The 2019 Legislative session is in the books. House Republican Chairman Lance Harris says one of the more important pieces of legislation to pass was the controversial fetal heartbeat abortion ban, which has already been signed into law by Governor Edwards.
Cut 10 (09) “…thoughts and beliefs.”
However, Harris says he’s disappointed that legislation aimed at lowering auto insurance rates failed to pass.

Once again Governor John Bel Edwards could NOT get legislative support to raise the state’s minimum wage. Edwards says Lousiana remains one of the few states that still goes by the federal minimum wage…
cut 9 (10) “….for it”
Edwards backed a proposal to raise the minimum to nine dollars an hour.

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed legislation that allows Louisiana farmers to grow and process industrial hemp. There were concerns early in the process about a lack of research involving hemp growth. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says because the plant is just now becoming legal, it may take a few years for our growers to get access to optimal varieties of the plant.
Cut 15 (10) “grow here”
All growers will have to be licensed and strict regulations sill need to be finalized.

The opening of the Morganza Spillway has been postponed indefinitely. Army Corps of Engineers spokesperson Ricky Boyett says the water levels on the Mississippi River are coming in lower than originally projected.
Cut 4 (10) “…on a daily basis.”
Boyett anticipates high water levels for at least the next month.