Chancellor of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System Monty Sullivan is responding to Higher Ed Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed’s recent comments on the price of community college. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”
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With Mardi Gras parades beginning to roll, state health officials warn it’s the perfect opportunity for the spread of the flu. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barhhart”
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A record seven municipalities budget woes are so severe, they’ve had to have their local spending authority handed to a state appointed agent. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”
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Higher Ed Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed recently made comments suggesting the cost of community college in the state is too expensive when compared to what students in other southern states are paying. Chancellor of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System Monty Sullivan says the state only receives funding from the state and tuition, where other states have three funding sources.
Cut 4 (11) “…oranges.”
Sullivan says the LCTCS board has worked toward rising the value of the education, while keeping the prices from on tuitions from rising as well.
Cut 5 (11) “…affordable”
Sullivan says on average, community college students can roughly double their income compared to the state’s per capita income.
Cut 6 (10) “…partners.”
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The state health department says one out of ten visits to a health care provider are for flu-like symptoms. While there are flu cases being reported all around the state, LDH indicates a big concentration is in New Orleans. Flu bug expert Dr. Frank Welch says flu season has peaked just in time for Mardi Gras.
Cut 7 (07) “…go get it.”
Welch recommends washing hands and not sharing drinks while congregating and celebrating Mardi Gras.
Cut 8 (11) “…that flu shot.”
The flu causes approximately 500 deaths and nearly 3000 hospitalizations each year in Louisiana. Welch says if someone hasn’t gotten a flu shot by now, they still have time.
Cut 9 (06) “…for Mardi Gras.″
LDH recommends if you are sick, stay away from other people until you have not had a fever for 24 hours.
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Louisiana now has a record seven entities under the control of fiscal administrators, agents of the state who are appointed when a municipality’s budget woes cause it to default on mandatory payments. Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera says the administrators have broad authority to adjust budgets by laying off city or district employees, and raising rates to make up for fiscal crisis.
Cut 10 (10) “…making decisions”
The municipalities are Jeanerette, St. Joseph, Clayton, Clarence, and Madison Parish Hospital district, along with newly added Sterlington and Bogalusa.
It’s a touchy subject, because the administrator overrides the authority of local, democratically elected officials. Purpera says the goal is to quickly get a town’s finances back in order so control can be handed back to elected officials in short order, and most cases are not long term arrangements.
Cut 11 (09) “…the situation.”
Purpera says the longest running case of fiscal administration in the state is Madison Parish Hospital, which has been under administration for three years.
An entity, such as a city, can challenge the appointment of an administrator in court if it opposes the decision, and often those areas are given a chance to right the ship themselves before an administrator is appointed. Purpera says when the decision is made though, it’s rare to see it formally opposed.
Cut 12 (08) “…administrator.”
Along with the seven currently under administration, Purpera up to eight more municipalities are also on the brink of getting administrators.
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Abbeville Senator Bob Hensgens has pre-filed a bill for the legislative session that begins in April that would give teachers a 250 dollar tax deduction for purchased school supplies, reviving a temporary deduction that expired in 2008. Hensgens says a similar bill failed two years ago, but is bringing the legislation back again after reading a nationwide report on teacher spending…
Cut 13 (10) “…should encourage.”
The deduction would apply to anyone who is employed as a teacher or aid in a qualified school, and works fifteen hours a week on average.
Advocates have noted that teaching is one of the few professionals where the employee, not employer is on the hook for supply costs. Hensgens says there’s been some movement to address the substantial costs of supplies, but not enough…
Cut 14 (09) “…jobs done”
Current law provides for deductions for legal guardians and parents who shell out for school supplies for their kids.
The Vermillion Parish Republican hopes passing the legislation will inspire more school districts, if they have the money, to help teachers pay for supplies.
Cut 15 (08) “…do more.”
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The 13th ranked LSU basketball team begins a three-game homestand tonight as the Bayou Bengals host Florida. A big crowd is expected to welcome the 21-and-4 Tigers back to the PMAC. Coach Will Wade says fans are loving their winning style of hoops
Cut 16 (18) “ every day”
Saturday’s game against 5th ranked Tennessee is sold out, but Wade says the Tigers can not look past a defensive minded Gators team…
cut 17 (20) “by 18”
LSU is led by sophomore guard Tremont Waters, who is averaging 16 points, six assists and three steals a game. Waters on what he expects from Florida
Cut 18 (18) the basketball”