Today marks the beginning of the 2020 legislative session. Kevin Barnhart spoke with a political analyst to see what to expect.
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Matt Doyle spoke with advocates on both sides of the tort reform issue. who laid lay their cases before the start of the session today.
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Federal legislation is introduced that could undo a law penalizing Louisiana state worker’s social security benefits. Matt Doyle has more…
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Today marks the beginning of the 2020 legislative session. Over a third of the lawmakers are brand new, adding some mystery as to which direction the session may go. Political analyst Clancy DuBos says what we do know is that there potential for contentious debate over the state budget, something that happens no matter how good the state may be doing.
Cut 4 (09)_ “…money goes where.”
The abolishment of the death penalty is back up for discussion, this time with potentially more lawmakers in favor of ending the practice. DuBos expects a wide variety of criminal justice reform bills to be looked at in-depth.
Cut 5 (08) “…on the table”.
DuBos expects the Governor will push lawmakers in the direction of taking action on various bills associated with equal pay for women and increasing the minimum wage.
Cut 6 (06) “…keeps opposing them.”
The lion’s share of legislation is expected to focus on lowering auto insurance rates in Louisiana.
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The 2020 session is expected to be dominated by “tort reform” arguments, and whether or not lawsuit reform would actually lead to lower auto insurance rates.
The session’s omnibus tort reform bill would lower the jury trial threshold to 15,000 dollars. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says we’re one of only 13 states who even have a threshold.
Cut 7 (09) “…system.”
Donelon says 15,000 is still too high and backs a 5,000 dollar threshold instead. The current threshold is 50,000 dollars.
But Real Reform Louisiana Executive Director Eric Holl says lowering the threshold is just a handout to the business lobby, and has nothing to do with auto insurance rates.
Cut 8 (12) “…rates.”
Holl, a former Governor Edwards Campaign staffer, argues passing tort reform would set back real rate reduction efforts by years. Edwards supports the current threshold level.
Instead of lowering the jury trial threshold, Real Reform Louisiana is backing a series of bills that would end insurance rate discrimination policies in Louisiana that are banned in other states.
Cut 9 (13) “…credit score.″
Those bills are being brought by Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau.
But Donelon says overall rates are set on a state by state basis, and if you carve out one segment of the population…
Cut 10 (11) “…public.”
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The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation announces a three-year, $600,000 grant investment into the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Monroe. Foundation President Michael Tipton says money will help expand their Prevention On the Go program with services in 12 parishes.
Cut 11 (11) “…the delta region.”
Tipton says the area is one where there are often late cancer diagnoses due to a lack of prevention screenings.
Cut 12 (07) “…much better outcomes.”
Tipton expects the expansion of services and education to impact thousands of live over the next three years.
Cut 13 (12) “…outcomes for people.”
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Senator Bill Cassidy introduces legislation that would end the “Windfall Elimination Provision” that penalizes public sector workers like teachers on their Social Security benefits.
The Louisiana State Employees Retirement System backs the change, which would reverse the policy that blocks Social Security from counting income you receive from the state for benefits.
Cut 14 (11) “…government.”
If passed, the changes would impact social security checks for current retirees. Cassidy says that likely would mean higher social security checks for many retired teachers.
Cut 15 (10) “…should be.”
Only 16 states have laws that enforce the “Windfall Provision”, Louisiana being one of them. Cassidy says even though it doesn’t impact most of the country, he’s confident it will pass.
Cut 16 (12) …pass”
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The LSU men’s basketball team finished the regular season with a 94-64 win over Georgia to finish in a tie for second place with Auburn. Senior Marlon Taylor had 30 points, while fellow senior Skylar Mays had 19 points. Sophomore guard Javonte Smart had 13 points and 10 assists. After the game, Coach Will Wade went on his classic rants against those who do not think Smart is a good point guard…
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LSU’s next game is the late game on Friday in the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament.
The Ragin Cajuns have a second round Sun Belt Tournament game tonight at Georgia Southern. The Eagles won their two meetings against U-L Lafayette earlier this season, including a 20-point win in Statesboro. Cajuns Coach Bob Marlin is looking forward to the challenge of winning a Sun Belt Tournament game on the road…
cut 18 (18) ” as well”
The winner will play at Georgia State in a quarterfinal game.
Louisiana Tech men’s basketball finished in a two-way tie for second place in Conference USA and the Bulldogs will play in the conference tournament on Thursday night in Frisco, Texas against either against Marshall or UTEP. Bulldogs Coach Eric Konkol on their preparation for postseason play…
cut 19 (20) for them”