House Democrats are reflecting on the just-completed legislative session. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
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Lawmakers have approved a plan that would create a one stop shop for Louisiana residents to access most of state’s benefit programs. Sean Richardson has more the Louisiana Workforce Commission will oversee those programs.
Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”
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Louisiana’s House Democratic caucus is reflecting on the just-completed legislative session. Chairman Matthew Willard says despite being greatly outnumbered, Democrats had some significant wins this session – among them is a bill they helped defeat that targeted diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in state government and at public colleges and universities.
Cut 3 (16) “…and what’s right.”
Willard says another bill Democrats helped defeat was one that targeted teacher unions.
Cut 4 (11) “…the teacher unions.”
However, Willard acknowledges that Democrats didn’t get everything that they wanted. One of the battles that they lost was one that stipulates that a driver at least 51-percent at-fault in a crash collects no damages.
Cut 5 (10) “…with that policy.”
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Evangelist Jimmy Swaggart is fighting for his life after suffering a heart attack at his home yesterday. The 90-year-old from Ferriday is in intensive care at a Baton Rouge hospital. Swaggart is one of the most well-known televangelists and is the founder of Jimmy Swaggart Ministries in Baton Rouge. Spokeswoman Megan Kelly says Sunday was a difficult day.
Reverend Swaggart’s son, Pastor Donnie Swaggart, said in a statement that without a miracle, his time will be short. Megan Kelly says Reverend Swaggart is in God’s hands.
Reverend Swaggart turned 90 in March. He’s been a huge figure in Christian ministry for nearly seven decades. Reverend Swaggart has been able to reach millions of Christians through television, radio, gospel music and Bible distribution efforts. Kelly says Reverend Swaggart has his family by his side.
Cut 8 (08) “…praying right now.”
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State lawmakers have approved legislation to support a “One Door” approach, one place where Louisianians can can access the most of the assistance they need. Mandeville Representative Kim Carver says one of the biggest changes is that Department of Children and Family Services will no longer administer the state’s food stamp program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds.
Cut 9 (09) …child welfare system.”
Carver says the Louisiana Workforce Commission, which will be renamed Louisiana Works would become the main public-facing agency for benefit access.
Carver says the Department of Health would manage SNAP processing, and DCFS would shift to focus on child welfare. He says the overhaul will improve service delivery, reduce duplication, and help more residents re-enter the workforce.
Cut 11 (12) “…benefits that they need.”
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Before the legislative session ended, lawmakers approved a 46-billion dollar state operating budget for the next fiscal year that begins July first. Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, president Steven Procopio, calls it a prudent budget.
Cut 12 (10) “…standstill budget.”
The biggest budget battle was over funding for L-A GATOR, the state’s new voucher program. Procopio says lawmakers left out 50-million dollars that Governor Landry requested for L-A GATOR.
Cut 13 (09) “…private schools”
Governor Landry says the legislative session resulted in the largest tort reform effort in the state’s history, holding both trial lawyers and insurance companies accountable. Procopio says the verdict is still out on whether changes will reduce insurance rates.