LRN PM Newscall November 19

The Louisiana Supreme Court will be the next stop for two combined cases challenging Ochsner Health’s mandate that all its workers be vaccinated against COVID-19.  More from Jeff Palermo.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Biden Build Back Better Plan passed in the House this morning after an overnight delay on the vote. Brooke Thorington has more on the $1.75 trillion bill to support working families.

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Governor Edwards told U-S Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge the state is ready to spend 595-million dollars in federal disaster recovery funds to help southwest Louisiana rebuild from the 2020 hurricanes. Edwards says they are anxious for the feds to issue rules on how the grant dollars can be used.

Cut 3 (13) “…we get started.”

Edwards much of the money will go to storm victims who need help to rebuild their homes and businesses. He says 90-million dollars of this allocation is also required to pay efforts…

Cut 4 (06) “…as well.”

Edwards was in Washington D-C earlier this week seeking additional money for southwest Louisiana because the 595-million is not enough. He believes the trip will help pay dividends…

Cut 5 (06) “.through Congress.”

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The legal tussle over whether Ochsner Health can require its employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or face termination should be resolved next month by the Louisiana Supreme Court. Loyola University law professor, Dane Ciolino, says in this case that the justices will consider…

 Cut 6 (10) “…them very quickly.” 

A hearing on the matter is set for December 7th.

Ciolino expressed surprise when the state’s 2nd Court of Appeals sided with Shreveport Ochsner employees opposed to the vaccine mandate, blocking it last month.

Cut 7 (11) “….and can’t do.”  

Ciolino predicts that Ochsner Health will emerge victorious in the state Supreme Court case given that Louisiana is an “at will” state when it comes to employment.

Cut 8 (07) “…private employer mandate.”

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The Biden Build Back Better Plan passed in the House this morning after an hours-long speech overnight delayed the vote. The $1.75 trillion bill will assist working families with childcare for about 300,000 young children, provide universal pre-school and Pell Grant awards.

Congressman Troy Carter says it’s so important to educate children even before kindergarten during their formative years

Cut 9 (10) “…their education.”

Opponents say the bill will cost an estimated $1.6 trillion and it’s the largest non-emergency spending measure since the 60s. President of business group LABI Stephen Waguespack says Congress needs to stop spending in this economy.

Cut 10 (10)  “…back on track.”

Carter says he respectively disagrees the bill will discourage citizens from re-entering the workforce, he says by assisting with childcare more parents will be able to return to work.

Cut  11 (10)  “…my party.”  

Waguespack says instead of helping the economy, which is at its highest in over 30 years, the BBB will do the opposite.

Cut 12 (07) “…right now.”  

The bill now heads to the Senate.

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Louisiana GOP Congresswoman Julia Letlow is introducing the Parents Bill of Rights Act that’s geared toward further opening the line of meaningful dialog between families and their child’s school.

Cut 13 (12) “…boards and educators.”

Letlow says education is not a job parents or schools can do by themselves, and notes that many schools in the nation and in Louisiana are already practicing what’s in her bill.

Letlow says the legislation would also bring more transparency to a school’s budget and spending.

Cut 14 (11) “…activity at school.” 

Letlow speaks about the reason she finds this legislation important to the educational process.

Cut 15 (09) “…should have input.”