There was a flurry of activity in the final hour of the legislative session, which came to a close last night. Legislators approved a bill that would result in an additional 300-million dollars a year to improve roads and bridges. But Governor Edwards may not sign the legislation, because the proposal takes money away from other government services.

Also approved in the final hour. a bill that would end the 300-dollar federal unemployment boost
cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Legislation that sets up the framework for Louisiana adults to legally bet on sporting events is heading to the governor’s desk. Betting parlors would be allowed at the state’s casinos, racetracks and the Louisiana Lottery can set up kiosks at bars and restaurants. Crowley Representative John Stefanski says there will also be mobile sports betting…
cut 9 (11) “…participate”
Sports betting will be allowed in 55 of the state’s 64 parishes that approved it.

LSU Health Shreveport is one of four universities to be awarded a grant of 730-thousand dollars to enhance gene sequencing of COVID-19. Director for Emerging Viral Threats at the Shreveport school Dr. Andrew Yurochko (U-rotch-co) says the school’s role in the pandemic is why they received the grant.
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LSU Health Shreveport has already identified seven new COVID variants.

The 2021 regular Legislative session ended last night. Governor John Bel Edwards says the nine-week session resulted in a historic increase in funding for education, both for K-through-12 and higher ed, including raises for professors and an 800-dollar K-12 teacher pay raise.
Cut 10 (11) “…that goal.”

In the final hour of the session, lawmakers passed a bill that would end the enhanced 300-dollar federal jobless benefit unemployed individuals are receiving. The legislation would also raise the state’s unemployment benefits by 28-dollars a week starting next year. Abita Springs Representative Larry Frieman says he initially opposed higher state benefits, but the business lobby accepts this compromise…
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Governor Edwards calls the legislation a good compromise as well.

LSU Health Shreveport’s work during the pandemic with genetic sequencing receives national recognition and the school is receiving a Rockefeller grant. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

On the final day of the legislative session, lawmakers approved tax swap plan that will lower individual income tax rates, but eliminate the ability to deduct on state taxes, federal income taxes paid. Pelican Institution CEO Daniel Erspamer says this proposal simplifies Louisiana’s complex tax code…
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Voters will be asked to approve the plan on the October ballot.

Live music returns to the historic Preservation Hall in New Orleans tonight. After closing its doors last March due to the pandemic, it’s reopening and on a historic day for the venue, its 60th anniversary. Preservation Hall Creative Director Ben Jaffe says it’s a significant night for not only the city but also the state.
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Pending the Governor’s signature, kindergarten will soon be mandatory in Louisiana fall of 2022. Brooke Thorington has more.
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Today, Governor John Bel Edwards signed the state’s budget for the next fiscal year. As a result of increased revenues, legislators were able to fund 800-dollar pay raises for teachers. Nearly 20-million dollars in faculty pay raises for higher education. TOPS is fully funded and an extra 11-million dollars will go towards Go grant funding.

Oral arguments take place today in Attorney General Jeff Landry’s lawsuit against the Biden administration for imposing a temporary ban on new oil and gas lease sales on public lands, including the Gulf of Mexico. Landry is seeking a preliminary injunction…
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The White House says the moratorium does not stop oil and gas production and there’s plenty of undeveloped leases.

Former Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal turns 50-years-old today. Jindal has stayed out of state politics since he left the governor’s office in 2016. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says there’s still plenty of time for Jindal to return as a political figure…
cut 6 (11) “…a factor in”

The first FDA approval in almost 20 years for an Alzheimer’s medication has many asking why when an advisory council advised against it. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Today is the final day of the legislative session. Legislators are still looking at ways to generate more money for road and bridge construction. There is legislation that would re-direct revenues from vehicle sales taxes from the general fund and instead have that cash go towards transportation improvements.

The 2021 legislative session ends today. The Senate still has to approve bills dealing with a tax swap plan that will lower income tax rates and legislators are still looking at shifting vehicle sales tax revenues towards highway transportation projects. The budget is already done. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says the spending plan contains the largest investment in higher education in more than a decade…
cut 9 (09) “…step forward”

Oral arguments are today in a federal courtroom in Lafayette as Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry challenges the Biden administration’s pause on new oil and gas lease sales on public lands. Landry says the case is before Judge Terry Doughty…
cut 12 (10) “…of Mexico”

The FDA has approved the first new medication in almost 20 years for the treatment of Alzheimer’s, but Dr. Jeffrey Keller with the LSU Pennington Biomedical Institute on Dementia Research and Prevention says Aducanumab (add-yoo-CAN-yoo-mab) was approved despite an advisory committee voting against its approval
Cut 13 (11) “…a treatment.”
Keller says research continues on finding a better way to treat Alzheimer’s.

Today former governor, Congressman, and presidential candidate Boddy Jindal turns 50. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the once superstar politician has faded from the limelight ever since his two terms as governor ended in 2016
Cut 4 (08) “…to change Louisiana.”
Jindal is still active in pushing a conservative agenda on a national level.

The Louisiana Attorney General’s office will argue in federal court in Lafayette today that President Biden’s executive order that prevents new oil and gas lease sales on public land should be lifted. Landry says the state is ready to make a strong argument the President is acting beyond the scope of his authority…
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The Biden administration says it’s only a temporary pause as his administration reviews how oil and gas production is contributing to climate change.

The 2021 regular legislative session ends today. A session that saw a change in attitudes regarding marijuana. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says while legislation to legalize recreational marijuana use did not pass, legislators approved a bill that takes jail time away as a punishment for those caught with a small quantity of pot…
Cut 8 (06) “…anytime soon.”

Bobby Jindal turns 50 years old today. Erik Piccoli has more on the former governor who is keeping a low profile…
cut 1 (32) “….I’m Erik Piccoli”

Mike Noel has stepped down as Louisiana’s Gaming Control Board Chairman after spending less than one year on the job. Noel was set to be confirmed by the Louisiana Senate, but his resignation came right before he was set to appear before a Senate committee, where he would likely face questions about Ronald Greene’s death. Noel was the number two official in State Police when Green died in L-S-P custody.