11:30 LRN Newscast May 25

Legislation that extends the state’s 180-million dollar film tax credit program for another three years through 2028 is moving closer to final passage. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt explained to the House Ways and Means Committee on why it’s important to pass the tax credit beyond 2025…
cut 6 (12) “…of that”
The House Ways and Means Committee approved Hewitt’s bill, which has already passed the Senate. It heads to the full House for final legislative passage. Eunice Representative Phillip Devillier is not a fan of spending 180-million dollars on the film tax industry…
cut 8 (12) “…concerns me”
The budgeted amount for K-12 teacher pay raises in Louisiana appears to be on track for $800 and not $1000 as previously discussed by lawmakers. Louisiana Federation of Teachers Legislative Director Cynthia Posey says the amount is disappointing and the goal to bring teacher pay to the southern regional average continues to be put on the backburner.
Cut 3 (08) “…to stay.”
The Senate Finance committee released their markup of the state budget that begins on July first.

The full Senate will soon vote on a bill that would allow nurse practitioners to practice independently without a doctor’s supervision. Supporters say it will improve access to health care. Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioners president Kathy Baldridge says there are five clinics in Avoyelles Parish staffed by nurse practitioners and they have an agreement with an aging doctor…
cut 14 (11) “…clinic setting”
Opponents of the legislation say it jeopardizes patient safety.