LRN AM Newscall March 6 ###sports cuts added###

Sen. John Kennedy and Rep. Ralph Abraham have filed legislation with the intent of combating fraud in government assistance programs.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (26) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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Fete-Dieu du Teche is holding a Bible reading marathon in St. Martinville’s town square that begins today in celebration of Ash Wednesday.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (25) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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A West Monroe lawmaker has filed legislation for the upcoming session that would increase the legal age a person can purchase or possess tobacco and vaping products. Brooke Thorington…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

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Sen. John Kennedy and Rep. Ralph Abraham have filed legislation with the intent of combating fraud in government assistance programs.  The Income Verification Act applies to Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and food stamps.  Abraham says the idea is to verify recipients’ eligibility for the programs.

Cut 4 (10) “…really need help.”

In November, a report from the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office revealed that 82 out of 100 Medicaid recipients in a random sample did not financially qualify for the program.  Abraham says the act would see programs verifying eligibility with federal data, instead of state data.

Cut 5 (08) “…to ineligible beneficiaries.”

Abraham says he doesn’t foresee the bill getting much resistance in its path.

Cut 6 (11) “…accountability in government.”

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The town of St. Martinville will be the host of a public reading of the Bible from cover to cover starting today.  Fete-Dieue du Teche will be hosting the Bible Marathon today through Sunday in the town’s square Father Michael Champagne (Shome-pine) says the event was inspired by a similar event once done by the Pope.

Cut 7 (12) “Evangelicals, Baptists, Episcopalians.”

The event drew thousands last year, both locals and people passing through the area.  Champagne describes it as the Woodstock of Bible reading.

Cut 8 (11) “…its highly organized.”

During the four days of continuous reading, 300 lectors will read in 20 minute increments.  Champagne says the event is intended to re-ignite a love for scripture and says the atmosphere is very festive.

Cut 9 (12) “…word of God.″

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There will be an effort in the upcoming legislative session to raise the age from 18 to 21-years-old to legally purchase or possess tobacco and vaping products. West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman says six states and over 400 cities have raised the tobacco age to 21 and the goal is to produce better health outcomes…

Cut 10 (09) “…18 to 21.”

Hoffman’s proposed legislation will be House Bill 38 in the legislative session that begins next month. He says raising the age would mean a loss of tax dollars from a decline in purchases of tobacco products, but it will have a long term benefit…

Cut 11 (09) “…cost for people”

The legislation is expected to face opposition in the regular session. But Hoffman says not everyone in the tobacco industry is opposed to raising the sale age to 21 for tobacco products…

Cut 12 (09) “…some of that ”

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Switzerland-based helicopter maker Kopter selects the Lafayette Regional Airport to assemble helicopters, creating 120 jobs. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says Kopter looked at 38 locations before picking Lafayette, which has a strong helicopter culture, because of the oil and gas industry

Cut 13 (08) “…strong workforce.”

Pierson says Kopter is versatile enough that they’ll assemble helicopters for a variety of uses…

Cut 14 (13) “…law enforcement.”

Pierson says Kopter plans to reach full production in Lafayette in 2025, producing about 100 helicopters every year…

Cut 15 (12) “…with them”

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The 10th ranked LSU basketball Tigers look to avenge an earlier loss to Florida when they meet the Gators in Gainesville tonight. Two weeks ago, Florida beat LSU in overtime in the PMAC. Coach Will Wade is still not happy with how his team played that night…

Cut 16  (19) “beat down” 

Since the loss to Florida, LSU has won three in a row. Wade says they’ve struggled against teams like the Gators who like to grind it out…

 cut 17 (20)   “who are seniors” 

If LSU wins its final two conference games, they’ll clinch at least a share of the SEC title. Wade says that would be a huge accomplishment…

Cut 18 (15)  you’re consistent”