The session came to a close Thursday at 6 PM with a mad scramble to cross the finish line.
A last second addition was legislation that could signal Governor Edwards’ willingness to end federally enhanced unemployment benefits early. Under the bill by Plaquemines Democratic Representative Chad Brown state benefits would go up 28 dollars a week next year if the Governor agrees to stop accepting federally boosted unemployment by July 31st. Brown says while he understands some sectors of the economy have not bounced back yet…
And the final piece of the sports gambling puzzle was approved Thursday as lawmakers agreed to rules and regulations that would allow residents of the 55 parishes that approved sports betting to place bets from sportsbooks, select kiosk locations, and on the go or at home through phone via an app or website. Crowley Representative John Stefanski…
Edwards is expected to sign legislation headed to his desk that would mandate kindergarten attendance for all children who turn five on or before September 30th starting in Fall of 2022. Senate Education Chairman Cleo Fields says his bill doesn’t force you to send your kid to school…
Fields bill has long been supported by Edwards, who closed out the session with a speech from the Capitol. He in particular he highlighted the historic increase in funding for education at both the K-12 and higher education levels, including higher ed faculty raises and an 800 dollar K-12 teacher pay raise…
***EDWARDS CUT***
It’s unknown whether there will be a veto override session to overturn Edwards’ expected vetoes of controversial legislation involving transgender athletes and the concealed carry of handguns.