With the Louisiana Radio Network Legislative Report, I’m Matt Doyle.
The regular session continued big committee hearings in both chambers, But the big news was Louisiana Secretary of State Tom Schedler’s press conference addressing a scandal involving one of his former employees.
Schedler spoke publicly for the first about the incident that came to light three weeks ago after his former secretary filed a lawsuit claiming he made unwanted advances to her and even sent her a sex tape.
Schedler denied any wrongdoing and says he will fight the allegations…
There were bipartisan calls for his resignation. Schedler assures the public that the truth will eventually come out after litigation.
The Republican says this is not a good time to leave. Schedler says while he will remain in office, he will not seek reelection in 2019.
Schedler admits to having an affair, but denies ever stalking or harassing.
As the legislature haggles over building a budget that includes a billion dollars of cuts, private companies who work with the state are ringing alarm bells about the effect of potential budget cuts.
Private health care providers warn the consequences would be dire. If the Department of Health sustains the kinds of cuts being discussed, public-private facilities would be on the chopping block. Our Lady of the Lake President Scott Wester says those cuts would mean the end of their partnership with the state, LSU, and LDH.
Wester says that would end care for tens of thousands of patients with a variety of health issues.
Wester says the cuts also eliminate OL’s residency program, which hosts hundreds of LSU Medical students