The 2020 regular legislative session started up again Monday after a month-long COVID hiatus with 78 of the House’s 104 members in attendance. The Legislative Black Caucus had called for a postponement of legislative work until the 15^th, but House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says they can’t wait any longer

Cut 3 (10)  “…work to do”   

The Lower Chamber will be missing one member for the rest of the session: freshman Representative Reggie Bagala of Lafourche Parish died from COVID-19. 

The Legislature’s chief economist warns members that revenue is likely to take a significant hit due to oil prices and the COVID Crisis.

Cut 12 (11) “…like this”

The Legislature has until July 1^st to pass a budget.

A Senate Committee will hear several sports gambling-related bills Tuesday. Lake Charles Republican Ronnie Johns has a proposal that calls for a proposition election on sports wagering to be held in every parish in November. Johns says sports betting is already happening illegally…

Cut 10 (09) “…legal industry.”

If parishes were to legalize sports gambling, the activity could not begin until the Legislature approves the tax structure during next year’s fiscal session.

The House Appropriations, Ways and Means, and Transportation Committees are set to meet Tuesday starting at 9 AM. Appropriations will be taking up a few, preliminary budgetary procedures. Throughout the day Senate Judiciary A, B, and C will meet. Along with the gaming bills they’re scheduled to tackle video poker, alcohol delivery, fantasy sports, and a proposal that would bar seizure of federal COVID relief money by an individual’s debtors. Senate Ag will also convene.

The state is reporting an additional 333 new cases of COVID-19 for a total of 29,673 and a total number of those presumed recovered 20,316.

The Governor says numbers are encouraging today because the death tolls reported for the last three days have been the lowest in a month.

The Legislature’s chief economist Greg Albrecht warned state lawmakers to expect a slow recovery once the coronavirus pandemic ends.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Louisiana school systems receive a 260-million-dollar coronavirus relief grant from the feds, with guidance on how to use the funds coming from The Louisiana Department of Education. Assistant Superintendent Jessica Baghian says with this funding districts can develop a plan for the upcoming school year to ensure every student hears from an educator every day.

Cut 8 (08) “…minds”

The Louisiana Lottery has come up with a way for players to redeem cash prizes between $5,000 and $600 since lottery offices are closed. Spokesperson Kim Chopin says send photocopies of the winning ticket, along with a completed prize claim form and a picture of your ID to lottery headquarters. Chopin says if you have a winning Powerball or Mega Millions ticket, or your Louisiana Lottery prize ticket is over $5000…

Cut 11 (08) “…CDC guidelines.”

The 2020 legislative resumed when the Louisiana House convened this morning. 78 out of the 104 House members were present for roll call. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says the state faces significant health and economic challenges as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, but as a legislative body they are up to the task

Cut 4 (09)_ “in our way.”

The Legislative Black Caucus urged legislative leaders to reconvene on May 15th instead of today.

The Legislature’s chief economist tells the House Appropriations Committee not to expect a quick economic recovery once the coronavirus pandemic ends. Greg Albrecht anticipates a significant loss in state revenues for the fiscal year that begins in July.  He says all you have to do is look at the price of oil.

Cut 13 (09) “…etcetera.”

Louisiana school systems receive a 260-million-dollar coronavirus relief grant from the feds, with guidance on how to use the funds coming from The Louisiana Department of Education. Assistant Superintendent Jessica Baghian says the funds will make sure every kid has a computer and access to the internet if school campuses remain closed.

Cut 6 (10) “…happen.”

The Louisiana Lottery has come up with a way for players to redeem cash prizes between $5,000 and $600 since lottery offices are closed. Spokesperson Kim Chopin says send photocopies of the winning ticket, along with a completed prize claim form and a picture of your driver’s license to lottery headquarters. Chopin says to be sure to take clear photos and….

Cut 10 (08) “…that ticket.”

The Louisiana Department of Education disperses 260 million dollars in federal funding to school districts, with guidance on how to properly use the funds…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

The house returned to the capitol today the first since mid-march due to the pandemic and Harvey Representative Rodney Lyons who has recovered from COVID-19 asked legislators to wear a mask when talking to each other…

Cut 5 (08)  “…doing so”

The Legislature’s chief economist tells the House Appropriations Committee not to expect a quick economic recovery once the coronavirus pandemic ends. Greg Albrecht says Louisiana will not be able to recover until the national and world economy recovers…

Cut 12 (11) “…like this”

The Louisiana Lottery has come up with a way for players to redeem cash prizes between $5,000 and $600 since lottery offices are closed. Spokesperson Kim Chopin says send photocopies of the winning ticket, along with a completed prize claim form and a picture of your driver’s license to lottery headquarters…

Cut 9 (05) “…present to us.”

A Louisiana Lottery Prize Claim form can be found on their website.

Louisiana reports 333 new confirmed positive COVID-19 cases, but only 22 new deaths were reported today. That marks three days in a row at under 25 new reported deaths, but weekend and Monday numbers tend to be much lower due to reporting logjams.

The House is back in action after a month-long COVID hiatus, with the Senate set to follow at 2 pm. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says the state faces significant health and economic challenges, but…

Cut 4 (10)_ “our way.”

And the state scores a 260 million dollar federal grant for school districts aimed at helping them get students back up to speed. Assistant Superintendent Jessica Baghian says districts can use the funds to provide time for extra instruction if a student has fallen behind…

Cut 7 (11) “…might have.”

For those that are looking to get their hands on farm-fresh foods and support the state’s ag industry, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry introduces a new online tool that can help…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

The 2020 legislative session resumed today when the Louisiana House convened this morning. 78 out of the 104 House members were present for roll call. The Legislative Black Caucus urged legislative leaders to reconvene on May 15th instead. But House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says they can’t wait any longer

Cut 3 (10)  “…work to do”   

Baton Rouge Representative Ted James was among those not present.  James was hospitalized with COVID-19 and pneumonia a month ago and says the House chamber is not a safe environment. James says if the session must go on legislative leaders need to ensure the only items seeing daylight are the budget, COVID-related bills, or essential business.

Cut 9 (08) “…danger”

Louisiana school systems receive 260 million dollar coronavirus relief grant from the feds.Louisiana Department of Education Assistant Superintendent Jessica Baghian says the funds will make sure every kid has a computer and access to the internet if physical schools remain closed.
Cut 6 (10) “…happen.”
The money is being disbursed to schools by LDE the based on the number of low-income children served in each district.
A Lafayette drug testing company reaches a deal with suppliers to provide a test that will show patients within ten minutes whether they have coronavirus antibodies. Having anti-bodies may indicate you are now immune to the virus but the FDA says that’s yet to be proven. Global Data Fusion Founder and CEO Ed Roy says if it’s true his supplier is prepared to mass-produce the tests.
Cut 15 (11)“…tested”
Roy says the test process is easy and only requires participants to give a small prick of blood from their fingertip.

After over a month-long hiatus, the House resumed its business this morning at 9 and the Senate is set to convene at 2 pm. Legislation addressing the economy and COVID-19, along with the budget is expected to take center stage, but Senate President Page Cortez still expects the auto insurance reform bills to be heard…

Cut 5 (10)  “…question.”

One prominent member of the Legislature will not be in attendance today, Baton Rouge Representative Ted James. James was hospitalized with COVID-19 linked pneumonia a month ago and despite some safety measures says the House chamber is not a safe environment

Cut 7 (11) “…challenge”

The session must end at 6 PM on June 1st. If a budget is not approved, a special session will be called.

Good health appears to be one way to increase your odds when fighting COVID-19 and The Louisiana Department of Agriculture has an online tool that can help you find locally grown healthy foods. Manager of the Louisiana Farm to School Program Johannah Frelier (free-ler) says the Louisiana Farm Food Map and Directory can help you find immune-boosting local produce.

Cut 12 (12) “…nutrient filled food.”

The tool can be found in the coronavirus information center section of the Department of Ag’s website.

A Lafayette company is set to offer 10-minute coronavirus anti-body tests to Louisiana businesses. Having anti-bodies may indicate you are now immune to the virus but the FDA says that’s yet to be proven. Global Data Fusion Founder and CEO Ed Roy says if it’s true his supplier is prepared to mass-produce the tests.

Cut 15 (11)“…tested”

On Friday as new COVID-19 case numbers were released Dr Alex Billioux, Assistant Secretary of Health with the Department of Health explained the jump in cases came from labs that are new to reporting. Of the 710 new cases yesterday, 381 were from those new labs. Billoux pointed out some of the cases reported were over two weeks old and…

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Oil City Republican Representative Danny McCormick is one of several lawmakers to be a part of a grassroots rally outside the Governor’s Mansion at noon today.  McCormick says the goal is to send a clear message to the Governor and the state legislature.

Cut 9 (09) “…and could not do.”

The state is ramping up COVID-19 contact tracing this month and that means you may be getting a call from a health official if you or someone close to you tests positive.   Governor Edwards says contact tracing is critical to stopping the spread of the virus. If you test positive, Edwards says the state will want information from you that could help identify others you may have infected.

Cut 7 (09) “…virus.”

The Louisiana Legislature will resume the 2020 regular session on Monday and several safety restrictions will be in place. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says the legislative focus this session will be more narrow than usual.

Cut 14 (08) “…set forth”

If the Legislature does not pass a budget by June 1st a special session will likely be called to pass the budget by the July 1st deadline.

An anti-shutdown rally is set to take place outside the Governor’s Mansion at noon headlined by a few legislative leaders from around the state. Oil City Republican Danny McCormick will speak at the event and says he expects a large crowd to be there based on the responses he’s seen on the online event page.

Cut 11 (10) “…our normal life.”

On Friday the state saw the largest single-day spike in cases since mid-April with 710 new cases and 65 new deaths from COVID-19. Dr. Alex Billioux, Assistant Secretary of Health with the Louisiana Department of Health pointed to an increase in cases in the Shreveport region all the way to Monroe as a growing hot spot for cases and hospitalizations

Cut 25 statewide :11

The state is ramping up COVID-19 contact tracing this month and that means you may be getting a call from a health official if you or someone close to you tests positive. If you are a close contact to confirmed COVID-19 case you may be asked to quarantine for 14 days. Governor Edwards lists a few of the people who may be called.

Cut 8 (09) “…minutes”

The Louisiana Legislature will resume the 2020 regular session on Monday and several safety restrictions will be in place. Senate President Page Cortez says instead of multiple committee hearings at one time, meeting schedules will be staggered throughout the day to lessen traffic in the halls…

Cut 12 (03) “…one time”

Plexiglas dividers have been installed between House member’s desks as well. If the Legislature does not pass a budget by June 1st a special session will likely be called to pass the budget by the July 1st deadline