Baton Rouge Representative Ted James stint in the hospital with COVID-19 caused pneumonia has given him a unique outlook on the virus for a lawmaker. Matt Doyle has the story.
____________________________
The Paycheck Protection Program is out of money. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”
_____________________________
Baton Rouge Representative Ted James has mostly recovered from COVID-19 but says his recovery was grueling and the disease should not be taken lightly.
The 37-year-old Democrat says he became symptomatic March 22nd when he woke up in a pool of sweat, and a week later he was suffering in a hospital with pneumonia.
James suspects his history of asthma and sinus issues may have contributed to his severe case despite his young age and generally good health.
James says it’s been frustrating to see a rising chorus of legislators calling for the rapid reopening of the state before conditions are safe.
Cutoff Representative Reggie Bagala died last week of COVID-19.
The Legislature does not have a firm date to return, but James says his experience has convinced him that when they do return the session must be laser-focused.
James made the statements earlier today on Talk Louisiana.
__________________________________________
Governor Edwards announces the creation of an 18-member panel tasked with producing guidelines that would allow parts of the economy to reopen. Edwards says the Resilient Louisiana Commission will reach out to stakeholders in various sectors of the economy, asking them…
The Commission Co-Chairs are Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson, and healthcare executive Terrie Sterling.
Pierson says the real work of the Commission will be handled by 15 task forces dedicated to various economic sectors.
Edwards says the Governor’s office has the sole power to make reopening calls on a case by case basis for each business sector, but…
___________________________________________________
Congressman Steve Scalise has been appointed to President Trump’s Task Force on Reopening the Economy. Scalise spoke at the Governor’s daily press conference and touted the quickness of federal response and the impact of the Paycheck Protection Program.
Scalise says there are still thousands of additional businesses in Louisiana that need that relief that did not get it prior to the program’s funding running dry, adding that the President is asking for an additional $251 billion.
Scalise says he’s been on many calls with everyone ranging from local restauranteurs to the heads of some of the biggest companies in the world on taking steps to safely come back.
In addition to Scalise, Congressman Mike Johnson has also been added to the President’s task force, along with Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy.
________________________________________________
Food banks are seeing an increase in demand as more people continue to seek assistance due to rising unemployment and Second Harvest that serves 23 parishes across southern Louisiana is no exception. Spokesperson Jay Vise says they’ve had to change how they distribute goods, with help from the National Guard.
Vise says Second Harvest, along with other food banks across the state, need donations and there are several ways you can help.
Vise says anything that you would normally buy at the grocery store is what they need for donations, from cleaning supplies to feminine hygiene products.
Vise says they have disturbed a million extra pounds of food in the last month compared to a year ago.
If you are in need of assistance call 211 to find your local food bank or visit NoHunger.org
___________________