Polling data from JMC Analytics reflects residents’ views on gun control, abortion, and gas taxes. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”
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The two Republican gubernatorial candidates went after Governor Edwards’ tax policy during Thursday night’s debate. Jeff Palermo has the story…
cut 2 (30) “Jeff Palermo”
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A new poll from Nexstar Media group finds that 47% of respondents support a higher gas tax if used on a $14 billion backlog on transportation projects. 33% are in opposition and 21% are undecided. JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillon says voters are more likely to be in favor of a tax with a specific direction as opposed to a bottomless pit.
Cut 3 (12) “…into a pot.”
On the topic of gun control, Couvillon says 58% support limitations on the Second Amendment, 33% want zero limitations, and 27% back outlawing automatic rifles.
Cut 4 (08) “…so to speak.”
Couvillon says people polled on abortion fall onto a spectrum, with 37% saying they are pro-life with exceptions.
Cut 5 (05) “…are purely pro-choice.”
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The state’s sales tax rate is 4.45-percent one of the highest in the country. During the first televised gubernatorial debate, the candidates were asked about reducing the state sales tax back to four-percent now that the state has a surplus of money. Governor John Bel Edwards says the additional .45 percent should remain for now
Cut 6 (06) “…came out of.”
But Edwards’ Republican challengers, Ralph Abraham and Eddie Rispone, say it’s time to lower the state’s sales tax rate. Abraham says the high sales tax rate is hurting the economy…
Cut 7 (08)“…taxes, taxes taxes”
But Edwards says claims that the tax bills approved during his time as governor have hurt the economy are untrue
Cut 8 (13) “ right now”
Rispone says the state has a spending problem and if Louisiana is collecting too many taxes than it needs to cut back
Cut 9 (10) “surplus”
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Louisiana’s private high schools will not hold their football championships in the Superdome this season. CEO of the Louisiana Select Association JP Kelly, the umbrella organization for private schools, says 54 percent of schools voted to not host football championships at the Dome.
Cut 10 (09) “impossible”
In January, Louisiana High School Athletic Association member schools voted to allow “Select” schools to host their own championship games in basketball, football, baseball, and softball. The LHSAA recently extended an offer for them to play their title games during the same weekend as non-select schools. But Kelly says they did what they could to make all parties involved satisfied.
Cut 11 (08) “…with it”
With the Superdome off the table, Kelly says they’re moving forward with negotiations for other venues.
Cut 12 (09) “…Lafayette.”
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Tomorrow is National Seat Check Saturday, a chance for parents and caregivers to make sure their child safety seat is installed properly. Registered Nurse at University Medical Center New Orleans Bridget Gardner says nine locations around the state will be staffed with child passenger safety technicians…
Cut 13 (10) “…properly installed.”
Certified technicians will be available at a specific location in Baton Rouge, Kenner, Houma, Lake Charles, Alexandria, Monroe, Shreveport, Scott and Covington.
August 1st new laws went into effect to address safety concerns and Gardner says the updated law does not want parents rushing to get their kids into the front seat…
Cut 14 (12) “…fatalities.”
Vehicle crashes are the number one cause of child fatalities in Louisiana. A donation program will give preapproved families child safety seats to lower driving risks but Gardner says many child seats are never installed correctly.
Cut 15 (08) “…child safety seats.”