Congressional Democrats have begun the process of moving their 1.9 billion dollar American Rescue Plan COVID relief package through the process of passing without requiring any Republican votes in the Senate. This comes a day after GOP Senators, including Bill Cassidy, met with the President about their counter-proposal of a 618 billion dollar bill. Cassidy says there are quite a few sticking points, including Biden’s request for 350 billion in state and local aid. Cassidy says those entities have only seen a one percent decline in revenue.
Some of the other key differences: in Biden’s plan federally boosted unemployment would be extended through September at 400 dollars a week, while Republicans prefer 300 a week through June. Biden supports 1,400 dollar stimulus checks for those earning 75,000 a year and under, Republicans back 1,000 dollar checks from those making 50,000 a year and under.
Economic indicators show the state unemployment has rebounded by 69% when you compare April to December of 2020. But LSU economist Dr. Loren Scott, unfortunately, says the oil and gas sector is actually worse off than it was a year ago. What has rebounded is the retail sector; they have more jobs now than this time last year.
A man who allegedly attacked people with a large knife inside Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport has been arrested. Sergeant Glen Heckard with Shreveport Police says two people were injured by 27-year-old Zaokoye Chatman, who may be a suspect in a fatal machete attack at a New Orleans gas station Sunday…