LRN PM Newscall

The Louisiana House approves legislation that repeals the three-year rule, which prohibits homeowners insurance companies from dropping policyholders that have been a customer for more than years. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

______________________________________

After her daughter was tragically killed while trying to save a dog two years ago, her mother is keeping her legacy alive in a unique way. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

______________________________________

The Louisiana House has approved an insurance reform measure that repeals the three-year rule. Louisiana does not allow homeowners insurance companies to drop policyholders who have been customers for at least three years. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment says his legislation will allow insurers to better manage their risk..

Cut 3 (10) “…insurance market”  

Firment says repealing the three-year rule will help attract more insurers into the state, which would result in lower premiums.

Critics says there is no guarantee this will help bring more insurers into Louisiana. Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan says you’re getting rid of a great for consumer protection policy for a hope that it will result in lower premiums…

Cut 4 (06) “…than others.” 

Repealing the three-year rule is part of Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple’s package of bills that he says will result will bring more insurance providers to Louisiana. Temple says more competition is the key to reversing soaring premiums. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson says if Temple supports it, he backs it too…

Cut 5 (12)  “…that’s right.”

The measure heads to the Senate for more discussion.

_____________________________________________________________

After her daughter was tragically killed on a busy highway while trying to save a dog, Kristen Perkins chose to honor her memory by starting “Leedle’s Dirty Paws Rescue.” (pronounced Leal-dell) The Rapides parish rescue in Glenmora might be small but Perkins’ heart for animals is huge.

Cut 6  (10) “…be thrilled.” 

Perkins says her daughter, whose nickname was Leedle, was on her way home from work at a vet clinic when she stopped on the Monroe highway in Pineville to save an injured dog.

Cut 7 (10) “…out of the highway.”  

Leeleanne “Leedle” was killed on January 11, 2022, just days before her 22nd birthday.

Their six dogs are microchipped, fixed and all deserving of a loving home, but Perkins admits operating a rescue is tough, both emotionally and financially.

Cut 8 (12) “…that choice.” 

You can find a link to the rescue at LouisianaRadioNetwork.com

____________________________________________________________________

The Small Business Administration opened a Business Recovery Center in Crowley today at the former Wells Fargo Bank location on Parkerson Avenue. The center provides resources and assistance to small businesses impacted by last year’s extreme drought. Spokesperson Corey Williams says small businesses are eligible for loans to help with financial loss.

Cut 9 (13) “…in revenues” 

Interest rates are at four percent and does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the loan disbursement.

Williams says non-profit organizations are also eligible for loans with a two-point three percent interest rate. The goal is to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses of small businesses.

Cut 10 (13) “…they need. “

Services include assessing business working capital needs and a review of options to help owners evaluate their alternatives.

Williams says services are free of charge, with no appointment necessary. He says this initiative is SBA’s commitment to helping Louisiana small businesses to overcome challenges resulting from natural disasters.

Cut 11 (11) “…extreme drought.”

Williams says there are SBA offices in all 64 parishes. Small businesses can apply online at Lending.SBA.gov.

__________________________________________________

Last year’s historic drought had an impact on several agricultural commodities, including honey. State  Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says in a typical year, Louisiana produces more than three million pounds of honey, but last year it was two-million pounds….

Cut 12 (09) “…wow” 

Strain says a lower supply of honey, means the price has gone up….

Cut 13 (12) “…26-percent”   

Strain felt the reduction in honey production first hand as he’s also a licensed bee keeper…

Cut  14 (07) “…impact”