Over a dozen states have announced they will be withdrawing from the federally enhanced unemployment insurance boost to unemployment benefits in an effort to force residents back to work as the economy begins to reopen.

State lawmakers are taking a slightly different approach here, more carrot than stick with a House committee approving legislation that would offer a 1,000 dollar bonus to beneficiaries who return to work off of unemployment. But there’s a catch, those who accept the bonus would be barred from receiving unemployment benefits for 24 weeks.

Natchitoches Representative Kenny Cox says he’s concerned about that…

Cut 6 (08) “…problem.”

But Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews reluctantly supports it…

22

There were other concerns raised by committee members over just how the bonuses would be administered, and whether or not unemployment funds can actually be used or restricted in this way.

A House committee approves legislation that would allow either chamber of the Legislature to fully terminate or modify an emergency declaration by the Governor on a majority vote. Opponents took issue with the fact that only one chamber would have these sweeping powers during an emergency, but bill author Abita Springs Representative Larry Frieman says requiring both chambers would make the bill pointless.

Cut 7 (06) “…anything.”

The House is set to consider legislation that would ban the use of handheld wireless devices while driving. It’s now several years in a row the Legislature has considered this type of bill, but Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval says we now have ample evidence to support passing it.

23

Fines would not begin until January 1st 2022 and would begin at 100 dollars for a first offense.

Governor Edwards lobbied the Biden Administration to end the moratorium on new oil and gas lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico today. The governor requests that the pause be lifted in the third quarter to help an industry that employs 250-thousand Louisiana…

Cut 4 (10) “…and their families 

Edwards made the comments to the Senate Energy Committee.

A bill by Abita Springs Representative Larry Frieman is headed to the House floor that would allow either chamber of the Legislature to end or modify a governor’s emergency declaration. Opponents took issue with the fact that only one chamber would have these sweeping powers during an emergency. Frieman says requiring both chambers would make the bill pointless.

Cut 7 (06) “…anything.”

The bill would take effect in 2024.

Louisianans ages 12 and up can now receive Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine as a result of the CDC approving the use of the vaccine in 12- to 15-year-olds. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says this is a step in the right direction.

Cut 12 (12)   “…semester” 

For a person younger than 18, parental consent is needed to get the shot.

The second Louisiana-themed episode of Restaurant Recovery airs on Discovery Plus today The show is the brainchild of Raising Cane’s CEO Todd Graves who assisted ten eateries impacted by the pandemic. Graves helps Domilise’s in New Orleans and Baton Rouge staple Poor Boy Lloyd’s, who’s owners went into credit card debt to pay their own employees.

Cut 10 (09) “…felt good.” 

The series will also air on the Cooking Channel Tuesday nights in June.

Louisianans ages 12 and up can now receive Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine as a result of the CDC approving the use of the vaccine for 12 to 15 year-olds. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says vaccine hesitancy is a major issue but hopes expansion of the Pfizer vaccine can help show this vaccine is proven to be safe and effective in reducing cases, hospitalizations, and deaths…

Cut 14 (08) “..to be” 

Governor Edwards asked the Biden Administration to lift the moratorium on new oil and gas lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico and also wants the federal government to increase the tax revenue Louisiana receives for offshore production. Edwards told the Senate Energy Committee the oil royalties are used on coastal restoration…

Cut 3 (12)  “…single year” 

A House committee approves legislation that would allow either chamber to fully terminate or modify an emergency declaration by the Governor on a majority vote. Abita Springs Representative Larry Freimen says the legislation is not an attack on Governor Edwards’ current powers but sets the stage for future pandemic responses…

Cut 6 (12) “…we’ve had”

The second Louisiana-themed episode of “Restaurant” Recovery is now airing on Discovery Plus. It’s the brainchild of Raising Cane’s CEO Todd Graves who assisted ten eateries with the pandemic downturn. Graves along with Saints Wide Receiver Michael Thomas lend a helping hand at New Orleans’s legendary Domilise’s Po-Boys.

Cut 9 (09) “…same thing”

The series will begin airing on Tuesday nights on the Cooking Channel in June.

Governor Edwards tells the Senate Energy Committee that he wants the Biden Administration this summer to lift the moratorium on new lease sales for oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The CDC releases new recommendations saying those who are fully vaccinated do not need to wear a mask or social distance indoors in most situations. That does not include tightly packed indoor areas, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and on airplanes.

Louisianans ages 12 and up can now receive Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine as a result of the CDC approving the use of the vaccine in 12 to 15 year-olds. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says parents questioning whether or not their child should receive the vaccine, should seek professional advice.

Cut 13 (08)“…than later”

For a person younger than 18, parental consent is needed to get the shot. 

Beginning today the second Louisiana-themed episode of Restaurant Recovery airs on Discovery Plus. It’s the brainchild of Raising Cane’s CEO Todd Graves who assisted ten eateries impacted by the pandemic downturn. Graves says an important part of the show is teaching owners about the need for advertising. He says reminding existing and potentially new customers of your business is vital to keeping the door opens.

Cut 11 (09) “…go eat”

Graves says the series has also been picked up by the Cooking Channel.

The state health department says as a result of new CDC guidance, anyone 12 years of age and up can receive Pfizer’s Covid vaccine. Taylor Sharp has more.

Cut 2 (30) …I’mTaylor Sharp.”  

In New Iberia, there’s now a historical marker honoring the late Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco. The marker to honor the state’s first female governor in her hometown was unveiled Wednesday. Blanco died in 2019 after a lengthy bout with cancer. She was 76.

A House committee approves legislation that would allow either chamber of the Legislature to fully terminate or modify an emergency declaration by the Governor on a majority vote. New Orleans Representative Candace Newell opposed the bill. She says the Legislature is not equipped to respond to disasters in the same way the Governor is.

Cut 8 (11) “…here”

The final vote was 7-5, if passed the legislation would take effect in 2024.

The second Louisiana-themed episode of Restaurant Recovery airs on Discovery Plus today The show is the brainchild of Raising Cane’s CEO Todd Graves who assisted ten eateries impacted by the pandemic. Graves helps Domilise’s in New Orleans and Baton Rouge staple Poor Boy Lloyd’s, who’s owners went into credit card debt to pay their own employees.

Cut 10 (09) “…felt good.” 

Governor Edwards is in D.C. today lobbying the Biden Administration to end the moratorium on new oil and gas lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico. The governor requests that the pause be lifted in the third quarter to help an industry that employs 250-thousand Louisiana…

Cut 4 (10) “…and their families 

Edwards made the comments to the Senate Energy Committee.

A bill by Abita Springs Representative Larry Frieman is headed to the House floor that would allow either chamber of the Legislature to end or modify a governor’s emergency declaration. Opponents took issue with the fact that only one chamber would have these sweeping powers during an emergency. Frieman says requiring both chambers would make the bill pointless.

Cut 7 (06) “…anything.”

The bill would take effect in 2024.

Louisianans ages 12 and up can now receive Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine as a result of the CDC approving the use of the vaccine in 12 to 15 year-olds. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says this is a step in the right direction.

Cut 12 (12)   “…semester” 

For a person younger than 18, parental consent is needed to get the shot.

Legislation requiring all kids who turn five years old on or before Sept. 30th to attend kindergarten clears the Senate on a 34-1 vote. Gonzales Senator Edward Price spoke in support of the bill by Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields. He says there’s ample evidence showing just how beneficial kindergarten is to educational development.

Cut 15 (10)“…state.”

Governor Edwards asked the Biden Administration to lift the moratorium on new oil and gas lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico and also wants the federal government to increase the tax revenue Louisiana receives for offshore production. Edwards told the Senate Energy Committee the oil royalties are used on coastal restoration…

Cut 3 (12)  “…single year” 

A House committee approves legislation that would allow either chamber to fully terminate or modify an emergency declaration by the Governor on a majority vote. Abita Springs Representative Larry Freimen says the legislation is not an attack on Governor Edwards’ current powers but sets the stage for future pandemic responses…

Cut 6 (12) “…we’ve had”

The legislation would take effect in 2024.

Legislation requiring all kids who turn five years old on or before Sept. 30th to attend kindergarten clears the Senate on a 34-1 vote. Gonzales Senator Edward Price spoke in support of the bill by Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields.

Cut 14 (09) “…been here.”

The bill also requires students to take a readiness assessment prior to entering first grade.

Beginning today the second Louisiana-themed episode of “Restaurant” Recovery airs on Discovery Plus. It’s the brainchild of Raising Cane’s CEO Todd Graves who assisted ten eateries with the pandemic downturn. Graves along with Saints Wide Receiver Michael Thomas lend a helping hand at New Orleans’s legendary Domilise’s Po-Boys.

Cut 9 (09) “…same thing”

Archie Manning, a regular at the restaurant, also appears.

Governor Edwards is testifying before the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy about federal offshore oil and gas developments. Edwards is addressing the state’s ongoing work on climate initiatives. Senator Bill Cassidy says that investing in Louisiana and other domestic oil producers will not only create jobs but help in the fight to decrease global greenhouse gas emissions.

Cut 5 (07)”…there will be.”

Colonial Pipeline restarted operations last night after a hacking incident forced a shutdown, which sparked several Americans to panic buy gasoline. But, Executive Director of the Louisiana Oil Marketers and Convenience Store Association Natalie Isaacks says there is no need for hoarding gas, especially in the Bayou State.

Cut 7 (06)  “…out of fuel.”

According to GasBuddy less than one percent of Louisiana gas stations had outages.

House Education advances Senate-approved legislation barring trans athletes from participating in K-12 and college girls’ sports, a reversal from the committee’s earlier rejection of a similar bill.

Former LSU championship-winning Decathlonist Claston Bernard spoke in favor of the bill. He says trans athletes have a competitive advantage in women’s sports.

Cut 10 (09) “….happen.”

Coalition for Louisiana Progress Chair Melissa Flourney says the legislation is discriminatory and not needed…

Cut 12 (12) “…association.”

The NCAA has threatened to move events out of states that enact such laws.

If the bill reaches the governor’s desk, it’s expected he will veto it.