LRN PM Newscall February 19

Louisiana lawmakers begins a special session on crime today that will tackle a measure that would allow Louisianans 18 or older to own and carry a gun without a permit. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (34)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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In a social media post, suspended LSU running back Trey Holly says he’s been falsely accused in a shooting that injured two others on February 9th. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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A measure to allow people who are 18 or older to carry a concealed gun without a permit will be discussed in the special session on crime that begins today. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry believes training should be required to carry a gun.

Cut 3 (11) “…gun ownership.”  

In 2021, the bill passed the House and Senate but Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed the measure.

Landry says with a Republican super majority in the House and Senate and a Republican in the governor’s office, the Democratic legislator does not see anything stopping this legislation this year…

Cut 4 (11) “…vetoed it.”

27 states already allow concealed carry without a license. Supporters of the legislation believe this grant the Second Amendment right of law-abiding citizens.

Senator Kirk Talbot believes the bill will advance this year with no pushback.

Cut 5 (08) “…pass easily.”

Session is set to begin today at 1pm at the State Capital.

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On Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster this morning, DCFS Secretary David Matlock defends the state’s refusal of Summer EBT dollars that equates to $70 million in federal match from a state investment of $7 million. Matlock says this summer the state will provide 1.8 million more meals than before the pandemic to children in a congregate setting, he says that’s more ideal than adding funds to an EBT card.

Cut 6  (06) “…the child.” 

He says they need to hire 300 employees and they need a new fleet of vehicles, which are vital for child welfare caseworkers and many of the cars are 20 years old.

Matlock says DCFS is facing an internal fiscal cliff of $35 million a year and he’s done with generational poverty. He says the answer to child poverty is educational opportunities along with workforce and job development.

Cut 7 (13) “…done with it.”  

The seven-million-dollar investment required by the state for the Summer EBT program is administrative costs, that’s split between DCFS and state education.  Matlock says he’s trying to budget dollars for more child welfare caseworkers to meet the department’s main goal.

Cut 8 (06) “…caretakers.” 

The Louisiana Democratic Party issued a statement criticizing the Landry Administration’s rejection of Summer EBT which affects an estimated 594,000 children in the state. Party Chair Katie Bernhardt says it makes no sense to turn down $71 million to feed poor children.

Louisiana is one of 15 other states with Republican governors not accepting Summer EBT federal funding.

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LSU running back Trey Holly, who faces three felony charges, says he’s been falsely accused in a shooting that took place in Farmerville on February ninth that injured two people. Holly released the statement on social media. His attorney Kelvin Rodgers says Holly was at home at the time of the shooting…

Cut 9 (09) “…falsely accused 

Holly is one of three people charged with attempted second degree murder that left one woman seriously injured and another man wounded.  Rodgers says Holly was at home at the time of the shooting and the shooting occurred outside of his apartment

Cut 10 (10) “…day in court”

Holly has bonded out of jail, but has been suspended indefinitely from all LSU football team activities. Rodgers says the former Union Parish star running back is cooperating fully with the authorities

Cut 11 (10) “…since day one”

In Holly’s social media post, Holly says he looks forward to proving his innocence and one day his story will be legendary.

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State lawmakers have convened a 17-day special session focused on crime issues. Governor Jeff Landry told lawmakers this afternoon that he made a pledge to Louisiana residents on campaign that he would make this a safer state…

Cut 12 (12)  “..that process.”  

So far more than 30 bills have been filed for consideration. They range from execution methods, stronger penalties for carjacking and changes to probation or parole.

Landry says in 2021, Louisiana had the highest violent crime rate in the nation. And in 2022, three cities were in the top ten for most dangerous in America. He says it’s time to take back our streets

Cut 13 (14) “…deadly drugs’  

The special session must end on March 6th.