10:30 LRN Newscast April 5

56- percent of parents of school-age children think their child learned less over the past year and despite that 77-percent do not blame the school system, that’s according to the 2021 Louisiana Survey. LSU Public Policy Research Lab Director Mike Henderson says responses in Louisiana mirror national data.

Cut 9 (09) “…for that.”

Some lawmakers are looking at the three-point-two billion dollars the state is receiving from the federal American Rescue Act to pay for better roads. But Governor Edwards says replenishing the state’s empty unemployment trust fund is his top priority…

Cut 4 (07)“…fund.”

Edwards says if we don’t replenish the fund by September the automatic employer tax increases will hamper our economic recovery
There will be a bill heard in the upcoming legislative session that seeks to increase the state’s gasoline tax to improve roads and bridges. Baton Rouge Representative Barbara Freiberg is proposing an increase the state’s gasoline tax by ten cents and then it would increase by two cents every other year until 2033. Freiberg says electric and hybrid vehicle owners would also pay annual fees…

Cut 15 (06)“…the cost.”

The bill is expected to face stiff opposition.

And a bill 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.

Cut 10 (09) “…dangerous.”

Opponents say a concealed carry permit requires classes that teaches vital safety lessons.