A House committee advances unemployment insurance legislation that includes an amendment offering a “hiring bonus” for people who return to work. Matt Doyle has more.
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A House committee unanimously approves legislation barring the use of handheld telecommunication devices while driving. Matt Doyle has more.
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Fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear face masks but will it entice more Louisianans to get vaccinated, one epidemiologist says probably not. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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Legislation approved by a House Committee that would increase future state unemployment benefit amounts is amended to include a “hiring bonus” for people currently on unemployment.
Monroe Representative Mike Echol’s amendment creates a 1,000 dollar bonus for beneficiaries who return to work off of unemployment. But there’s a catch…
Only those two take a job after the legislation is signed into law but before July 1st would qualify. It’s unclear exactly when that bonus would be distributed.
Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews reluctantly supported the amendment. He says the only other option to get people to go back to work is to cut off federally enhanced benefits.
Cut 5 (11)”…valid alternative.”
Natchitoches Representative Kenny Cox says he’s concerned about the 24-week ban on accepting benefits for those who take the bonus.
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.
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The House is set to consider legislation that would ban the use of handheld wireless telecommunications 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.
Fines would not begin until January 1st 2022 and would begin at 100 dollars for a first offense.
Stop Distractions.org founder Jennifer Smith says Georgia passed a ban in 2018 and saw immediate results. She says phone tracking data showed major decreases in distracted driving.
Haughton Representative Doddie Horton says these days you can find cheap Bluetooth devices so you can use your phone without taking your hands off the wheel. She says texting and driving is dangerous…
The bill was approved by House Transportation unanimously.
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It was social media that two women used to sell fraudulent Motor Vehicle Inspection stickers and it was also social media that helped them get caught. State Police Trooper Taylor Scrantz says they have arrested and charged Louvenia Allen of Baton Rouge and Yakeiva Hicks of New Orleans with forgery, computer fraud, and criminal conspiracy.
Scrantz says the two sold the forged stickers under the screen names of “Kellz Goated” and “Big Kellz” and if you purchased stickers from them you’ll be surprised at how much you could end up paying trying to skirt the system.
Cut 11 (06) “….three-hundred-dollars.”
It was tips from the public in late April, Scrantz says that led to the arrest of the two suspects in under two weeks.
Cut 12 (09) “…license plates.”
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The CDC says those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, no longer need to wear face masks or social distance for each other. Tulane Epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig says the news comes following real-life evidence that the vaccines not only prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and subsequent death…
Cut 13 (07) “…really important.”
Hassig agrees with the new CDC’s recommendations for those who are fully vaccinated and says it should also reassure individuals who are inoculated.
As for how new recommendations will impact Louisiana, Hassig believes dropping the use of face masks for those who are fully vaccinated won’t necessarily encourage more individuals in the state to get vaccinated.
The most recent update from the Louisiana Department of Health indicates only 30-percent of residents are fully vaccinated in Louisiana.
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LSU baseball hosts Alabama in its final home weekend series of the year. The Tigers need a strong finish in order to receive a bid to the NCAA Tournament. Coach Paul Mainieri’s teams usually play well in May and tonight’s starting pitcher Landon Marceaux says they want to continue that tradition
2011 was the last time LSU did not make the NCAA tournament and the projected NCAA Regionals does not show the Tigers playing beyond the SEC Tournament. So the pressure is on for the Bayou Bengals to at least win their final two SEC series. Marceaux on their mind-set
LSU’s opponent this weekend, Alabama, is also on the NCAA Tournament bubble. LSU outfielder Gavin Dugas on facing the Crimson Tide…