Today is the first day on the job for Louisiana’s new superintendent of education, Cade Brumley…
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Tort reform supporters say they’ll use the special session to fix one unpopular aspect of a bill that passed in the regular session that aimed to lower auto insurance premiums. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot says the bill included some unfortunate wording that would allow people who suffered minor injuries to collect major settlements.
Cut 4 (09) “…afford.”

That one issue appears to have been a potential reason the legislation passed without a veto-proof majority. Governor Edwards is still considering whether he will veto it.

Public defenders say the COVID shutdown hammered their budgets and they are requesting 28 million dollars in state funds to fill the gaps. Public defender Meghan Garvey says by failing to properly fund public defenders, the state is failing to uphold its responsibility under the 6th amendment to provide zealous, competent counsel
Cut 8 (11) “…system.”
Lawmakers largely agreed with the need for the additional funding and will attempt to allocate more money as they work on the budget, which is up for debate in the House on Wednesday.