Two pieces of legislation pertaining to COVID vaccines advance to the House floor. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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A new report shows historic lows in confidence among small business owners. David Grubb has more…
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.”
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New voter research from UNO shows overall job approval for Louisiana’s two U.S. Senators at well under 50-percent. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”
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Two pieces of legislation pertaining to COVID vaccines pass in House Health Welfare. Stonewall Republican Larry Bagley’s resolution to remove COVID vaccines from the state’s immunization schedule passed on a 10 to 6 vote. New Orleans Democrat Representative Jason Hughes asked Bagley why House Resolution 3 is even necessary.
Bagley says it’s a matter of principle and that some schools have not allowed parents to opt out. He even quoted fellow Republican Representative Troy Romero who said the COVID vaccine doesn’t even stop the virus.
Shreveport Pediatric Infectious Disease specialist Dr. Joseph Bocchini spoke in opposition and says the decision to incorporate any vaccine into the routine schedule for children is based on the merits of the vaccine.
Shreveport Republican Thomas Pressly’s bill to prohibit the government from issuing vaccine mandates passed on a 12 to 5 vote. House Bill 990 does not pertain to Federal vaccine mandates…
Both Bills advance to the House floor.
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A new survey by the National Federation of Independent Businesses says inflation is now the number one concern for small business owners, and they are becoming more pessimistic about the future. The latest numbers are at their highest since 1981, and state director Dawn McVea says the impact is real.
The percentage of business owners expecting conditions to improve over the next sixth months is at its lowest level in the 48-year history of the survey. Aside from inflation, McVea pointed to several other areas of frustration.
Cut 9 (10) “…labor shortages.”
With the supply chain disrupted, McVea says business owners have had to keep a watchful eye on their inventory as difficulty in stocking and restocking items has made their ability to operate increasingly challenging.
Cut 10 (08) “…to fewer sales.”
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A new survey of voters by the University of New Orleans shows less than overwhelming support for the state’s two U.S. Senators. Research director Dr. Ed Chervenak says 36-percent of persons surveyed approve of Senator John Kennedy’s job performance, with a much higher rating from his political base…:
Cut 11 (09) “…job that he is doing.”
Senator Bill Cassidy’s approval ratings were more evenly distributed between “approve”, “disapprove” or “don’t know.” 31-percent of the total survey give Cassidy the ‘thumbs up.” More whites than blacks approve of Cassidy, but also more DEMOCRATS than Republicans approve of his job performance. Chervenak says perhaps that’s because he voted with democrats for Donald Trump’s impeachment and a big democrat infrastructure bill. Chervenak says Cassidy is considering running for Governor next year…:
Cut 12 (13) “…going to be successful.”
The UNO survey shows persons 65 and older show more approval for Kennedy and Cassidy, but Cassidy polls better than Kennedy among 35-to-44 year-old voters. Overall, roughly a third of voters polled approve of the two senators job performance but also an third disapprove and about a third don’t know what to think. Chervenak says the “don’t knows” can be vexing for public opinion researchers…:
Cut 13 (12) “…the next election.”
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A bill banning the sale of abortion-inducing medications without a prescription and potentially criminalizing retailers and patients clears Senate Judiciary C on a 3-1 vote. Bill author, Slidell Republican Senator Sharon Hewitt says current law prohibits the sale and distribution of abortion pills when they are not provided in person by a physician.
Cut 14 (10) “…medical oversite.”
But New Orleans abortion-rights attorney Ellie Schilling says the bill criminalizes out-of-state providers along with pregnant women who are given the medications. Shilling says if the intent is to not punish pregnant women, then it should be amended.
Hewitt says while the bill is not intended to punish pregnant women, it does enact penalties against those who she says are taking advantage of women.
Cut 16 (12) “…use of the drug.”
Hewitt pledged to amend the bill before it reaches the Senate floor clarifying that women who take the medications cannot be prosecuted.
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The New Orleans Pelicans are two wins away from making the NBA playoffs for the first time since the 2017-18 season. Standing in their way tonight in an elimination game is the San Antonio Spurs. Coach Willie Green faces off against one of his mentors Gregg Popovich, but says Pop’s resume won’t be taking the court.
The Pelicans lost three of four to the Spurs this season, though New Orleans was without Brandon Ingram in two of those games. Green says there isn’t anything new to add at this point; both teams know what the other is trying to do. The difference will be in execution.
Cut 18 (18) “ …play our game.”
CJ McCollum and Jonas Valanciunas are two of only five players on the roster with any postseason experience, and both have been in the play-in before. Green says that they’ve already taken the younger Pels under their wings in getting them prepared for a playoff atmosphere.
Cut 19 (14) _“…highest level possible.”
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