The House approved Senate changes to the budget, that fully funds healthcare, but slashes higher ed, funding for state agencies, and cuts TOPS by 30 percent. the Democratic Caucus opposed the passage of the budget, calling the cuts included immoral. They argued the legislature should wait until the special session, where revenue could be raised to fill the 648 million dollar budget gap.  Caucus Chairman Robert Johnson:

Cut 15 (11) “disengenuous”

It’s been a record breaking week of intense heat, but State Climatologist Barry Keim says this unusual weather phenomenon is not an indicator that the summer will be abnormally hot.

Cut 13 (10) “play out”

A cool front moving into the area today should start pushing temperatures down today and into the weekend.

Three anti-hazing bills are on their way to the governor’s desk following last fall’s death of LSU freshman Max Gruver. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon”

Riverboat casinos were thrown a lifeline this week as legislation was passed that would allow the water based facilities to expand onto land. That has Boyd Gaming CEO Keith Smith, who owns Treasure Chest, Sam’s Town, and Amelia Belle, pretty excited. He says this could lead more investment in Louisiana facilities.

Cut 3 (06) “we’re optimistic”

Its been a record breaking week of unusual heat, but forecasts project a cooler weekend. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”

Governor John Bel Edwards addressed the recent US Supreme Court decision to allow sports betting outside of Nevada on his monthly talk radio show. 32 states have legislation in place to allow the activities, including Mississippi, but Louisiana shot down similar legislation this session.

But Edwards did express some concerns about legislation he’s seen that would legalize the activity in Louisiana.

Cut 7 (10)  “fiscal year”

Three anti-hazing bills are on their way to the governor’s desk following last fall’s death of LSU freshman Max Gruver. The house voted 88 to 1 in favor of final passage of house bill 78 otherwise known as the Max Gruver Act. East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore testified in favor of the measure to give the current laws more teeth. Moore contends that the new law holds principals at the national level accountable for problems at the chapters.

Cut 10 (10) “cover it up”

In the new bill hazing that does not result in a death will still cost one thousand dollars and six months in jail.

The House approved Senate changes to the budget, that fully funds healthcare, but slashes higher ed, funding for state agencies, and cuts TOPS by 30 percent. The spending plan is now on its way to the Governor who has expressed opposition to the cuts. Metairie Representative Cameron Henry says the budget will identify what programs need to be funded with special session revenue.

Cut 14 (11)  “family services”

Three anti-hazing bills are on their way to the governor’s desk following last fall’s death of LSU freshman Max Gruver. The house voted 88 to 1 in favor of final passage of house bill 78 otherwise known as the Max Gruver Act. East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore testified in favor of the measure to give the current laws more teeth. Moore says a companion bill to force mandatory education for university fraternities and sororities should help  stop dangerous hazing.

Cut 9 (07) “university people.”

It’s been a record breaking week of intense heat, that’s turned the usually tolerable Louisiana spring into a hot, soupy mess. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a high pressure system is camping just off the coast, leading to a historic scorcher that’s taken down long time state records. A cool front is moving over the area starting today, which Keim says will make things just a little more pleasant this weekend than they’ve been this week.

Cut 12 (10)   “take precautions”

Governor John Bel Edwards addressed the recent US Supreme Court decision to allow sports betting outside of Nevada on his monthly talk radio show. 32 states have legislation in place to allow the activities, including Mississippi, but Louisiana shot down similar legislation this session. Edwards didn’t oppose the idea. But don’t expect to see Senator Danny Martiny’s parish by parish legalization legislation to pop up again during the special session that starts next week.

Cut 6 (09)  “July 1st”

Riverboat casinos were thrown a lifeline this week as legislation was passed that would allow the water based facilities to expand onto land. That has Boyd Gaming CEO Keith Smith, who owns Treasure Chest, Sam’s Town, and Amelia Belle, pretty excited.

Cut 4 (11) “very significant”

Three anti-hazing bills are on their way to the governor’s desk following last fall’s death of LSU freshman Max Gruver. The house voted 88 to 1 in favor of final passage of house bill 78 otherwise known as the Max Gruver Act. East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore testified in favor of the measure to give the current laws more teeth.

cut 8 (10) “hazing violations”

It’s been a record breaking week of intense heat, that’s turned the usually tolerable Louisiana spring into a hot, soupy mess. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a high pressure system is camping just off the coast, leading to a historic scorcher that’s taken down long time state records.

Cut 11 (10) “the state”

A cool front is moving over the area starting today, which Keim says will make things just a little more pleasant this weekend than they’ve been this week.

Governor John Bel Edwards addressed the recent US Supreme Court decision to allow sports betting outside of Nevada on his monthly talk radio show. 32 states have legislation in place to allow the activities, including Mississippi, but Louisiana shot down similar legislation this session. Edwards didn’t oppose the idea. But Edwards did express some concerns about legislation he’s seen that would legalize the activity in Louisiana.

Cut 7 (10)  “fiscal year”

But don’t expect to see Senator Danny Martiny’s parish by parish legalization legislation to pop up again during the special session that starts next week. The Governor says the fiscal cliff will take priority, and lawmakers will need to focus exclusively on it for the two week planned special session.

Riverboat casinos were thrown a lifeline this week as legislation was passed that would allow the water based facilities to expand onto land. That has Boyd Gaming CEO Keith Smith, who owns Treasure Chest, Sam’s Town, and Amelia Belle, pretty excited. He says this could lead more investment in Louisiana facilities.

Cut 3 (06) “we’re optimistic”

Governor John Bel Edwards addressed the recent US Supreme Court decision to allow sports betting outside of Nevada on his monthly talk radio show. 32 states have legislation in place to allow the activities, including Mississippi, but Louisiana shot down similar legislation this session. Edwards didn’t oppose the idea.

Cut 5  (07) “do this”

But he says don’t expect to see Senator Danny Martiny’s parish by parish legalization legislation to pop up again during the special session that starts next week.

A bill that would have allowed teachers to pray with students in school has been gutted in the legislature. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (31) I’m Jeff Palermo”

Lafayette Representative Nancy Landry’s anti-hazing bill flew through the House 88-1 and is on it’s way to the governor. The bill would making it a felony crime to initiate and participate in a hazing activity that kills someone, punishable by up to five years in prison. Organizations responsible would be liable for a 10,000 dollar fine. The legislation was named after Maxwell Gruver, who died in a hazing incident at LSU last year.

The Governor addressed the 15 week abortion ban and unanimous jury constitutional amendment on his monthly talk show. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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A bill that would have allowed teachers to pray with students in school has been gutted in the legislature. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (31) I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Senate agrees to a contract renewal for Harrahs Casino in New Orleans. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Governor John Bel Edwards held his monthly talk show, where he touched on a series of legislative topics, such as the 15 week abortion ban, a deal to renew Harrah’s state contract, and the surprise success of a unanimous jury bill. Edwards took the opportunity to reiterate his support for the 15 week abortion ban, a rarity for a prominent Democratic official.

Cut 4  (08) “with me” 

The Governor praised efforts in the Legislature to improve a bill to renew Harrah’s contract, after the initial version came under heavy fire from statewide political officials. He says he’s still undecided on his support.

Cut 5  (09)  “the House”

Governor Edwards’ signature will not be needed on a constitutional amendment requiring unanimous verdicts in felony trials, as the decision for final passage will be left up to the voters in November. Edwards says he hopes the people will put the item into law.

Cut 6 (09) “unanimous jury”

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State Representative Julie Stokes is the first person to announce her candidacy in the race to become the next Secretary of State. A special election will take place this fall, because of the resignation of Tom Schedler. The accountant from Kenner believes she’s qualified to be Louisiana’s next election chief…

Cut 7 (09)  “larger scale”

Stokes says as Secretary of State she will encourage voeter participation and protect Louisiana elections…

Cut 8 (10)  “possible”

The race for Secretary of State is expected to draw a large field. Stokes believes being a female candidate can give her advantage for those seeking more diversity in state government….

Cut 9 (07)  “United States”

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A bill that would have allowed teachers to join students in prayer during school hours was gutted by the House after concerns were raised that it violated religious civil rights. The bill would have allowed the joint prayer to occur if all students present had a signed consent form from their parents. Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh says the old bill would have targeted religious minorities.

Cut 10 (11) “consent form”

Seabaugh proposed the amendment that radically altered the legislation, which now permits teachers to bow their head when students pray.

The Shreveport Republican says the old version of the bill was obviously unconstitutional, and would have led to successful challenges by organizations like the ACLU.

Cut 11 (09) “will win”

But Ruston Representative Robert Shadoin, who sponsored the bill in the House, fiercely contested the amendment that altered the original bill, arguing that establishment clause that protects against state sponsored religious activity could be waived in this case.

Cut 12 (11) “this amendment”

The bill heads back to the Senate.

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The Senate agreed to a bill that would renew Harrah’s contract with the state for twenty more years, contribute 20 million dollars a year to state coffers, build a 350 million dollar hotel, and provide a lump sum payment of tens of millions upfront. New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson says if Harrah’s agrees, it’d be a huge investment in the state.

Cut 13 (10)  “twenty years” 

The Senate version cut 20 million dollars a year from Harrah’s required payments relative to a committee version.

The bill escaped on a 21-16 vote, with many senators, including Winnfield Senator Gerald Long who said the process moved so fast that no one knew exactly what they were voting for. He says the Senate should’ve delayed the vote until analysts could review the fiscal note.

A report by Greg Hillburn of the USA Today Network says Houma Senator Norby Chabert and Lafayette Representative Stuart Bishop got into a fist fight at a Baton Rouge bar last night, supposedly related to a bill blocked in committee by Bishop. Bishop issued his apology on the House floor.

Cut 12 (09)   “apologize”

Chabert told the USA Today Network that he loves Stuart like a brother and sometimes brothers fight.

Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the severe budget woes, lack of trust, and rising levels of partisanship have are pushing the legislature to the breaking point.

Cut 14 (10)  “of them”

Both Chabert and Bishop are Republicans.

The “Bulletproof Backpack” bill is on its way to the governor’s desk. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Louisiana education officials say the number of high school graduates entering college each fall has increased by 15 percent since 2012.  State Department of Education spokesperson Sydni Dunn:

Cut 5  (11) “those students”

The “Bulletproof Backpack” bill is on its way to the governor’s desk. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Louisiana education officials say the number of high school graduates entering college each fall has increased by 15 percent since 2012. A record 23,500 public high school students from the Class of 2017 enrolled in college last fall. State Department of Education spokesperson Sydni Dunn credits financial aid programs, which are mandatory for high school students to participate in.

Cut 4 (12)      “parents signature”

Dozens of states, including Mississippi, have passed legislation that will allow them to permit sports gaming in the wake of a US Supreme Court decision to allow it outside of Nevada, but Louisiana currently is not one of them. This year’s sports gaming bill was shot down in the legislature. But, Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones says that could change next year.

Cut 9 (07) “each parish”

A bill that would allow riverboat casinos to come up out of the water passed is heading to the governor’s desk. The legislation would “modernize” riverboat casino regulations, allowing them to expand onto land near where they are berthed, and it changes the rules on gambling space. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton and Lake Charles Representative Stephen Dwight discussed just how much gaming contributes to the state.

Cut 13 (13)  “million dollars” 

According to the Louisiana State Department of Education the number of Louisiana high school graduates entering college each fall has increased by 15 percent in the last five years. A record 23,500 public high school students enrolled in college in the fall after graduation. Sydni Dunn is with the Department of Education, she says some high school programs geared toward college credits help the numbers grow.

Cut 3 (12) “Education Process”

Public School teachers are hitting the hip when it comes to paying for school supplies for their students. A new survey released says teachers are spending about 250 dollars a year on notebooks, pens, and other supplies without reimbursement. Les Landon is a spokesperson for the Louisiana Federation of Teachers.

Cut 4  (09) “That’s ashame” 

The House passed a 15 week abortion ban bill with amendments on a 78-9 vote yesterday, clearing one of the last hurdles before it arrives on the Governor’s desk for his likely approval. The Senate has already approved one version of the legislation and this morning approved and concurred with the final version. The concurrence was for an added an amendment that brings the date considered for conception up to the generally accepted medical standard. The measure now heads to the governor’s desk which he’s expected to sign. There is a federal lawsuit in Mississippi which could wipe out the Louisiana law all together.

A bill that would allow riverboat casinos to come up out of the water passed is heading to the governor’s desk. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds says the probative restrictions placed on the gaming industry are there for a reason, because Louisianans don’t want more gambling in the state, and he says passing this legislation would lead to an increase in the number of casino visitors.

Cut 15 (10) “or another”

The vote was 54-41.

Public School teachers are hitting the hip when it comes to paying for school supplies for their students. A new survey released says teachers are spending about 480 dollars a year on notebooks, pens, and other supplies without reimbursement. Les Landon is a spokesperson for the Louisiana Federation of Teachers.

He says it’s Louisiana’s turn to shake up the status quo.

Cut 6 (11) “their facing”

Teachers who spend their own money for supplies are able to take a $250 federal tax deduction.

A recent 5-cent rise in gas prices puts the state average at $2.61 a gallon.  AAA fuel analyst, Don Redman, says multiple factors are all conspiring against the consumer. Redman has some good news though, he does not project that Louisiana will reach 3-dollars a gallon during the summer.

Cut 9 (11)  “staff yet”

Redman says the Baton Rouge Metropolitan area averages around $2.54 a gallon.

A bill that would allow riverboat casinos to come up out of the water passed is heading to the governor’s desk. The legislation would “modernize” riverboat casino regulations, allowing them to expand onto land near where they are berthed, and it changes the rules on gambling space. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton and Lake Charles Representative Stephen Dwight discussed just how much gaming contributes to the state.

Cut 13 (13)  “million dollars” 

The Louisiana Senate has approved a budget proposal that’s described as more of a demonstration rather than an actual budget. The bill passed 27-10 with democrats making up those opposed. Most in the upper chamber agree the final version will be hammered out in the special session. The bill now heads back to the house for concurrence. The special session starts next Tuesday.