After being questioned about suggested Title IX changes to protect sexual orientation and gender identity at K-12 schools, State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley offers clarification. Brooke Thorington has more.
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A new report from the legislative auditor says the state’s gasoline tax can not put a dent in the state’s 15-billion dollar infrastructure backlog. Marsanne Golsby has more.
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The Louisiana Department of Health helped play a role in getting the water flowing again in Jackson, Mississippi after severe flooding damaged the city’s treatment plants. Whitney Thomas has more.
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State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley wants schools and parents to know that the suggested federal Title IX protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity are just suggestions. He says there’s no need to implement the proposed changes at this time.
Because he was questioned about the proposed changes Brumley sent a letter to school leaders clarifying that it’s not law. He gives examples of how the proposed Title IX expansions could impact schools.
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If enacted, Brumley says schools that fail to comply could lose federal funding, and it could jeopardize the school lunch program for students who receive free or low-cost meals.
Brumley says because these are proposed changes at this point if you strongly feel one way or another about them, he encourages you to voice your opinion via the federal registry.
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When you buy gasoline, 20 cents of each gallon goes into a fund for roads, bridges, and other transportation needs. But a new report from the Legislative Auditor says the money generated isn’t nearly enough. The tax was set 32 years ago and is not indexed for inflation. Department of Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says he agrees with the findings.
Wilson says thanks to a new law, starting next year, up to 60-percent of the vehicle sales tax you’re already paying will be used for transportation projects, up to $300 million a year. But he says the state needs more revenue in order to make a dent in a 15-billion dollar backlog. The DOTD secretary says the audit notes that other states use a variety of transportation funding sources, including vehicle fees, tolls, and even cigarette taxes.
The audit says 22 other states adjust their gasoline taxes for inflation, but Louisiana doesn’t. Wilson has lobbied lawmakers in the past to increase the state’s gasoline tax, but those efforts failed and he doesn’t expect the issue to come up again next year, which is an election year.
Earlier this year lawmakers approved an annual fee for those who own hybrid and electric vehicles.
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The Louisiana Department of Health responded to the water crisis in Mississippi by deploying a four-person drinking water engineering team to Jackson after severe damage from flooding.
GOHSEP Spokesperson Mike Steele says the team is well equipped and experienced for these types of disasters
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LDH team members were proactive due to the EMAC act. Steele says this allows different states to become allies in a time of need.
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Steele says Louisiana was glad to help after receiving assistance from other states during Louisiana’s natural disasters.
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For more information visit www.emacweb.org
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Congressman Troy Carter will present a sizeable check today to go towards the construction of a public athletic stadium in eastern New Orleans. Carter says he’s secured $4.5 million in federal funds for the project.
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Carter along with elected officials, sports figures, and students in the local area will be on hand for the check presentation at George Washington Carver High School at 9 am. Carter says he’s excited to help fund such a worthwhile project.
The publicly accessible stadium will be a first for the area for students, athletes, and the community to enjoy. Carter says it will be a positive impact for the city, especially for the 9th ward.
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Many LSU fans were concerned after watching Kayson Boutte’s body language during Sunday night’s loss to Florida State. The preseason All-American scrubbed his Instagram account of LSU content after catches just two passes in the season opener. But Coach Brian Kelly believes his best wide receiver will be just fine…
Kelly is concerned about the missed tackles on defense. Florida State was able to convert 11 times on 17 third-down opportunities. He says Jordan Travis broke many of those tackles…
LSU’s offensive line had trouble protecting quarterback Jayden Daniels. Kelly says they lack what he calls o-line awareness…
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After losing the season opener to Missouri 52-24 last week, Louisiana Tech is now getting ready for its season opener against Missouri. Bulldogs Coach Sonny Cumbie says they have a list of items they can improve on…
Cumbie knows he needs better play from the quarterback position after Matthew Downing threw three interceptions and was sacked three times in the loss to Mizzou…
Cumbie says Downing will start again this Saturday in the home opener against Stephen F Austin.