Eddie Rispone, Congressman Ralph Abraham, and Governor John Bel Edwards stated their cases to the oil and gas industry as to why they should be selected to lead the state. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnart”
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The largest professional union representing educators, the National Education Association, releases a report of the how Louisiana teacher pay stacks up compared to the rest of the country. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”
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Legislation that would cover up the names of companies that sell the state chemicals and equipment used to administer the death penalty is headed to the House floor. Matt Doyle has the story.
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Governor Edwards, along with gubernatorial challengers Congressman Ralph Abraham and Baton Rouge Businessman Eddie Rispone spoke to those in attendance for the “Oil and Natural Gas Industry Day” event in Baton Rouge. Each gave their case as to why voters should select them to lead the state. Edwards says while there is still work to be done, the state is in a better position than what it was when he took office.
Cut 4 (10) “…the right direction.”
Abraham says if he is elected, he’d make more efforts to make Louisiana more business-friendly for the oil and natural gas industry.
Cut 5 (12) “…and corporate tax.”
Rispone touted his experience as a businessman instead of being a career politician as the reason he has the ability to lead Louisiana.
Cut 6 (12) “…our state forward”
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Thousands of Louisianans with developmental disabilities will now be able to stay at home with their families after the Department of Health revamped a decades-old assistance waiting list.
Assistant Secretary for the Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities Julie Hagan says they’ve adopted a “tiered system” that prioritizes those in immediate need of help, rather than those who will need help in the future.
Prior to the change a year ago, the wait list for assistance was 12-13 years long, and was operated on a first come first serve basis. Hagan says now they’ve cataloged all applicants into tiers based on how immediate their needs are.
The full wait list was 12,000 people long but included thousands who may not need help for several years. Hagan says they’ve kept families together by prioritizing those who were set to be separated from their loved ones.
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A new report from the National Education Association, the union representing over 3 million members across the country, indicates the average teacher salary in Louisiana is $50,000, which is 11% less than the average salary in the state a decade ago when adjusted for inflation. Union President Lily Garcia says the salary trajectory is making many potential teachers choose other occupations.
The report indicates the state’s average teacher salary ranks 39th compared to other states and is 4.5% less than the national average. Garcia says there is no shortage of certified teachers. The problem is making a living wage.
Garcia recommends looking at similarly educated and experienced professionals and what their pay is compared to a teacher.
Cut 12 (07) “…go into education.”
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A bill that would conceal the identities of companies that sell lethal injection drugs and equipment to Louisiana clears committee and is headed to the House floor.
Bill sponsor, Hammond Representative Nicky Muscarello, says this bill would incentivize companies to begin selling the state lethal injection components again…
Over a dozen other states like Texas have similar laws.
Loyola New Orleans race and racism researcher Dr. Nicholas Mitchell says covering up the names of companies and their products could result in a situation where the state is administering extremely painful injections, without public knowledge…
Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops representative Rob Tasman says the state owes it to the taxpayers to be open and honest when dealing with a subject as sensitive as killing someone.
Muscarello agreed that the bill does promote government contracting secrecy, but says if it helps the state resume executions, it’s worth giving up a bit of transparency.
The state has not carried out an execution since 2010.
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Freshman right-hander Cole Henry is still not available to pitch this weekend because of a sore elbow. And Coach Paul Mainieri has decided to move former Friday night starter Zack Hess to the bullpen. Mainieri says Ma’Khail Hilliard will start on Friday when the Tigers begin their series against Ole Miss. Mainieri says they’ll miss Henry, but he has confidence in Hilliard…
Mainieri says they want Hess to let it loose when he comes out of the bullpen…