The Louisiana Department of Health has released a report on the state’s 951 community water systems. 67-percent received an A-or-B grade, while 15-percent were graded with a D or F. New Iberia Senator Fred Mills …
cut 5 (11) “….they’re doing”
Mills encourages poor performing water systems to consolidate with another water system to improve sustainability.

Gretna Representative Joe Marino’s bill that would nearly quadruple the annual pay of state lawmakers receives a hearing in the House Government Affairs Committee today. Marino says the annual pay of $16,800 is too low for a time consuming job…
cut 9 (11) “….in the session”
If approved, the pay hike would go into effect next year.

The House Transportation Committee approves a bill that would prohibit a driver from handling a cell phone while behind the wheel. Jennifer Smith with stop-distractions-dot-org says 65-percent of Louisiana drivers are guilty of distracted driving, via using a cell phone behind the wheel…
cut 11 (09) “….helmet laws”
Several survivors of crash victims testified how a person distracted by their phone caused the death of a loved one. Speaking against the bill was Alexandria attorney Ed Tarpley, who says state law has already intruded too much into people’s personal lives…:
Cut 12 (13) “…several years ago.”
The measure passed House Transportation on a five to four vote, and heads to the House floor for more discussion.

A bill to extend the state’s film tax credit program from 2025 to 2035 receives approval in the House. Opponents say the 150-million dollar tax credit program does not provide the state with a great return on investment, but New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry disagrees…
cut 15 (12) “…health insurance”
The measure heads to the Senate, but the Louisiana Film Entertainment Association is not happy with an amendment that reduces the tax credit over time.

A bill to increase the annual pay of lawmakers from 16,800 to 60-thousand dollars receives a hearing in the House Governmental Affairs Committee today. Gretna Representative Joe Marino has talked with other legislators about his proposal….
cut 8 (06) “…..the House”
Governor Edwards has also indicated he supports the bill.

A bill to ban the hand-held use of a cell phone while driving passes its first hurdle in the legislature as the House Transportation Committee passed the legislation on a five to four vote. In support was Jennifer Smith, with “StopDistractions.org”, who says this proposed law will mean fewer car crashes…:
Cut 10 (10) “…in distracted driving.”
An opponent to the legislation called it a money grab for police departments. The discussion will continue on the House floor.

There’s a lot of discussion about quality drinking water in the state, so how many water systems are actually below average…
cut 6 (09) “….five percent of the population”
That’s Louisiana Department of Health Engineer Amanda Ames, who says a low grade does not mean that water is unsafe to drink but steps should be taken to improve the water system.

A measure that would triple Louisiana lawmakers’ salaries beginning next year will be heard in House Governmental Affairs today.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Teiko Foxx.”

During an appearance at the Baton Rouge Press Club, Governor Edwards was asked about LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey’s push for a new or vastly improved PMAC. Edwards says he doesn’t blame Mulkey for wanting a better arena, but…
cut 27 (04) “…new library’

A bill to extend the state’s film tax credit passes in the House. The legislation renews the current tax credit for a decade when the current incentive expires in July of 2025. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the incentive has a $6 return on investment for every dollar spent, but Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson says an independent study shows the ROI is only 23 cents.
Cut 14 (10) “…Louisiana either.”
House Bill 562 was approved 74-24 and heads to the Senate, but Louisiana Film Entertainment Association doesn’t like an amendment added to the bill that makes the tax credit less lucrative over time.

It takes money to improve water systems and a new report from the Louisiana Department of Health finds 15-percent of the state’s water systems or 138 of them received a D or F grade…
cut 4 (11) “….with information”
That’s State Health officer Doctor Joseph Kanter. Health department officials estimate it will cost nine billion dollars over the next two decades to upgrade water systems.

Mandina’s Restaurant in New Orleans re-opened today as homicide detectives continue to search for the gunmen involved in the murder of one of their employees Friday night. Twenty-three-year-old Hilbert Walker III was killed as he was serving customers outside the popular eatery located on Canal Street. NOPD Superintendent Michelle Woodfork says officers were dispatched to Mandina’s after gunfire erupted.
Cut 3 (05) “….the scene.”
Woodfork says the gunmen targeted Walker and a woman eating at the restaurant from Chicago was also wounded

There’s a concern the state’s film tax credit program is too costly for the state. A bill to extend the program from 2025 to 2035 is up for debate on the House floor today. Jason Waggenspack with the Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association says passage is vital to stabilizing the industry long-term…
cut 10 (10) “…year over year”

Once again this year, a bill to ban using a hand-held cell phone while driving goes before state lawmakers today. Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

A 59-year-old man riding his bicylce in the 26-hundred block of Louisiana Highway 93 in St. Landry Parish was struck and killed by a vehicle and the search is on for the car that hit Randy Thibodaux of Sunset. State Police say based on the evidence at the scene it was a Metallic-Gray colored 2013to 15 Honda Accord two door. The right side of the vehicle should have damage.

A bill to extend the state’s film tax credit for another 10 years from the current expiration of July 2025 goes before the full House today.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Mandina’s Restaurant on Canal Street in New Orleans will re-open today after one of their servers was killed on Friday night as he waited on customers outside of the restaurant. A customer dining inside the restaurant was injured by a stray bullet. Cops say two people got out of a vehicle and killed 23-year-old Hilbert Walker the Third and then drove off.

The House Transportation Committee will consider a bill that would prohibit a driver from handling their phone while driving…..
cut 8 (08) “….phone in-system”
That’s Don Redman with Triple-A. This bill has failed in the past over concerns of the government regulating what happens in a vehicle and there’s also been questions if the proposed law can be enforced.

We learned at a gubernatorial forum hosted by the Public Affairs Research Council that none of the seven major candidates for governor have plans to roll back the state’s expanded Medicaid Program that’s provided health insurance for 500-thousand Louisiana residents….
cut 15 (07) “….their campaign”
That’s PAR President Steven Procopio, who says the expansion of the Medicaid Program is one of Governor Edwards’ biggest achievements.