Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy has helped craft the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019 and it gets its first hearing in front of a Senate committee today. Cassidy, who is a medical doctor, says the legislation will end surprise medical bills, increase cost transparency and lower prescription drug costs…
cut 6 (09) “…will be healthier”
The legislation has received bipartisan support in the Senate.

Dust from the Sharan Desert in Africa will continue to move across parts of Louisiana today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the dust can create some respiratory issues and hazy conditions…
Cut 7 (09) “…situation .”
Keim says the dust reduces the chance of tropical storm activity and it also can help produce beautiful sunsets.

Louisiana’s Hepatitis A outbreak is growing, with 305 new cases since January. Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Joseph Kanter says while we haven’t seen outbreaks in the thousands like other states, it’s still significantly more cases than normal.
Cut 10 (12) “…for us.”
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection, but it’s preventable with a vaccine and L-D-H has been aggressive in trying to vaccinate those who visit homeless shelters and rehab facilities.

The governor has signed into law a bill authored by Shreveport Representative Thomas Carmody allowing delivery services to bring low alcohol content beverages along with a food order to your front door. Carmody says only W-2 employees of delivery services can make the drop-offs, which disqualifies several popular services.
Cut 13 (08) “…has W-2 employees.”
The governor has also signed a bill allowing grocery and liquor stores to hire their own drivers to make deliveries to homes.