The Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Louisiana kicked off its Smoke Free Louisiana Campaign, as Opelousas Representative Dustin Miller filed legislation to ban smoking in bars and casinos statewide. A smoking ban for restaurants has been in effect since 2007. Spokesperson Raegan Carter says Miller’s bill would strengthen the current law…
Cut 7 (08) “they work.”
Several cities have passed local ordinances that prohibit smoking in bars and casinos.

The House Governmental Affairs Committee has approved legislation that would require the state to give information on adoption to abortion clinics, so they can give that info to mothers seeking to terminate a pregnancy. Louisiana Right to Life Executive Director Ben Clapper says many expecting mothers are not aware of their adoption options…
cut 11 (09) “…the family”
A Governing Magazine report says Lousiaina’s per capita income rose 2.9 percent, which is above the national percentage increase. Workers saw a one percent increase in pay last year. Louisiana Workforce Commission Executive Director Ava Dejoie says we could give that number a boost with an increase to the minimum wage….
cut 14 (05) “…minimum wage”
Efforts to raise the minimum wage were defeated in the legislative session.

The House Governmental Affairs Committee approved a bill to make it easier to recall an elected official. Covington Representative Paul Hollis’ bill would lower the required signatures from registered voters in larger cities and parishes to trigger a special election. Pollster John Couvillon testified in favor becaue the state’s threshold to recall is too high…
cut 3 (09) “…from Louisiana”