State Treasurer John Schroder is facing a lawsuit from Governor Edwards after refusing to turn over an estimated 25-million dollars in unclaimed property money to help fund the governor’s proposed 32-billion dollar budget. Schroder says using unclaimed money in the budget is bad public policy.
Cut 13 (09) “…state general fund.”
Edwards released a statement that the Unclaimed Property Fund hit a balance of more than $78-million, leaving a healthy balance of funds for Schroder to distribute.

Teacher unions are upset the budget does not contain a line item that will guarantee educators will receive a pay raise for a second consecutive year. Louisiana Federation of Teachers Legislative Director Cynthia Posey says Edwards campaigned on pushing for further teacher pay raises…
cut 6 (11) “…session”
The Edwards administration says they are proposing an increase in funding for public schools and leaving it up to individual school districts to use that money for teacher pay raises.

Holden Matthews, the white man accused of torching three African-American St. Landry Parish churches last spring, has a plea-change hearing today in Lafayette. Matthews originally pleaded not guilty to several federal charges. Legal analyst Tim Meche says during the hearing the judge will make sure Matthews is changing his plea voluntarily…
cut 7 (10) “….is guilty”
Matthews faces several years in prison if convicted.

During the upcoming session, lawmakers will look at ways to reduce auto insurance rates, but one Senator says he’s filed a few bills that he says are common-sense solutions. Alexandria Democrat Jay Luneau says one of his bills would prevent insurance companies from charging you more for your insurance just because you have a lower credit rating…
Cut 10 (11) “…record.”
Luneau says he has also has a bill that would insurers from raising rates on people who are widowed

Governor John Bel Edwards budget proposal for next fiscal year calls for 99-million dollars in new funding for education, but none of that money is targeted to give teachers another pay raise. Louisiana Federation of Teachers Legislative Director Cynthia Posey…
cut 4 (11) “…to go”
Lawmakers will have the opportunity if they want to, to put a line item measure in the budget for a pay raise.

Meanwhile, Governor Edwards is taking state Treasurer John Schroder to court because he’s refusing to allow the Edwards administration to use 25-million dollars in unclaimed property funds to pay for expenses in the budget. Schorder says unclaimed property isn’t the state’s money…
cut 14 (11) “….don’t have it”
But Edwards says the law is clear, excess revenues in the Unclaimed property fund are to benefit the public.

A change of plea hearing is scheduled today in federal court in Lafayette for Holden Matthews. He’s the white man accused of setting fires to three African American churches in St. Landry Parish last spring. Matthews has previously entered a not guilty plea, but court records indicate plea negotiations have been ongoing. Legal analyst Tim Meche says if the judge accepts a guilty plea to the charges, a sentencing date will be announced and take place two to three months from now…
cut 8 (12) “….do it again”

12 jurors from Rapides Parish have sentenced 35-year-old Kyle Joekel to die for killing two St. John the Baptist Parish deputies in a trailer park nearly eight years ago. Jeremy Triche and Brandon Neilsen died in the ambush-like attack. A second defendant, Brian Smith, has yet to face trial as he’s in a mental hospital.

Governor Edwards’ budget proposal does not call for a teacher pay raise, angering many teachers who say he’s breaking a reelection campaign promise…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Senator Jay Luneau introduces legislation aimed at ending the car insurance “widow tax”. Brooke Thorington spoke with the Alexandria Democrat…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

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The Edwards administration’s attempt to use $25 million in unclaimed property for the state general fund is not sitting well with State Treasurer John Schroder.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart. 

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The Governor’s July 1^st budget proposal calls for a 128 million dollar increase in general fund spending, but does not include a teacher pay raise, angering unions who backed his reelection.

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says school districts will be given funds they can use to give raises, but Louisiana Federation of Teachers Legislative Director Cynthia Posey says it’s not the same…

Cut 4 (11) “…to go”

Louisiana teachers received a 1,000 dollar pay raise in the last session, but still, have average pay below the southern regional average.

The Governor called for a 25 million dollar increase in early childhood education spending and 39 million in increased public school funding. Posey says the budget does not reflect the state’s dire education funding needs.

Cut 5 (12) “…pawns”

The 1,000 dollar raise for teachers and a 500 dollar raise for support personnel last year made up the bulk of the 140 million dollar increase in annual school spending.

Governor Edwards campaigned on pushing for further teacher pay raises, and Posey says failing to follow through in the first session of his new term is concerning…

Cut 6 (11) “…session”

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Holden Matthews, the man accused of torching three St. Landry churches last spring, will have a plea-change hearing today in Lafayette. Matthews had originally given a plea of not guilty. Legal analyst Tim Meche says the judge will hold the hearing to make sure that the suspect is changing his plea voluntarily.

Cut 7 (10) “…really is guilty.”

Meche says if the judge accepts the guilty plea, a sentencing date will be set for some time in the next 2 to 3 months.

Cut 8 (12) “…do it again.”

Matthews is also facing state charges, but Meche says Matthews may never go to trial on those based on what happens with the federal charges.

Cut 9 (09) “…and a sentence.”

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TORT reform may suck up a lot of air in the car insurance premium debate at the Capitol but one Senator has a few bills he says are small, common-sense fixes to lower rates.

Alexandria Democrat Jay Luneau’s first bill would prevent insurance companies from charging you more for your insurance just because you have a lower credit rating…

Cut 10 (11) “…record.”

Real Reform Louisiana claims a person with a DWI and a high credit rating pays less for insurance than a person with a clean record but low credit score.

Luneau says most insurers in Louisiana also raise rates on people who are widowed. His second bill would end that practice.

Cut 11 (04) “…that.”

His third bill deals with incidents where Louisianans in the military are deployed overseas, don’t renew their insurance for six months and are hit with a premium increase. Luneau says that’s wrong.

Cut 12 (08) “…rates.”

His fourth bill would block insurers from charging someone a higher premium on the basis of their sex alone, once they are older than 25.

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State Treasurer John Schroder is facing a lawsuit from Governor Edwards after refusing to turn over unclaimed property money so it can be used as part of the state general fund.  Schroder says it is a bad policy that he believes is unlawful.

Cut 13 (09) “…state general fund.”

Edwards released a statement that the Unclaimed Property Fund hit a balance of more than $78-million, leaving a healthy balance of funds for Schroder to distribute funds. But Schroder says the department was short $20 million last fiscal year in paying 82,000 claims because of previous dips into unclaimed property money.

Cut 14 (11) “…don’t have it.”

Schroder recommends putting the $22-to-25 million a year into a savings account, investing it the same way the state invests its trust fund money, and then letting the state spend from the interest.  Schroder says the calculations have been done.

Cut 15 (08) “…that they want.”

Edwards says that the law is clear, excess revenues in the Unclaimed Property Fund are to benefit the public and that the public does not profit by the Treasurer simpily seeking to grow the size of his government bank account.

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LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri has named his starting pitchers for the opening weekend. Cole Henry will start the season opener on Friday against Indiana, Landon Marceaux will start Saturday and AJ Labas will toe the rubber on Sunday. Mainieri on why Marceaux will get the ball on game two…

Cut 16  (19)  …Marceaux second”  

Mainieri says he’ll tinker with his lineup in the field during the nonconfernece, but he’s hoping to see big seasons out of a group of sophomores…

Cut 17  (19) “other guys” 

Marceaux says he’s ready to pitch against another team. He says the vibe around the Tigers during the pre-season has been good

cut 18  (18) ” play baseball”   

Governor John Bel Edwards budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year calls for millions of more dollars to be spent on education. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut  2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Two brothers are in critical condition after jumping off a party bus in Ascension Parish early Saturday morning. Police say the bus was returning to Thibodaux from Baton Rouge, it happened at 4am on Airline Highway south of Interstate 10. Police say the bus was transporting approximately 40 young adults and the two young men jumped off for unknown reasons.

Concerns over lessening demand and uncertainty involving the Wuhan Coronavirus are likely to keep oil prices low, and volatile for the near future according to the LSU Center for Energy Studies.

Executive Director David Dismukes says Oil is at 50 dollars a barrel but that number could continue dropping.

Cut 7 (08) “…increases”

A gallon of gas in Louisiana averages $2.13

State Treasurer John Schroder is in a legal battle with Governor Edwards over the state trying to spend unclaimed property money as part of the state general fund. Schroder says the department was short $20 million last fiscal year in paying 82,000 claims because of previous dips into unclaimed property money.

Cut 14 (11) “…don’t have it.”

Edwards countered that the Unclaimed Property Fund hit a balance of more than $78-million, leaving a healthy balance of funds for Schroder.

The Governor’s proposed budget does not include a teacher pay raise, angering unions who backed his reelection. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says school districts will be given funds they can use to give raises, but Louisiana Federation of Teachers Legislative Director Cynthia Posey says it’s not the same…

Cut 4 (11) “…to go”

Lawmakers have the option to add teacher payraises.

State Treasurer John Schroder going to court with Governor Edwards over the state trying to spend unclaimed property money as part of the state general fund. Schroder recommends putting the $22-to-25 million a year into a savings account, instead and investing it and then spend from the interest.

Cut 15 (08) “…that they want.”

Edwards says the Unclaimed Property Fund hit a balance of over $78-million, more than enough for Schroder to distribute funds and the law is clear that excess goes to public funds.

Concerns over lessening demand and uncertainty involving the Wuhan Coronavirus are likely to keep oil prices low, and volatile for the near future according to the LSU Center for Energy Studies. Executive Director David Dismukes says until the world finds out just how severe the Wuhan Coronavirus is, prices will remain in flux, but trending downward.

Cut 8 (08) “…restricted.”

A gallon of gas in Louisiana averages $2.13

Police say two brothers are in critical condition after jumping off a party bus in Ascension Parish early Saturday morning. The bus was returning to Thibodaux from Baton Rouge, and the incident happened at 4am on Airline Highway south of Interstate 10. Police say the bus was transporting approximately 40 young adults and the two young men, jumped off the bus for unknown reasons.

Governor John Bel Edwards budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year calls for millions of more dollars to be spent on education. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut  2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Two brothers are in critical condition after jumping off a party bus in Ascension Parish early Saturday morning. Police say the bus was returning to Thibodaux from Baton Rouge, it happened at 4am on Airline Highway south of Interstate 10. Police say the bus was transporting approximately 40 young adults and the two young men jumped off for unknown reasons.

Concerns over lessening demand and uncertainty involving the Wuhan Coronavirus are likely to keep oil prices low, and volatile for the near future according to the LSU Center for Energy Studies.

Executive Director David Dismukes says Oil is at 50 dollars a barrel but that number could continue dropping.

Cut 7 (08) “…increases”

State Treasurer John Schroder is suing Governor Edwards over the state trying to spend unclaimed property money as part of the state general fund. Schroder says the department was short $20 million last fiscal year in paying 82,000 claims because of previous dips into unclaimed property money.

Cut 14 (11) “…don’t have it.”

Edwards countered that the Unclaimed Property Fund hit a balance of more than $78-million, leaving a healthy balance of funds for Schroder.

The Edwards administration’s budget proposal for the fiscal year that begins on July 1st calls for a 128-million dollar increase in general fund spending. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says most of the additional dollars should go towards education

Cut 9 (10) “…to education”

State Treasurer John Schroder is preparing to go to battle in court with Governor Edwards over the state trying to spend unclaimed property money as part of the state general fund.  Schroder says he believes is unlawful.

Cut 13 (09) “…state general fund.”

Edwards released a statement that the Unclaimed Property Fund hit a balance of more than $78-million, leaving a healthy balance of funds for Schroder to distribute funds.

Matt Doyle spoke with LSU Center for Energy Studies Executive Director David Dismukes about how the Wuhan Coronavirus is impacting the oil industry…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

State health officials are investigating L’Auberge Casino in Lake Charles after 200 people are reported sick from an outbreak of the norovirus.  The highly contagious gastrointestinal virus can cause symptoms even three weeks after exposure.  The agency’s encourages you to report it to the State Department of Health if you have symptoms.

The three people that died in yesterday’s plane crash in Jackson Parish have been identified. One of the victims is Chris Mudd, chief executive St. Amant’s Rehabilitation Services. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau says Mudd was an advocate for mental health care…
Cut 3 (09)  “…especially for adolescents.” 
Others aboard have been identified as pilot Robert Gilliam of Minden and 29-year-old Wade Williams, a former Northwestern State defensive end, played football at the university from 2009 to 2012, who leaves behind a wife and a two-year-old daughter.

Concerns over lessening demand and uncertainty involving the Wuhan Coronavirus are likely to keep oil prices low. Oil is at 50 dollars a barrel and LSU Center for Energy Studies Executive Director David Dismukes says that number could continue dropping.
Cut 7 (08) “…increases”
A gallon of gas in Louisiana averages $2.13.

Governor John Bel Edwards recommends that lawmakers steer millions of dollars more towards education in a budget proposal presented to lawmakers today. 39-million dollars more would go towards the formula that funds public schools and Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says individual school districts can decide on whether to give out teacher pay raises…
Cut 10 (05) “…for teachers.” 
Edwards has said he wants to move teacher salaries up to the Southern Regional Average during his second term in office.

Docville Farm in St. Bernard Parish is the home for the third annual Cook-off for the Coast on Saturday. National Wildlife Federation’s Vanishing Paradise spokesperson Erin Willhoft says the culinary competition will feature free tastings from 14 different cook teams.
Cut 12 (09) “…crowd favorite categories.”
The event will also feature live music and other family fun from 11 to 3 PM.

Three men killed in a small plane crash Thursday afternoon in Jackson Parish have been identified as pilot Robert Gilliam of Minden and passengers Wade Williams and chief executive of St. Amant’s Rehabilitation Services Chris Mudd of the Shreveport-Bossier area. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau knew Mudd and says commuting with small planes was the norm.
Cut 5 (08) “…Jackson to Shreveport.”
Williams, a former Northwestern State defensive end, played football at the university from ‘09 to 2012.  The 29-year-old leaves behind a wife and a two-year-old daughter.

Concerns over dropping demand and uncertainty involving the Wuhan Coronavirus are likely to keep oil prices low. Oil is at 50 dollars a barrel and LSU Center for Energy Studies Executive Director David Dismukes says the phase one trade deal with China was initially good news for the industry…

Cut 6 (09) “…crude prices”

The Edwards administration’s budget proposal for the fiscal year that begins on July 1st calls for a 128-million dollar increase in general fund spending. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the additional dollars will go towards education

Cut 9 (10) “…to education”

The budget does not explicitly carve out a teacher pay raise.

Docville Farm in St. Bernard Parish is the home for the third annual Cook-off for the Coast on Saturday. National Wildlife Federation’s Vanishing Paradise spokesperson Erin Willhoft says the idea behind the food selection is to promote the bounty of the marshlands in St. Bernard Parish.

Cut 13 (06) “…at the cook-off.”

The culinary competition will feature free tastings from 14 different cook teams. Proceeds benefit coastal restoration.  More details can be found at coastcookoff.com.