The veto of a bill to ban transgender procedures on minors could be the tipping point for an override session. Brooke Thorington has more.
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With the Governor’s veto of the bill banning “gender-affirming care” for minors, the chances of a veto override session happening are getting better. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
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Officials broke ground last Thursday to begin a $21 million broadband expansion project to bring high-speed, affordable, and reliable internet to nearly 10,000 households and businesses in Avoyelles Parish. Teiko Foxx has more…
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The guidelines for weight loss surgery were lowered last year, which means more individuals are eligible. Dr. Karalyn Bentley, one of the surgeons at The Louisiana Center for Bariatrics in Baton Rouge, said instead of a BMI of 40 or greater it’s now 30, with at least one medical condition and…
Thirty-nine percent of adults in Louisiana are considered obese, and the Bayou State consistently ranks in the top 10 of the most obese states. Bentley said food is a large part of the state’s culture but when an individual’s health is compromised options are available.
In addition to weight loss surgery, Bentley said the center also specializes in non-surgical weight loss interventions, nutrition counseling, and support groups.
The Louisiana Center for Bariatrics also has free seminars, every other month, which allows potential patients to learn more about weight loss surgery and management. For more information visit LaCenterforBariatrics.com
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Among the most high-profile bills that Governor Edwards has vetoed is the ban on transgender medical procedures on children. Pollock Republican Representative Gabe Firment, who authored the bill, says it’s not antitransgender legislation it’s about protecting children and his constituents support it.
New Orleans Democrat Aimee Freeman disagrees and says there are no known cases of surgery on children to alter their gender in Louisiana. She says the bill’s intent is to target a vulnerable population, and unnecessary.
Neighboring states have passed similar legislation and Firment fears without it, Louisiana will be set apart.
Freeman points out that legislation passed in Arkansas has already been challenged in the courts and she believes Firment’s bill violates the state constitution because it’s discriminatory.
Lawmakers must respond by Thursday if they wish to return to Baton Rouge for a veto session.
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Speculation continues to build as to whether state lawmakers will seek to override any of Governor John Bel Edwards’ vetoes this year. Some of his vetoes were met with little reaction, but his killing of the so-called “Stop Hurting Our Kids Act”, which bans transgender medical procedures for minors, is drawing Republican ire. “LaPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says that bill alone could be what triggers a majority of lawmakers to vote to return to the Capitol…:
Cut 11 (11) “…these other issues.”
In addition to three bills deemed to be anti-LGBTQ, the Governor also vetoed bills to phase out corporate franchise taxes, another to block future vaccine mandates, one to grant credits for fortifying one’s home to withstand hurricanes, and several others. Alford says the transgender bill veto could open a floodgate of override efforts…:
Cut 12 (11) “…by the Governor.”
A veto override session is automatic UNLESS a majority of lawmakers in either chamber vote NOT to reconvene. Those mail-in votes are due by Thursday. Some lawmakers may simply seek to re-file the bills next year, but Alford says those who seek re-election this fall are feeling political pressure to countermand the Governor…:
Cut 13 (09) “…suffer the consequences.”
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A $21 million broadband expansion to bring high-speed, affordable, and reliable internet to 10,000 households and businesses in Avoyelles Parish is underway. Officials broke ground on the project last Thursday. ConnectLA Executive Director Veneeth Iyengar says this is the first phase toward eliminating the digital divide for thousands in Louisiana…
The state will provide nearly $10 million in federal funds from the Department of the Treasury. The collective impact of the $176 million in federal funds plus the $1.4 billion will ensure that Louisianans in rural and low-income communities will have access to high-speed, affordable, and reliable internet. Iyengar says Avoyelles is only one of several rural parishes selected to receive broadband …
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information Alan Davidson announced the impacts the $1.4 billion is going to have statewide. Iyengar says these funds will be used to expand access and affordability, help improves digital skills, and provide workforce training. He says officials have put funds to use and there are standards of accountability…
The project is set for completion in the summer of 2024.
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