Most parents in Louisiana believe their child didn’t learn as much as they usually do this past year, but they aren’t holding schools responsible. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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A West Monroe Senator files legislation calling for Louisiana to become the nation’s 19th “Constitutional Carry” state. Matt Doyle has more.
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A Baton Rouge Representative files legislation to ease the state’s backlog of transportation infrastructure. Brooke Thorington explains how the bill will finance the projects
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves calls for a portion of the state’s billions in American Rescue Act aid to be used to build a new Mississippi River Bridge in the Capital Region.
Governor John Bel Edwards says that’s not going to be his first priority. Instead, he will prioritize replenishing the state’s now empty unemployment trust fund.
Edwards says if we don’t replenish the fund by September the automatic employer tax increases will hamper our economic recovery.
Edwards also says despite the region needing a new bridge it’s not clear that ARA money could be used for that type of infrastructure project.
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More than half of the parents of school-age children think their child learned less over the past year according to the 2021 Louisiana Survey. LSU Public Policy Research Lab Director Mike Henderson says 56-percent believe their child’s education was hindered by the pandemic.
Despite more than half of parents saying their child didn’t learn as much this past year, Henderson says 77-percent are not blaming the school system.
Henderson says responses in Louisiana mirrored national data that while most parents believe their child learned less, they are not faulting schools.
The Louisiana Survey polled 781 adults in the state from January 4th to March 1st.
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Legislation has been filed that would allow anyone 21 and older to carry a concealed handgun on their person without needing a permit.
West Monroe Senator Jay Morris says passing this legislation would make Louisiana the 19th state to adopt a “Constitutional Carry” law.
The legislation does not apply to convicted felons, and those who are legally intoxicated would still be barred from carrying a concealed weapon.
The bill is similar to one filed in the House by Oil City Representative Danny McCormick, the big difference being McCormick’s bill sets the age limit at 18 instead of 21.
Opponents say a concealed carry permit classes teach gun owners vital safety lessons and weed out bad actors. Morris says forcing people to pay a fee to exercise their rights is a liberty issue.
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Baton Rouge Representative Barbara Freiberg files legislation to raise funds via a gas tax to fund the state’s $14 billion backlog of repairs needed for roads and bridges and up to $13 billion needed for capacity projects. The tax would stretch over a ten-year period.
Freiberg says her bill is the best return on investment with the ability to receive federal matching.
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In addition to a gas tax Freiberg says the bill also taxes drivers of electric and hybrid vehicles with the institution of annual fees.
Frieberg says she knows she’ll have opposition as lawmakers argue recent CARES Act and American Rescue Plan funds negates the need to raise taxes but says her bill addresses long-term funding for projects.
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Louisiana Tech is off to a six and two start in Conference USA play after taking three of four from UAB. The Bulldogs won the series by blanking the Bulldogs six to nothing on Saturday. Tech Coach Lane Burroughs says winning on Saturday was big to make sure they stayed in first place…
Saturday’s win was the 20th of the season for the 17th ranked Bulldogs. Sophomore left fielder Adarius Myers says they want to prove they are one of the best teams in the country…
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The LSU baseball team is 1-8 in the SEC after getting swept by number one ranked Vanderbilt. It’s the first time since 2010 that the Tigers have been swept in back-to-back conference series. Left fielder Gavin Dugas believes they can turn the season around…
AJ Labas gave LSU a chance to win on Saturday, but Garrett Edwards gave up a two-run home run in the seventh and the Commodores held on for a five to four win. Labas on the team’s mindset…
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LSU is hoping to get some positive news today on starting pitcher Jaden Hill. He left the game on Friday with an elbow injury and there’s concern he could need season ending elbow surgery. Coach Paul Mainieri says they’ll find out more today…