LRN AM Newscall June 22nd ###Final Version###

A group called Emerge Louisiana says they have successfully trained 22 women who plan to run for political office and they will graduate from their program on Saturday. Becca Dill has more…

Cut 1 (29)  I’m Becca Dill.“

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Louisiana’s Republican Delegation in Washington DC says the Farm Bill approved by the House protects farmers and improves the food stamp program. Michael Farrar has the story…

Cut 2 (31) ”  I’m Michael Farrar” 

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Although average gas prices in Louisiana are lower this week than they were last, the current average is still forty-nine cents higher than this time last year.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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An organization dedicated to preparing Democratic women for the challenge of running for office will hold its inaugural graduation this weekend.  The Emerge Louisiana event will  honor 22 class members who completed 70 hours of in-depth candidate training.  Executive Director Melanie Oubre, says the program has a history of favorable outcomes for graduates in other states…

Cut 4  (08) “…a 70% win rate.”

Oubre says woman can look forward to learning many important factors of running for office.

Cut 5  (09)  “…in their campaign.”

In addition to the classes that take place in the program, Oubre says participants can expect to have a supportive community from Emerge Louisiana in the time beyond graduation.

Cut 6 (09) “…and the national level.”

Oubre says that two women in this graduating class have already announced they will be on ballots this fall and she says others will soon be announcing their candidacy for elections happening in 2019.

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Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham calls the passage of the Farm Bill in the US House a great days for America’s farmers. Abraham, who is the only member of Louisiana’s delegation on the agriculture committee, says it help farmers recover from natural disasters…

Cut 7 (06)  “…one more time.”

Abraham says the legislation heading to the Senate also requires able-body adults to either work or participate in a job training program for 20 hours per week in order remain eligible for food stamps. The Republican from  Richland Parish says job training is guaranteed in the bill….

Cut 8 (12)  “…this training”

Abraham says the House version of the Farm Bill also has provisions in it to help Louisiana dairy farmers. He says its an industry that has seen a sharp decline over the last decade as they’ve had trouble competing against the big dairy producers in Wisconsin…

Cut 9 (11)  “…sometime”

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Although average gas prices in Louisiana are lower this week than they were last, the current average is still forty-nine cents higher than this time last year.  AAA Fuel Analyst Don Redmond says soon those prices may be on the rise again.

Cut 10 (13)   “…going back up.”

How much could the price be increasing?  Redmond says the prices may be influenced by several factors.

Cut 11 (11) “…such as Russia.”

Redmond says this time of the year does prove to put gas in high demand, and this year may very well see extreme masses of travelers hitting the roadways.

Cut 12 (09) “…to be a record-breaker.”

Some reports indicate OPEC could be looking at an increase in production which would likely help ease the global crude prices.

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The House failed to pass a proposal to renew half a cent of an expiring one cent sales tax, as a way to generate revenue to avoid cuts to state services.  The measure received sixty votes, but it needs seventy in order to receive passage and head to the Senate.  LAPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says the governor and Democrats want the half-a-penny renewal, while Republicans would prefer four-tenths….

Cut 13 (07)  “…in to the foreseeable future.” 

Alford says much of the dispute comes down to the goal of downsizing the government.

Cut 14 (11) “…there going to do.”

So does the most recent vote come off as a failure?  Alford says that depends on one’s views on budget cuts.

Cut 15 (12) ” …wait and see.”

House Speaker Taylor Barras addressed the lower chamber before they convened for the night and said legislators are deadlocked between four-tenths and half a penny on a sales tax renewal bill. Barras says he plans to keep talking with the caucus of chairs in the hopes an agreement can be reached…

Cut 16 (12) “…impasse is”

The House concluded its official business around 8:30 after a long day of behind the scenes negotiations. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle expressed her frustration…

Cut 17 (04)  “…out of time”