Senator John Kennedy says a massive disaster relief & economic recovery bill passed by the Senate is amended to benefit the Bayou State. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”
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It’s open season for changing your Medicare coverage should you want to move in that direction. More from Dave Brannen.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”
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Huey Long is the only former governor to be buried on the grounds of the capitol but that could soon change. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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The U.S. Senate has passed a recovery and relief bill; amended to be beneficial to Louisiana by our own Senator John Kennedy. He says the bipartisan bill gives states billions for pandemic fiscal relief, but his amendment gives Louisiana more flexibility with what to do with its share…:
Kennedy says the Fiscal Recovery, Infrastructure and Disaster Relief Act is a huge step in helping states hit hard by the COVID pandemic and suffering economic hardship…:
Cut 5 (12) “…billion dollars of that.”
Kennedy says Louisiana will get about $4.8-billion of the nearly $2-trillion funded within the bill, but his amendment gives Louisiana choices as to how the federal dollars are spent…:
Cut 6 (09) “…the handcuffs are off.”
Kennedy hopes the House will pass the measure and send it to President Biden with all due haste. The bill let’s state lawmakers use up to 30-percent of the money for infrastructure needs and use up to 100% of it for disaster relief.
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Open enrollment is underway for Medicare beneficiaries who may or may not want to switch their plans for next year. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon urges Louisiana residents to take advantage of the federally-funded Senior Health Insurance Information Program to get unbiased advice on the best plan for you.
Cut 7 (12) “…through December 7th.”
You can get in touch with SHIIP by calling 1-800-259-5300 or by visiting www.ldi.la.gov.
Donelon on why people turn to SHIIP for Medicare information.
Cut 8 (10) “…their individual’s situation.”
Donelon says the Medicare choices are important since not all, such as Medicare Advantage Plans, offer coverage for your particular doctors or other medical providers that you prefer.
Cut 9 (09) “…by traditional Medicare.”
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When the widow of late Governor Edwin Edwards stated she wanted the former-four term governor to have his final resting place near Huey Long at the State Capitol, it brought to light proposed legislation that’s in the works to allow other former governors to be buried at the capitol. Monroe Representative Michael Echols says he began preparing his bill about six months ago.
Cut 10 (07) “…around the campus.”
Echols, who walks the capitol grounds frequently, says they are ideal to honor former state leaders. Suitable grounds and the recent passing of several former governors also inspired the legislation.
As for how Long’s remains were permitted to be buried on the grounds, Echols says it was a resolution that was passed hours after the Kingfish died. But he wants the burial of governors on the capitol grounds to become a permanent option.
Echols plans to submit his bill in the 2022 regular legislative session that’s scheduled to begin March 14th and he welcomes input from state historians and others so the memorial is done properly.
Trina Edwards recently had her husband’s remains exhumed and cremated and says she’d like to inter his ashes at the capitol grounds.
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If you like your winters cold and wet in Louisiana, you may not get your wish in the coming months. State Climatologist Barry Keim says NOAA is out with its latest predictions showing that a La Nina weather pattern is now in control of what’s to come.
Cut 13 (09) “…with less precipitation.”
And if you like your weather cooler, forecasters say you’ll need to head to the Northwest and the northern Rockies this winter season.
Keim says La Ninas typically show up every three to four years, giving rise to the warmer, drier weather pattern in the most southern swath of states.
Cut 14 (12) “…across the country.”
Keim says there’s some potentially bad news about the formation of the La Nina weather pattern when it comes to the final weeks of Hurricane Season that officially wraps up November 30th.
Though Keim says any future hurricanes this season should be more of a threat to the east coast rather than the Gulf states.
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The Saints are getting ready to make a trip to the Pacific Northwest to play the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night. Coach Sean Payton says it’s difficult to produce explosive plays on offense against the Seahawks defense…
The Seahawks are without starting quarterback Russell Wilson who is out after undergoing finger surgery. Safety Marcus Williams says Seattle can still be explosive with Geno Smith at QB…
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It’s homecoming for Louisiana Tech who will host undefeated and 24th ranked UTSA. Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz says the Roadrunners are a senior laden team…
Cut 18 (19)”…protecting the football.”
UTSA Quarterback Frank Harris has thrown for 16-hundred yards and 14 touchdowns. Bulldogs Quarterback Austin Kendall only threw for 164 yards last week and he was intercepted three times. Holtz on the adjustments they plan to make with the passing game..