The Louisiana House passed several proposals today that would either eliminate Governor John Bel Edwards’ COVID-19 public health orders or give lawmakers a bigger say on what restrictions should be in place. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder’s resolution that would terminate the pandemic emergency declaration after the session ends won approval in the House. Haughton Representative Doddie Horton…
Abita Springs Representative Larry Frieman brought a bill that would allow the Legislature to either terminate entire emergency orders, or just parts of one.
Frieman says this bill was in response to concerns from colleagues that the wholesale elimination of a public health emergency declaration would result in the loss of federal funding.
727 people died on Louisiana highways in 2019, the lowest rate the state has seen since records were first kept. Executive Director Lisa Freeman says last year’s numbers were down 46 fatalities from 2018, reversing a five year trend of more deadly wrecks…
Cut 10 (08) “…incredible news.”
Freeman credits higher compliance on seatbelt usage, and safer cars for the downward trend.
38 percent of hotel jobs in Louisiana have been lost due to the pandemic according to the American Hotel and Lodging Association. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says it’s been a tough year, but some of the damage has been blunted by an increase in in state travel.
Cut 13 (09) “…around the state.”
Nearly 900 new COVID-19 cases are reported today, along with 26 additional deaths.