barnhart has more.
Cut 1 (28) I’m Kevin Barnhart“
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This year’s special session trilogy is set to begin its final chapter June 18th. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (31) ” I’m Matt Doyle”
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With the recent wave of mass shootings fresh on the minds of many, students in this state can have another level of protection against such a danger for the next school year. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (25) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”
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There are nearly 800 crashes annually along a notorious stretch of Interstate 10 just west of the Mississippi River. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallet says a video recently released showcasing accident data on the agency’s Facebook page is a stern message to distracted drivers who are to blame for the lion’s share of the accidents.
Cut 4 (12) “…paying attention or tailgating.”
The DOTD has taken multiple measures to ensure the safety along this stretch of highway with additional signage, cable barriers and ruble strips. Mallett says it also comes down to the responsibility of drivers to make a difference.
Cut 5 (10) “…and for others”
Mallet says that 77 percent of the 800 accidents are from people not paying attention.
Cut 6 (05) “…in front of them.”
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Public school students can have a bulletproof backpack next school year as a result of a new state law. Republican Senator Mike Walsworth, who sponsored the bill, says it could protect students in the event of an active shooter on campus. But, if you are interested in obtaining one, you may need to act now to have one in time for the next school year.
Cut 7 (10) “…the backpacks themselves”
Some schools require students to carry mesh fabric backpacks? But Walsworth says even with a mesh backpack, you can purchase a kevlar plate to provide protection…
Cut 8 (11) “…through that pretty easily”
Walsworth hopes a child never has to use a bulletproof backpack, but if a shooter comes on campus, it could save a student’s life……
Cut 9 (10) “…the child”
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For the first time since its inception in 2001, the state may have to reduce enrollment to its taxpayer funded pre-k program. About 16-thousand students are enrolled in LA4. Superintendent of Education John White says state budget cuts are the reason for the reduction, but he hopes legislators will raise the necessary revenue to fully fund this program….
Cut 10 (09) “…early childhood is one of them.”
White says it’s important we don’t lose focus of the needs of pre-kindergarten children in the state, but based on the current budget for next fiscal year, LA4 would see a 10-to-20-percent cut.
Cut 11 (12) “…cut to LA 4.”
The state’s tourism office is facing cuts as well. That will make it difficult for Louisiana to promote its new “Feed Your Soul” tourism campaign. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has been thinking about how to get that message out and he may turn to college students, who love using social media…
Cut 12 (12) “in Louisiana”
Nungesser says he’s also talking to LSU, about having a Feed Your Soul logo visible along the sidelines at Tiger Stadium and also looking towards the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board to assist with marketing efforts as well …
Cut 13 (08) “…in Louisiana”
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The third special session of 2018 will begin a week from today and must end June 27th. Governor John Bel Edwards is still looking for a fix to the fiscal cliff. The governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff Richard Carbo says after the legislature failed to replace a large portion of the 1.4 billion dollars in temporary taxes that expire June 30th, they had no choice but to give it one more shot….
Cut 14 (11) “unfunded”
Without additional tax revenue, TOPS is facing a 30 percent cut, and higher ed, corrections, district attorneys, pre-k education, and other state services would be on the block for deep reductions starting July 1st.
A half-cent sales tax renewal came close to passage last session. A last second effort to reconsider that vote was ultimately filibustered by Representative Alan Seabaugh in the dramatic last seconds. Carbo says that filibuster meant lawmakers would have to make a return trip to the capitol.
Cut 15 (10) “have passed.”
The state’s current fiscal controversy centers on one point four billion dollars in expiring sales taxes that will fall off the books June 30th.
The governor also signed the legislatively approved budget that would incorporate deep spending cuts if not funded with additional revenues. Carbo says while the governor is concerned that the legislature may not approve revenue to head off spending reductions, the state needed a judge.
Cut 16 (07) “to take”