House Health and Welfare heard from both sides Monday concerning Governor Edwards’s plan to add the COVID vaccine to the list of shots required to attend schools next fall, for ages 16 and older. The committee voted 13-2 to reject the addition, but the governor could overturn the decision. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says those who choose not to be vaccinated can opt out.
Cut 4 (10) “…philosophical reasons. “
State Superintendent Cade Brumley maintains the vaccine is a personal choice and says if the vaccine requirement does go into effect, they will assist those parents who choose not to vaccinate their children against COVID.
Brumley says the governor will have to consider testimony heard at the meeting Monday and the committee’s vote.
Early voting for the December 11th primary ended on Saturday and one of the most followed issues is the bid by a group to win approval to build a gambling resort near Slidell. Pollster John Couvillon says the gaming proposal boosted early voting in St. Tammany Parish:
Cut 11 (07) “…in the primary.”
Couvillon also says he doesn’t believe an endorsement by Saints ex QB Drew Brees will sway voters.
Louisiana set a record last year for the fewest vehicle crash injuries but also produced the most fatalities since 2008. The Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety at LSU says 828 people were killed in crashes involving vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Mark Lambert says bicycle fatalities increased by more than 54-percent…