A return to some normalcy seems to be right around the corner, but only if people get vaccinated. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

The state revenue forecast is looking rosy despite the slow recovery of jobs lost to the pandemic thanks to a huge influx of federal support.
The state appears to be in line for more than three billion dollars in federal aid. Legislative Economist Greg Albrecht says the total pandemic job loss picture has come into view. At our lowest point last April we had lost 284,000 jobs for a total unemployment rate of 13 percent. As of January, it sits at 7.6 percent.
Cut 5 (09)“…42-percent.”

UL Lafayette receives the largest private investment in history. LHC Group– a home health care company, commits a $20-million over the next ten years to the university’s nursing program.
LHC Group’s co-founder Ginger Myers says it’s vital to have the infrastructure and educational opportunities in place to address the growing need for healthcare providers as our population ages.
Cut 9 (09) “…more jobs.”

Republican State Representative Jack McFarland’s effort to raise the state’s gasoline tax ends before the session even begins.
McFarland’s GRIT Act, Government Reform In Transportation involved a gas tax that would go towards federal matching dollars to fund $15-billion for the backlog of road and bridge projects and the $13 billion estimate to improve traffic flow. McFarland says without matching dollars the state loses out on additional federal funds.
Cut 14 (08) “…match.”