On January 1, 2024, the minimum wage will increase in 22 states, 43 cities and counties. Teiko Foxx reports the minimum wage in Louisiana holds steady at $7.25…
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Louisiana State Parks has a suggestion for New Year’s day. Colleen Crain has the details
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On January 1st, gender-altering procedures for minors will be illegal in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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A minimum wage increase in 22 states goes into effect Monday, but Louisiana remains one of a handful that is keeping the federal minimum wage of 7.25 an hour. Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moeller says state lawmakers have not adopted a minimum wage law so the federal wage is in effect.
Cut 4 (12) “…Louisiana legislature.”
The federal minimum wage has been stuck at $7.25 since 2009.
Moeller says Louisiana lawmakers have rejected efforts year after year to establish a state minimum wage. He says the minimum wage is still below an adequate living wage for a full-time worker in the Bayou State.
Wages will increase in 22 states including Nevada, Oregon, and Florida. More than 15 states including Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina will keep the federal minimum of 7.25 an hour.
Moeller says Louisiana continues to lose population as many search for better employment. To be more competitive, he says the state needs to embrace an increase of at least three to four dollars.
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After your black-eyed peas and cabbage, you may want to add First Day Hikes to your New Year’s Day traditions. All 50 states are participating in America’s State Parks project and Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is encouraging all Louisianans to enjoy the rich beauty of the state parks…
Some of the hikes are more challenging and are guided
There are also guided tour hikes at Fountainbleu ( FountainBlue) State Park in Mandeville and Sam Houston Jones State Park in Lake Charles.
Nungesser says special to his heart this year, is the addition of track chairs that allow individuals confined to wheelchairs, walkers, or similar devices to enjoy the trails with family and friends
Cut 9 (07) “…and their family.”
Check the events page at LA State Parks Dot Com for details
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On Monday, the Louisiana law that bans procedures to alter the gender of a minor goes into effect. Grant Parish Representative Gabe Firment says even though his bill had pushback from LGBTQ advocates and the governor vetoed the legislation…
Cut 10 (08) “…protect children.”
Because other surrounding states passed similar legislation, Firment feared it would bring minors seeking gender-affirming medical care to the state.
Cut 11 (12) “…experimental procedures.”
Because of resistance from LGBTQ rights groups, Firment expects the law to be challenged in court…
Governor John Bel Edwards says the law needlessly harms a very small population of vulnerable children and their families and he expects it will be ruled unconstitutional.
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Eleven days from now, Governor-elect Jeff Landry will be sworn in, and he still has several major positions to fill in his cabinet. Landry has yet to name the next Transportation Secretary. Lapolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says it’s a coveted position with federal transportation dollars available to spend…
The state’s next transportation secretary will have a major say about how to fund new interstate bridges in Lake Charles and Baton Rouge and other major infrastructure projects. Alford says Landry has options…
Expect more future cabinet secretaries to be announced next week. Landry also needs to name a new Louisiana Workforce Commissioner, Economic Development Secretary, GOHSEP director, Natural Resources Secretary, and Coastal Restoration and Protection Authority director. Alford says there are hundreds of positions that need to be filled when a new administration takes over and it takes time…
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The Saints will need help if they want to get into the playoffs. According to the New York Times’ playoff simulator, New Orleans only has a 12-percent of making the postseason. They can be eliminated from playoff contention with a loss on Sunday against Tampa Bay. Coach Dennis Allen says his team’s mindset hasn’t changed…
Cut 16 (16) “…that’s the message.”
The Saints have lost four of their last six. The four defeats were by eight points or less. Quarterback Derek Carr says there’s no quit in this team…
Cut 17 (21) “…going after it.”
A win for Tampa Bay on Sunday and the Buccaneers will clinch their third consecutive NFC South title. They are one of the hottest teams in the NFL as they’ve won four in a row. Allen says the Bucs offense has played very well during this stretch…