Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy said on a conference call with reporters this morning that Americans could receive a check from the federal government by April. And a second check would follow six to eight weeks later. Cassidy says the Coronavirus checks are part of a large economic stimulus package Congress is considering….
cut 5 (10) “…etcetera”

Thousands of Louisianans are not getting paid as a result of the coronavirus. Louisiana Workforce Commission Executive Director Ava Dejoie says if your work hours have been reduced, if your workplace closed temporarily or if you have been instructed to go home and are not getting paid, then you may be eligible for up to 247-dollars a week in benefits…
cut 10 (08) “…abide by”
You can file a claim at Louisiana-works-dot-net-slash-hire or call 1-866-783-5567.

Since Governor John Bel Edwards has shut down dining at restaurants, many establishments have changed their menus and providing take out and delivery service. President of the Louisiana Restaurant Association Stan Harris says L-R-A-dot-org is a valuable resource for industry workers impacted by the outbreak and more information will be coming soon for consumers trying to find open restaurants…
cut 9 (09) “….times a day”

The state capitol is free from lawmakers as the 2020 regular session is on a hiatus until at least March 31st. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says when they return, they’ll need to work on passing a budget by July 1st…
cut 14 (10) “…to a halt”
The legislative session is set to end on June 1st.

We’re about an hour away from the state department of health updating the number of coronavirus cases in Louisiana. We entered today with 196 cases and four deaths. The New Orleans area remains the epicenter. 136 cases in Orleans Parish and 35 in Jefferson Parish. The number of cases is expected to rise.

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says social distancing is the best weapon against COVID-19…
voicer 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Many people are out of work as a result of the business closures and Louisiana Workforce Commission executive director Ava Dejoie says the number of unemployment claims has tripled…
cut 11 (10) “….as well”
You can file a claim at Louisiana-works-dot-net-slash-hire. If your work hours have been reduced, partial benefits could be available to up to a maximum of 247-dollars a week.

House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says committee hearing dates are set and bills are ready to move when the legislative session is scheduled to resume on March 31. Schexnayder says he and Senate President Page Cortez have worked on a contingency plan in the event that COVID-19 slows down things even more, but he does not foresee that being an issue.
Cut 13 (04) “people’s jobs done.”

Unemployment insurance claimants will no longer have to wait a week from their last check to file, and requirements for keeping benefits are being relaxed. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

The restaurant industry is having to adjust to the precautionary closings of dining areas. President of the Louisiana Restaurant Association Stan Harris says there is a fear of the unknown and questions remain as to how long this could last.
Cut 7 (06) “…part of it.”

The federal government is looking at passing an economic stimulus package that would help workers and businesses as a result of the partial economic shutdown because of the spread of the coronavirus. Emergency checks for Americans is a possibility and the overall economic aid package could approach one trillion dollars. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says this must be done and can be done…
cut 6 (06) “…higher”

Meanwhile, state lawmakers are back in their districts as they wait to resume the 2020 regular session on March 31st. The session is set to end June 1st and a budget for the fiscal year that begins on July 1st must be passed. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says he’s not too concerned about the number of days that will be left to conduct the remainder of the session…
cut 15 (10) “…people of Louisiana”

Congress and the President are discussing a massive series of potential bailouts and financial aid packages to counter the economic devastation being caused by COVID-19. Senator Bill Cassidy says a growing number of lawmakers and the President back a plan to send every American a check in the next few weeks.
Cut 4 (11)_ “patch”
Lawmakers are discussing sending Americans a one-thousand dollar check.

The restaurant industry is facing a difficult time as the spread of the coronavirus has prohibited the public from eating inside those establishments. Restaurants can still serve food via drive-thru, curbside or delivery. Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris says the industry is grateful for these exceptions…
cut 8 (06) “….to their customers”

The Louisiana Workforce Commission says the number of people to file unemployment claims was triple than the normal volume on Monday and Tuesday. Casinos, bars, gyms and movie theaters are closed for a month. The tourism industry is also taking a hit. L-W-C executive director Ava Dejoie says workers who are experiencing a temporary layoff or reduction in hours are encouraged to apply for benefits but keep in mind if you’re a 10-99 employees…
cut 12 (13) “…benefits”
L-W-C is waiving the requirement that those receiving benefits prove they are actively searching for work.

You are not able to eat inside a restaurant today or go to the movies, a bar or your local fitness club as a result of new restrictions put into place by Governor Edwards. But Congressman Clay Higgins is upset that the governor demanded certain businesses to shut down and wonders how the state plans to enforce it…
cut 5 (13) “…is our property”
Law enforcement agencies issued a joint statement this afternoon that they intend to enforce the governor’s restrictions on public gatherings.

Small businesses will suffer as a result of this partial economic shutdown. Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack is asking the public to purchase gift cards from their favorite local restaurants…
cut 11 (09) “…some another month”
Waguespack is calling it the gift card challenge.

Schools are closed for a second straight day across the state and they’ll remain closed until at least April 13th. Students were set to take standardized tests in a couple of weeks, but Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Sandy Holloway says they are seeking a waiver from the state and federal government so they do have to give LEAP exams this year…
cut 7 (10) “…for a waiver”

The Saints and quarterback Drew Brees have reportedly agreed on a two-year, 50-million dollar contract. Brees is 41-years-old, but NFL analyst Mike Detillier says the future Hall of Famer gives New Orleans the best chance to win in 2020…
cut 13 (09) “…this league”
Backup Q-B Teddy Bridgewater is reportedly set to sign with the Panthers as Carolina is reportedly looking to trade Cam Newton.

The state health department reported 35 new cases of coronavirus today and an additional death, bringing the death toll to four and there are now 171 cases. The governor’s office says two of the four victims are from the Lambeth assisted living facility in New Orleans.

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins calls out Governor Edwards for shutting down restaurants, bars, and other businesses because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is seeking a waiver so they can cancel standardized exams for this year, which would also mean test scores would not be part of a teacher’s evaluations. Public schools are closed until April 13th because of COVID-19. BESE President Sandy Holloway believes Governor Edwards will grant the request.
Cut 6 (10) “…families and educators.”

There is good news for many Saints fans today, Drew Brees has reportedly agreed to a two-year, 50-million dollar contract to stay in New Orleans.Before announcing that he would play a 20th season, Brees says he’s taking it year-by-year on whether he’ll keep playing. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says a two-year contract benefits the Saints
Cut 14 (10) “…wiggle room.”