A House-approved bill to extend $150-million in annual film tax credits another ten years clears a Senate committee, but with a big change. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 1 (34) “I’m Kevin Gallagher.”
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An effort by Democratic lawmakers to raise the state’s minimum wage is not done for this session. Teiko Foxx has more…:
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Governor John Bel Edwards conveyed his displeasure with the legislature for not adding exceptions to the state’s abortion ban. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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A House bill to extend Louisiana’s often-debated film & TV tax incentives is approved by the Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs, but not without some changes. The bill originally sought to extend the tax credits to entertainment productions through 2035. It was amended to make the end date 2030. Supporting the bill is producer and studio owner Trey Burvant, who says the credits mean productions will come, which means hundreds of millions in revenue changing hands…:
Cut 4 (12) “…kids through schools.”
Monroe area Senator Jay Morris is among those who oppose continuing the $150-million-a-year in film production tax incentives. He says the return on investment to the state is far too low; with only about a $10 benefit for every $100 invested. Morris also says the jobs created only benefit certain parts of the state where studios choose to film…:
Burvant says film tax breaks stimulate local economies, and often better-known film locations go on to be tourism destinations. Case-in-point, the “Steel Magnolias” house in Natchitoches which still attracts tourists over 30 years after the movie’s release…:
Cut 6 (10) “…state of Louisiana.”
Approved by the committee, the bill moves now to the full Senate for debate and what could be final passage.
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Legislation that would raise Louisiana’s minimum wage to $10 per hour next year and up to $14 per hour in 2028 was approved by Senate Labor Committee in a 3-2 vote. Louisiana is one of 21 states that sets its minimum wage with the federal rate which is $7.25 an hour. LA AFL-CIO – Matt Wood says increasing the state minimum wage benefits working families.
Louisiana has the second-highest poverty rate in the country, with nearly 19% of the population impoverished, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. A proponent of raising the minimum wage, LA Budget Project Director Jan Moeller says that doing so would make Louisiana more competitive with other states.
A bill to increase Louisiana’s minimum wage was rejected by the House Labor Committee last week — a day after lawmakers advanced a bill that would double their own salaries. LABI’s Lauren Hadden argues the bill is unnecessary and would economically hurt small businesses.
SB149 will head to the Senate floor.
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Governor John Bel Edwards expressed his disappointment that lawmakers failed to advance legislation to add exceptions for rape and incest to the state’s abortion ban. Edwards says it’s extremely unfortunate that the House Criminal Justice Committee voted against legislation that protects crime victims.
Sarah Zagorski, with Louisiana Right to Life, says it’s a victory for pro-life advocates and they are pleased the committee voted against adding exceptions.
Edwards, who’s a pro-life Democrat, says a large majority like himself believe exceptions should be added and that in some cases children, victims shouldn’t be forced to carry a child for both their physical and mental health.
Zagorski disagrees and says legislators are merely reflecting the belief of their constituents that life begins at conception no matter how a child is conceived.
Cut 13 (06) “…hard situation.”
Bills to reduce penalties for doctors who perform abortions and exempt women who have a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy from the abortion ban were pulled from consideration after exceptions for rape and incest were rejected by the House Criminal Justice Committee.
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Guidance on when women should begin their annual mammograms has changed according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Instead of beginning screenings are age 50, it’s 40 years of age. LSU Health New Orleans Surgical Oncologist Dr. Shawn McKinney says it’s welcome news.
Several organizations like the American Society of Breast Surgeons, the College of Radiology, and the American Cancer Society have recommended beginning mammograms at the age of 40.
McKinney says she believes after reviewing data and that more and more women are being diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age prompted the change.
USPSTF still advises women to have mammograms every other year, however, McKinney and other health organizations recommend annual mammograms.
If you have a family history of breast cancer, McKinney says you should be screened earlier, depending on the age that your family member was diagnosed.
McKinney says if finances are an issue in being screened annually for breast cancer, know that there are programs available to help pay for services and to be diligent about screenings.
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The second-ranked LSU baseball team will host Mississippi State tonight to begin a three-game SEC series. The Bulldogs are going through their second consecutive down season after winning a national championship in 2021. They are 6-18 in SEC play and they’ve lost eight and they were swept in their last two series. But Coach Jay Johnson is not taking them lightly…
State has hit 81 home runs this season and they are third in the SEC with 69 stolen bases. LSU center fielder Dylan Crews entering the game with a .457 batting average, which is the second-best in the nation. Last year Crews posted a .349 average. Johnson maintains Crews is the best college hitter he’s ever seen…
Cut 18 (18) “…plate discipline.”
Mississippi State ranks last in the SEC with a team ERA of 6.74. LSU is in the middle of the pack in the SEC with a team ERA of 4.49. Teddy Cahill of Baseball America says LSU is like a lot of schools, they do not have a ton of pitching depth…
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