The Capitol may have been closed for 49 days but Louisiana lawmakers were still paid their 161 dollar daily per diem throughout that period. Advocate Bureau Chief Mark Ballard says despite the compressed schedule legislators will still collect 14,000 dollars aimed at reimbursing expenses for lawmakers while in session. Ballard says many lawmakers argue that they were doing legislative work during that period, even if it wasn’t at the Capitol.
On a five to one vote, the Senate Transportation Committee approved a proposal to make it illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while driving. Covington Senator Patrick McMath says distracted driving causes numerous wrecks and the phone is what distracts most drivers
McMath’s measure heads to the Senate floor, but similar bills have failed to pass in previous sessions.
Notable musicians such as Amanda Shaw and Hunter Hayes are just some of the recognizable names from Louisiana supporting “Feeding Louisiana Love,” a social media campaign aimed at raising awareness and funding for a statewide network of food banks. Feeding Louisiana executive director Korey Patty says Hayes is doing a performance later this month where proceeds will be donated toward the cause.
Vidalia Mills, a Louisiana-based producer of yarns and fabrics is adding to its production portfolio with the purchase of an automated surgical mask making machine and two automatic N-95 mask making machines to help manufacture PPE. Managing partner Dan Feibus says the machinery should arrive by the end of the month.
Cut 9 (10) “…or early August.”
Feibus says the machinery has the capability of producing 50 masks a minute.