Governor Edwards says he’ll look closely at a bill that would increase funding for roads and bridges by an additional 300-million dollars. Edwards is concerned the money will come from the general fund, potentially creating shortfalls in other areas of state government, especially after federal coronavirus aid is spent.
Supporters of the proposal say the state has made major investments in education, health care, and other areas while roads and bridges continue to deteriorate.
In the final hour of the session, lawmakers passed a bill that would end the enhanced 300-dollar federal unemployment benefit. The legislation would also raise the state’s unemployment benefits by 28-dollars a week starting next year. Abita Springs Representative Larry Frieman says he initially opposed higher state benefits, but the business lobby accepts this compromise…
The Legislature gave final approval to the last piece of legislation needed to get sports betting online, potentially as early as fall. Matt Doyle has the story.
The Advocate reports that it is unlikely LSU will hire retired Oregon State Coach Pat Casey to replace Paul Mainieri. The 62-year-old Casey won three national titles during a 24-year run with the Beavers. The search is said to be wide open. The Tigers will play Tennessee Saturday at 6pm in the Super Regional NCAA tournament.