An effort to give voters a chance to decide if the minimum wage should be raised to nine dollars an hour has died in the Louisiana Senate.

New Orleans Senator Wesley Bishop says he knows he’ll hear from his constituents who are disappointed that the legislature failed again to increase the minimum wage…

Cut 7 (10) “   of Louisiana.”

A bill to certify veteran-owned businesses heads to the Senate floor after unanimously passing through the Senate commerce committee. Any business that is majority owned by veterans would be provided a statewide insignia to display. Governor John Bel Edwards says the bill will also create a database of veteran-owned business…

Cut 8 (06) “…trade with”

Edwards says as a former army ranger he hopes House Bill 391 will boost employment for veterans in need of work as they use the database to job hunt.

The state transportation department says a worker was killed while in a work zone on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. Don Molino has more…

cut 2 (30) I’m Don Molino”  

Governor Edwards is requesting Federal Disaster Assistance for Lincoln, Morehouse and Union Parishes following the devastating tornadoes that killed two people and left a trail of more than 12-million dollars in damage. The tornadoes killed a mother and son in Lincoln Parish in late April and also severely damaged the campus of Louisiana Tech University. 206 homes were also destroyed. The Governor is requesting both FMEA Public Assistance and Individual Assistance.

It’s a legislative defeat for Governor John Bel Edwards who has backed legislation to increase the minimum wage, but the Republican controlled legislature does not support it.

But New Orleans Senator Wesley Bishop says that’s a shame, because a recent LSU poll found Louisiana voters support a higher minimum wage

Cut 6 (07) “…turn out”

Hammond Representative Nicky Muscarello’s bill that would conceal the identity of the drug supplier for lethal injections passes the House floor on a 68-10 vote. Muscarello says this legislation is modeled after a Texas law that provides full details about the chemicals, but not who sold it.

Cut 14 (08) “…provide.”

Opponents however, cry foul saying it’s unethical keeping contractual details from taxpayers.

A statewide framework regulating rideshare services clears a legislative hurdle in the Senate Judiciary Committee.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

New Orleans native and Pro-Football player Tyrann Mathieu also known as the Honey Badger, has turned in his cousin after he threatened to go public with sexual misconduct allegations against him. Mathieu’s cousin demanded millions from the athlete in hush money. But now his cousin is facing an extortion charge after Mathieu turned him in to the FBI.  His cousin sent text messages to the football star demanding a payoff.

The full Senate approves legislation that would give voters a chance to declare that abortions are unconstitutional. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says voters would have a chance in October to add the anti-abortion language to the state constitution…

Cut 3 (09) “…in DC.”

In effort to give voters a chance to decide if the minimum wage should be raised to nine dollars an hour has died in the Louisiana Senate. New Orleans Senator Troy Carter says the 26 votes needed to send his proposal to the House are not there…

Cut 5 (08) “…do not have the votes”

It’s a legislative defeat for Governor John Bel Edwards who has backed legislation to increase the minimum wage, but the Republican controlled legislature does not support it.

Legislation to form a statewide framework for rideshare services like Uber and Lyft advances from a Senate judiciary committee. Currently Rideshare services are only available in six cities around the state.  Public policy manager for Lyft Carter Stearn says the availability of rideshare service is beneficial to a community.

Cut 10 (10) “…need to go.”

Governor Edwards is supporting 18-million for new funding for early childhood education while state lawmakers battle over where spending should be prioritized for education. Edwards says the 18-million will help more working class kids enter early childhood education programs and prepare them for academic success later in life.

Cut 11 (09) “…gunna be.”

More than 5-thousand children are on the waiting list.

Industrial hemp and CBD regulation clears a key Senate committee, but not without having a laundry list of regulations attached to the activity on it’s way to the Senate floor…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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A statewide framework regulating rideshare services clears a legislative hurdle in the Senate Judiciary Committee A. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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Legislation that would keep secret the identities of companies that sell Louisiana lethal injection chemicals is headed to the Senate…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Legislation to legalize industrial hemp production and CBD oil in Louisiana cleared the Senate Ag Committee on a 5-2 vote, but not without a list of amendments that heavily regulate both products.

It’s a key hurdle to clear for the proposal, as it received the backing of Senate Ag Chair Francis Thompson, who previously opposed the bill, but backed it after the regulations were added.

Cut 4 (08) “… activity.”

Governor Edwards says he backs industrial hemp regulation, and if he were to sign it into law the crop could be grown as early as 2020.

Not everyone was comfortable with the idea. Jonesborough Senator Jim Fannin says it could just be another financially risky fad, a fad with little peer reviewed research available for interested farmers to study.

Cut 5 (12) “…jeopardy.”

The CBD regulations stipulate that the only CBD that can be sold in state would be products that follow yet-to-be-established federal guidelines.

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain supports the efforts, including the new regulations that have been tacked on. He says the plant will be safe for growth because it must be tested within two weeks of it’s harvest for THC, and…

Cut 6 (11) “…percent.”

The bill heads to the Senate floor.

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Legislation to establish a statewide framework for rideshare services like Lyft and Uber advances out of Senate Judiciary A on a 2-1 vote, the same committee where the measure has died the two previous years.  Metairie Senator Senator Danny Martini oppose the measure because rideshare companies will still not follow the same regulations as taxis.

Cut 7 (08) “…regulate this industry.”

Owner of United Cab Company in New Orleans Leonard Guidroz says the taxi cab industry and rideshare industry provide the same service, so he believes that cabs should be deregulated in an effort to compete.

Cut 8 (05) “…as a taxi cab.”

New Orleans Uber driver Gwendolyn Wallace says she relies on the rideshare industry as her full time means of employment, adding the service itself regulates each individual driver and has more checks and balances than taxis.

Cut 9 (07) “…65 in a 60.″

Rideshare is currently only available in six cities around the state.  Public policy manager for Lyft Carter Stearn says the availability of rideshare service is beneficial to a community.

Cut 10 (10) “…need to go.”

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Governor Edwards is backing 18 million dollars in new funding for early childhood education, as a budget battle looms over what kind of education spending should be prioritized.

Edwards says this will get more working class kids into early childhood education programs that prepare them for academic success later in life.

Cut 11 (09) “…gunna be.”

The wait list for subsidy assistance is about 5,100 kids long.

Edwards says getting this cash through the budget process will go aways towards reducing the significant disparity in outcomes between rich kids and poor kids.

Cut 12 (10) “…do that.”

Edwards is also pushing for a permanent 1,000 dollar teacher pay raise, a 500 dollar support personnel pay raise, and 39 million in new K-12 education spending.

Superintendent of Education John White says the money is tantamount to a short-term economic stimulus, and a long term investment in the workforce.

Cut 13 (12) “…children.”

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Hammond Representative Nicky Muscarello’s bill that would conceal the names of pharma companies that sell the state drugs for death penalty lethal injections passes the House floor 68-10.

Muscarello says at least 17 states have similar laws, but this one is closely modeled after a Texas bill that provides full details about what the chemical is, but not who sold it.

Cut 14 (08) “…provide.”

But opponents cried foul about the ethics of keeping contractual details away from taxpayers. Baton Rouge Representative Pat Smith says if pharma companies that make lethal serums are proud of their work, they should have the courage to stand behind it.

Cut 15 (13) “use”

Mucarello says his legislation is necessary because companies won’t sell the state the drug without a secrecy guarantee.

The Hammond Republican was asked what would happen if, after the law is passed, a hypothetical Department of Corrections employee were to leak the sellers to the media. The lawmaker indicated it would likely be a serious criminal offense.

Cut 16  (21) “…aware of”  

The bill heads to the Senate.

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Pelicans executive vice -president David Griffin has brought in former Nets scout and G League executive of the year Trajan Langdon to take over duties as the team’s general manager.

Langdon says both Griffin and team owner Gayle Benson are committed to a sustainable team building approach, even if it means the team misses out on the playoffs for a year or two.

cut 17 (20)   “behind” 

Langdon says he was particularly impressed with Benson’s passion for the team, and her commitment to building a long term winner.

The bill to bring legalized sports betting to Louisiana casinos and racetracks clears another legislative hurdle. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”  

A constitutional amendment that would have allowed Louisianans to vote on raising the minimum wage fails to gather the necessary two thirds vote on the Senate floor and has been shelved, presumably for the rest of the session. Author New Orleans Senator Troy Carter did not call for a final vote on the issue.

Legislation to establish a statewide framework for rideshare services like Lyft and Uber advances out of Senate Judiciary A on a 2-1 vote, the same committee where the measure has died the two previous years.  Metairie Senator Senator Danny Martini oppose the measure because rideshare companies will still not follow the same regulations as taxis.

Cut 7 (08) “…regulate this industry.”

Rideshare is currently only available in six cities around the state.

Legislation to legalize industrial hemp production and CBD oil in Louisiana cleared the Senate Ag Committee on a 5-2 vote, but not without a list of amendments that heavily regulate both products. It’s a key hurdle to clear for the proposal, as it received the backing of Senate Ag Chair Francis Thompson, who previously opposed the bill, but backed it after the regulations were added.

Cut 4 (08) “… activity.”

The House Criminal Justice Committee votes 11-to-6 to allow sports betting at the state’s riverboats casinos, racetracks and the land-based casino in New Orleans. Denham Springs Representative Valarie Hodges voted against the bill because she says sports betting can destroy families. But Metairie Senator Danny Martiny says that can happen now and the state gets no benefit from it, because it’s not regulated

Cut 14 (11) “…this to you” 

The sports betting bill has already been approved by the Senate.

Governor John Bel Edwards is seeking federal assistance to help pay for the nearly six-million dollars in preliminary uninsured damages to Ruston from an EF-3 tornado.  Edwards says unfortunately because of bureaucratic rules, it might be awhile before the federal dollars arrive

Cut 3 (10) “…normal.”

A 30-year license extension for the Harrah’s land-based casino in New Orleans heads to the Senate floor for final passage after clearing a Senate committee. The deal features tens of millions of dollars in payments to the state, and calls for 325 million in upgrades to the facility, including a new hotel. Caesars’ VP of Governmental relations David Satz says it’s a fair deal.

Cut 9 (10) “…stability”

The Senate has advanced a bill to set a minimum age on marriage to 16, so long as there is not an age gap of four years or greater between the two parties when one is under 18.   Bill author Baton Rouge Sen. Yvonne Colomb, says minimum ages are set in other aspects in life in an effort to protect young people.

Cut 6 (09) “…could live with.”

Opponents say the bill could have religious implications.

The House Criminal Justice Committee votes 11-to-6 to allow sports betting at the state’s riverboats casinos, racetracks and the land-based casino in New Orleans. Opponents say it’s an expansion of gambling, but Gretna Representative Joseph Marino says sports betting is already taking place illegally, so why not regulate it

cut 12(12)   “…your not””

A 30-year extension for the Harrah’s Casino license in New Orleans Is headed to the Senate floor for final passage after clearing committee. Last year the renewal push fell apart amidst cries that Louisiana was getting ripped off relative to similar deals in other states, so this year’s deal will pay the state 130 million dollars more over the length of the deal. Caesars’ VP of Governmental relations David Satz.

Cut 10 (12) “…there.“

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A bill from Baton Rouge Senator Yvonne Colomb setting the minimum age for marriage in Louisiana to 16 advances out of the Senate. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Legislation to legalize industrial hemp production and CBD oil in Louisiana cleared the Senate Ag Committee on a 5-2 vote, but not without a list of amendments that heavily regulate both products. The new amendments are supported by Ag Commissioner Mike Strain, who’s department will oversee those regulations. The passage is considered a major milestone for industrial hemp.

The Senate has advanced a bill to set a minimum age on marriage to 16, so long as there is not an age gap of four years or greater between the two parties when one is under 18.   Bill author Baton Rouge Sen. Yvonne Colomb, says minimum ages are set in other aspects in life in an effort to protect young people.

Cut 6 (09) “…could live with.”

Winnfield Senator Gerald Long spoke in opposition of the bill, saying that less than 1% marry before the age of 18, adding the arbitrary number could result in unintended consequences.

Cut 7 (11) “…to allow that.”

The bill advances to the House following a 22-15 vote.

LSU cornerback Kelvin Jospeh has removed his name from the transfer portal after putting it in earlier this week.

A 30-year extension for the Harrah’s Casino license in New Orleans Is headed to the Senate floor for final passage after clearing committee. The deal features tens of millions of dollars in payments to the state, and calls for 325 million in upgrades to the facility, including a new hotel. Caesars’ VP of Governmental relations David Satz says it’s a fair deal.

Cut 9 (10) “…stability”

House Republicans push to undo a seven-year sales tax rate put in place in 2018 was successful in advancement of a bill following a 12-5 favorable vote in the House Appropriations Committee. Alexandria Rep. Lance Harris says since the state is running surpluses, that money should go back to tax payers, but Governor’s Executive Council Matthew Block says it should go towards vital government programs..

Cut 11 (09) “…about infrastructure.”

 The 2019 Senior Report is showing positive trends in health for many Louisiana residents 65 and over. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Pawnee Street in Port Barre is the scene of an alleged murder-suicide that resulted in three deaths including the shooter. The incident reportedly occurred around 2:45AM this morning, and officers are saying that a man called 911 and reported that he had shot and killed his ex-girlfriend, and her new boyfriend, after informing police of shootings, he shot himself.  

Today is Early Childhood Education Day at the Capitol, and proponents are hoping to convince lawmakers to pump 31 million dollars into a program that subsidizes early childhood programs for working class families to clear a 5,100 child long waitlist for assistance. Louisiana Policy Institute for Children executive director Melanie Bronfin.

Cut 13 (11) “…stay behind.”

The fall ballot will now feature a fourth name in the gubernatorial jungle primary, Independent Gary Landrieu, who is a cousin of former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu but holds starkly conservative views. The Independent says his legislative agenda would focus on repealing the .45 percent sales tax passed in last year’s session, building a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge, TORT reform, eliminating traffic light cameras, and…

Cut 8 (08) “…choice”

Landrieu ran for Congress against Cedric Richmond as a Democrat in 2012, losing with 25 percent of the vote.

Advocates are at the Capitol today pushing lawmakers to pony up for more early childhood education funding. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Nearly 300 Cleco customers are still without power in Ville Platte as the Evangeline Parish city continues to recover from Sunday’s EF-1 tornado. Mayor Jennifer Vidrine…

Cut 30 (10)” …roofs”

She says nearly 100 homes and businesses were damaged by the twister.

Independent and conservative Gary Landrieu has entered the governor’s race. A relative of former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu admits his politics differs significantly from the Democratic Party. He’s hoping he can use name recognition to his advantage…

Cut 9 (09) “…personality.″

Landrieu was booked with aggravated battery in 2012 after allegedly grabbing a woman by the hair, and dragging her several feet alongside his car as he drove away.

A report from United Healthcare Foundation shows those in hospice care has increased in the state. United Healthcare Chief Medical Officer Dr. Rhonda Randall says hospice care is up 20-percent in the last five years and the workforce has shown an increase in the amount of home health workers to meet the demand.

Cut 5 (11) “…terrific to see.”

The report also indicated an increase in physical activity among those 65 and older in the state.