The Louisiana legislative session is over, but not before lawmakers approved a 47-billion-dollar budget for the fiscal year that begins on July 1st. Legislative leaders say they have allocated money to attract private industry, improve state roads and infrastructure and they continue to invest in K-through-12 education. But Erin Bendily of the Pelican Institute questions the millions of dollars that are known as legislative pet projects.

Cut 10 (09) “…things like that.”

The Advocate’s political reporter, Tyler Bridges, says Democratic Congressman Cleo Fields is one of the big losers of this session, because he will likely lose his seat in the U.S. House because of the newly drawn Congressional map that eliminates one of the majority Black Districts.

Cut 14 (06) “…Baton Rouge area.”

A lawsuit is expected to be filed contesting the map that gives Republicans five safe seats to one Democratic district.

The Louisiana Legislature has approved a bill that would require students who assault a school employee to be automatically expelled for at least two semesters and undergo management classes. The bill is by New Orleans Representative Candace Newell, who during testimony in the House Education Committee said several teachers did not want to testify for the bill over concerns they could face retaliation…

Cut 9 (11) “…the Teacher’s Shield’

A companion bill, which calls for a minimum six-month sentence in prison or juvenile detention for any student convicted of assaulting a teacher, is also awaiting Governor Landry’s signature.

Hurricane Season is underway and Nyka Scott with Entergy urges residents to be prepared…:
Cut 6 (11) “the Entergy App”
She says Entergy is two years into a $1.9 billion plan to strengthen and upgrade Louisiana’s power grid.