Louisiana native Paul Rainwater is a candidate to become the next director of FEMA. But US Senator John Kennedy says there are several other confirmations that have to occur before they get to FEMA, including the nomination of Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch.

Cut 11 (11) “him fishing”

The FEMA confirmation may not be made until April or May.

Lowering mandatory minimum sentences for some nonviolent offences will be one aspect of Governor John Bel Edwards’ criminal justice reform package in the regular session. Edwards says the state is looking at proven strategies that have lowered prison populations in other states.

Cut 7 (08) “offenses”

Edwards says the state can’t afford to keep spending $600 million on the Department of Corrections.

The Department of Corrections and the Louisiana Department of Health are teaming up to help inmates enroll in Medicaid, so they have healthcare when they are released. DOC Medical Director Dr. Raman Singh says the program has been implemented in 7 DOC run facilities, and it will go to local prisons next before being put in place throughout the department.

Cut 6 (10) “electronically”

He says 230 offenders have already been linked to a healthcare plan, which gives them access to primary care physicians instead of emergency rooms.

Governor John Bel Edwards has a busy day in Alexandria today. The governor will speak at a Pineville High School assembly this afternoon, before heading to a roundtable discussion with ministers and community leaders. Later today, Edwards will meet with local elected officials to discuss issues affecting the area.