Typically drivers start seeing increases at the pump this time of year, but that isn’t the case this year. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”
_____________________________________
Louisiana reports it’s first presumptively positive test for COVID-19, a Jefferson Parish resident currently at the VA Medical Center in New Orleans. Matt Doyle has the story.
___________________________________________
Governor John Bel Edwards laid out his agenda to lawmakers on the opening day of the legislative session. Brooke Thorington has the story…
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
____________________________________________
Louisiana drivers are seeing savings at the pump during a time of year when prices traditionally increase. A significant drop in oil prices has now sent the price per barrel into the 30s. GasBuddy.com petroleum analyst Allison Mac says the spring and summer months usually bring an added expense for transitioning to summer grade gas.
Cut 4 (09)_ “…well into March.”
Mac says the price drop can be directly attributed to coronavirus fears reducing the demand for fuel.
Louisiana started the workweek with a statewide average at $2.07 for a gallon of regular gasoline and Mac foresees more drops in the near future.
Cut 6 (11) “…the state average.”
____________________________________________
Louisiana has it’s first case of COVID-19, and an email to VA employees indicates that person is currently at the VA Medical Center in New Orleans, after having been admitted Friday.
Governor Edwards says it was inevitable that we got our first case. He says now is not the time to panic, but now is the time to get prepared.
The patient was later deemed appropriate for COVID-19 testing by the Louisiana Department of Health. This test was determined to be presumptively positive Monday.
Office of Public Health Assistant Secretary Alex Billioux says the state is currently trying to identify people who were in contact with the patient, and need to take additional precautions.
Cut 8 (09) “…know that information.”
The results of the test are being submitted to the CDC for confirmation. That confirmation is expected Tuesday.
Billioux says the state is expected to be able to begin testing a larger number of people in the near future as commercial testing sites come online.
Cut 9 (05) “…do this testing.″
______________________________________________
Governor John Bel Edwards tells legislators on the opening day of the session that it’s unacceptable for Louisiana to continue to have the largest gender pay gap in the country. Edwards is asking lawmakers to pass a pay transparency bill that would prevent anyone from losing their job for discussing their salaries
Since Edwards became governor in 2016, he’s pushed to raise the minimum wage, but he has not been successful. Edwards says this year he’s supporting New Orleans Senator Troy Carter’s legislation
National Federation of Independent Business state director Dawn Starns says it’s disappointing and frustrating to hear Governor Edwards double down on pressing forward with minimum wage increases and equal pay legislation. Starns says the Governor’s attempt to fulfill a campaign promise will only result in lost jobs.
Cut 12 (07) “…next ten years.”
Starns says the pay gap between men and women is closing on its own and with a non-business friendly lawsuit climate, there is no need to create another reason for an employer to get sued.
______________________________________
The collapse in the price of oil has lawmakers concerned the state’s energy-dependent budget could take a big hit.
The Governor’s budget calls for a 128 million dollar increase in general fund spending, including 25 million for early childhood education, and 39 million for K-12 spending. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis says that could impact those priorities…
There’s debate as to whether the K-12 spending increase should be used to fund a 500 dollar teacher pay raise.
Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson is concerned the uncertainty could result in legislature having to wait longer than usual into the session for a consensus from the Revenue Estimating Conference.
Without an official REC forecast, a state budget cannot be crafted.
Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says the only good news here is that Louisiana has managed to diversify it’s revenue streams.