Medicaid reform legislation has stalled at the special session. Matt Doyle covers the heated discussion between House Health and Welfare committee members.

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

There are some big Louisiana Lottery winners that haven’t claimed their prizes, which are in some cases at least 50-thousand-dollars.  Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says they are seeking a winner who matched four of the five white ball numbers on September 2^nd.  Their ticket is about to expire…

Cut 7 (09)  “March 1st”

Chalmette Representative Raymond Garafalo will reintroduce a bill in the regular session that would allow school educators to carry weapons on campus if they have proper training.  Garafalo first suggested the idea in 2014, but it was shot down by House Criminal Justice committee.  In the wake of recent threats and attacks, Garafalo says allowing guns in the classroom may prevent future mass school shootings…

Cut 4  (11) “have now.” 

Over the last few days, there have been numerous juveniles and in some cases young adults arrested in Louisiana for making false and some real threats to commit school violence.  Even though some of the teens have been charged with causing terror, legal analyst Tim Meche says most of these threat cases, the punishment is not that severe…

Cut 14 (12) “undergo counseling.”

A Representative says it’s time to revisit a bill to allow school educators have guns on campus.  Kelley Ray has the details….

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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There are over nine-million-dollars annually that go unclaimed in Louisiana lottery winnings.  Jeff Palermo has a look at why that happens.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Medicaid reform legislation has stalled at the special session. Matt Doyle covers the heated discussion between House Health and Welfare committee members.

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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Chalmette Representative Raymond Garafalo will reintroduce a bill in the regular session that would allow school educators to carry weapons on campus if they have proper training.  Garafalo first suggested the idea in 2014, but it was shot down by House Criminal Justice committee.  In the wake of recent threats and attacks, Garafalo says allowing guns in the classroom may prevent future mass school shootings…

Cut 4  (11) “have now.” 

Garafalo says faculty who choose to voluntarily carry, would be trained appropriately while law enforcement officers would be notified as to who has a weapon and which teachers don’t…

Cut 5  (10)  “of incidents.”

Garafalo says this legislation will be a step in the right direction since the only sure way to stop the violence is to take all guns away…

Cut 6 (08)  “them away.”

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There are some big Louisiana Lottery winners that haven’t claimed their prizes, which are in some cases at least 50-thousand-dollars.  Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says they are seeking a winner who matched four of the five white ball numbers on September 2^nd.  Their ticket is about to expire…

Cut 7 (09)  “March 1st”

So what happens to the unclaimed lottery winnings?  Chopin says there are roughly between nine and 11-million-dollars in unclaimed money annually that can be won again…

Cut 8 (09) “one free.”

Chopin’s advice is to sign the back of your tickets, then you can check for the winning numbers on the lottery tv show at 9:59pm on the nights they air.  The Lottery also has other means of getting the word out on winning numbers…

Cut 9 (12)  “as well.” (2X)

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Medicaid reform legislation was pulled from consideration in the House Health and Welfare Committee before it could be voted on, maintaining the special session’s current run of inaction. The bill would have implemented work requirements for Medicaid recipients. Opelousas Democrat Dustin Miller says the bill was mean spirited and wasteful.

Cut 10 (09) “help them”

Miller says the proposal was similar to Kentucky’s Medicaid reform that is currently estimated to cost that state roughly 300 million dollars to implement.

But West Monroe Republican Frank Hoffman says the bill would inspire unemployed Medicaid recipients to get a job and provide for themselves.

Cut 11 (11) “of Medicaid.”

Louisiana Secretary of State Tom Schedler is facing allegations of sexual harassment from his former Executive Secretary Dawn Ross. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”.

Louisiana’s weather is very two-faced right now.  Flash Flood Watches and Warnings are in effect for much of North Louisiana due to a stalled out front.  Meanwhile, State Climatologist Barry Keim says the heat continues in South Louisiana…

Cut 4  (09) “Baton Rouge.” 

A high school student was arrested and two other elementary school students have been suspended from their respective schools in LaFourche Parish for alleged threats.  Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Brennan Matherne says a 15-year-old male threatened to kill a South Lafourche High School teacher…

Cut 9 (11) “in Thibodaux.”

A report commissioned by the waterways and shipyard industries says the state has lost thousands of jobs and over a billion dollars in wages from 2014-2016. LSU’S economic policy and research department conducted the study and concluded the industry took a downturn when the price of oil dropped. But LSU economist Stephen Barnes says there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Cut 6  (12)  “down turn”

With your Louisiana Radio Network Legislative Report, I’m Matt Doyle

Legislative gridlock has taken over the special session after a week of haggling has left lawmakers with no obvious route to plugging the one billion dollar budget gap, commonly known as the fiscal cliff that threatens to wreck programs like TOPS.

One of the avenues the GOP was pursuing to reduce state spending and plug the gap was Medicaid reform. A bill was introduced that would add work requirements to the program, and Health and Welfare Committee held a hearing where Opelousas’s Dustin Miller challenged West Monroe’s Frank Hoffman on the justness of the changes.

Cut 30, 20 seconds,

Hoffman ended up deferring the bill. A Medicaid copay bill was also differed.

LRN

In the wake of the Florida school shooting that left 17 dead, Chalmette Representative Raymond Garafalo is planning to reintroduce a bill in the regular session that would allow school educators to carry weapons on campus if they have proper training. In the wake of recent threats and attacks, Garafalo says allowing guns in the classroom may prevent future mass school shootings…

Cut 4  (11) “have now.” 

Garafalo says faculty who choose to voluntarily carry, would be trained appropriately.

Cut 28

And former state senator and Louisiana Secretary of State Tom Schedler is being sued for allegations of sexual harassment involving his former Executive Secretary Dawn Ross. The suit alleges a pattern of repeated harassment, and Ross’s attorney Jill Crafts says that includes an explicitly worded Valentine’s letter from the Secretary.

Cut 12 (11) “will change”

Louisiana Radio Network

A lawsuit has been filed against Secretary of State Tom Schedler has been filed on allegations of sexual harassment involving his former Executive Secretary Dawn Ross.  The suit says it began in 2007 when Schedler bought a townhouse in the same complex Ross lived in.  Ross’ lawyer Jill Craft says Schedler sent inappropriate texts to Ross…

Cut 13 (11) “gunna stop”

Schedler has issued a statement saying he believes in a safe workplace, free from harassment.

Several threats of school violence were made to three separate schools in Laforuche Parish Wednesday. A 12-year-old from Larose-Cut Off Middle School and an eight-year-old at Lockport Lower Elementary school talked about their intent to bring a gun to school.  Sheriff’s Lt. Brennan Matherne…

Cut 10 (10) “is continuing.”

A report commissioned by the Waterways and shipyard industry says the state has lost thousands of jobs and over a billion dollars in wages in a two-year period. Jim Shannon has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

A River Ridge veterinarian accused of shooting her neighbor’s dog because of it’s excessive barking is formally charged by the Jefferson Parish D.A.’s office.  The New Orleans Advocate says Kelly Folse, a veterinarian is accused of allegedly shooting “Bruizer” in December. Sheriff Joe Lopinto said the dog was in its owner’s fenced-in-yard at the time of the shooting.

Governor John Bel Edwards addresses the issue of gun control during his monthly call-in radio show. Edwards says in the wake of the latest mass shooting in Florida, he’s calling for a more robust background check system for firearm purchases.

Florida shooter Nickolas Cruz was 18-years-old when he lawfully purchased ten rifles from South Florida dealers.

President Trump tweeted his agreement on raising background checking standards saying quote…” I will be strongly pushing comprehensive background checks with an emphasis on Mental Health. Raise age to 21 and end sale of bump stocks.” end-quote.

Legislators may need to look A House committee is expected today to hear Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland’s legislation that would require Medicaid patients to pay a copay if they use an emergency room for non-emergency treatment.  The New Orleans Democratic Socialists of America Health Care Chairman Haley Sauicer (So-shea) says Medicaid recipients don’t abuse the system in receiving care…

Sauicer says if Medicaid recipients are forced to meet copays in emergency rooms, they would be unable to receive the necessary medical care they need…

Cut 12 (04) “at all.”

McFarland points out that this bill would not apply in emergency situations such as a heart attack or stroke, but it would stop the abuse that some Medicaid patients have shown in the past…

Cut 13 (11)  “those things.”

McFarland says his legislation will save millions of dollars a year and those savings can be used to pay doctors at partner hospitals, so they can treat Medicaid patients for minor medical care.

at increasing the legal purchasing age for such weapons.

Cut 6 (11)  “should consider.”

President trump tweeted this morning his agreement on raising background checking standards. Saying…

“I will be strongly pushing Comprehensive Background Checks with an emphasis on Mental Health. Raise age to 21 and end sale of Bump Stocks.”

Governor John Bel Edwards addresses the issue of gun control during his monthly call-in radio show. Edwards says in the wake of the latest mass shooting in Florida, he’s calling for a more robust background check system for firearm purchases.

Edwards also came out against aftermarket additions that alter the capabilities of legally purchased automatic rifles.

Cut 5  (08)  “to people”

Edwards says he would like to see a purchasing ban for those on the No-Fly list, and firearm bans for those who commit violent crimes, and have a history of mental illness.

State Police is asking the public not to share all comments through social media.  Senior Trooper Dustin Dwight says they encourage citizens to report suspicious activity, but they ask the public not to share unsubstantiated threats through social media because it creates chaos and panic…

Dwight says if you do see a threat and if it’s viewed as an imminent danger, you should call 9-1-1.  If there is more investigation needed, other agencies will step in.  He says citizens are more scared than usual right now and are reporting suspicious activity quicker…

Cut 16 (05) “to Louisiana.”

A House committee is expected today to hear Representative Jack McFarland’s legislation that would require Medicaid patients to pay a copay at an E-R for non-emergency treatment.  Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The special session hit the wall yesterday, at least temporarily, as lawmakers wrestle over a tax reform bill aimed at salvaging a fraction of a one penny sales tax while getting rid of some special tax exemptions. Political observers say the failure of that bill could tank the whole special session. The senate is out until Sunday while the house convenes today at 5.

State Police is asking the public not to share unsubstantiated threats through social media.  Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

The special session grounded to a halt yesterday after a vote on a tax reform bill that would have kept a fraction of a one penny sales tax intact, and remove special exemptions for specific industries was postponed indefinitely.

The tax bill would have plugged 300-million of the one billion dollar budget gap.

LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford

Cut 9 (12)  “with it”

Alford says if the session burns out without a solution, the legislature’s failure to work together to find a deal could become campaign talking point for Edwards’ 2019 re-election campaign.

A House committee is expected today to hear Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland’s legislation that would require Medicaid patients to pay a copay if they use an emergency room for non-emergency treatment.  McFarland says the bill is an attempt to stop Medicaid patients from using the ER for a common cold or minor medical issues…

Cut 10 (09) “emergency room.”

The New Orleans Democratic Socialists of America Health Care Chairman Haley Sauicer (So-shea) says Medicaid recipients don’t abuse the system in receiving care… Cut 11 (09) “on Medicaid.”

The NFL network reports the Saints are expected to sign quarterback Drew Brees next week at an NFL combine.

The Florida school shooting that left 16 children and one adult dead has sparked a new push for gun control legislation. Matt Doyle has Governor Edwards’ thoughts on gun control.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

A House committee is expected today to hear Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland’s legislation that would require Medicaid patients to pay a copay if they use an emergency room for non-emergency treatment.  McFarland says the bill is an attempt to stop Medicaid patients from using the ER for a common cold or minor medical issues…

Cut 10 (09) “emergency room.”

State Police is asking the public not to share all comments through social media.  Senior Trooper Dustin Dwight says they encourage citizens to report suspicious activity, but they ask the public not to share unsubstantiated threats through social media because it creates chaos and panic…

Dwight says if you do see a threat and if it’s viewed as an imminent danger, you should call 9-1-1.  If there is more investigation needed, other agencies will step in.  He says citizens are more scared than usual right now and are reporting suspicious activity quicker…

Cut 15 (09) “in Florida.”

The special session grounded to a halt yesterday after a vote on a tax reform bill that would have kept a fraction of a one penny sales tax intact, and remove special exemptions for specific industries was postponed indefinitely.

The tax bill would have plugged 300-million of the one billion dollar budget gap.

LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford

Cut 8 (08) “simple matter”

Alford says it was the bill with the most momentum, and its failure could tank the entire session.

A House committee is expected today to hear Representative Jack McFarland’s legislation that would require Medicaid patients to pay a copay at an E-R for non-emergency treatment.  Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Governor John Bel Edwards addresses the issue of gun control during his monthly call-in radio show. Edwards says in the wake of the latest mass shooting in Florida, he’s calling for a more robust background check system for firearm purchases.

Cut 4  (11) “the people” 

Edwards says he would like to see a purchasing ban for those on the No-Fly list, and firearm bans for those who commit violent crimes, and have a history of mental illness.

State Police is asking the public not to share unsubstantiated threats through social media.  Senior Trooper Dustin Dwight says they encourage citizens to report suspicious activity, but they ask the public not to share unsubstantiated threats through social media because it creates chaos and panic…

Cut 14 (10) “that information.” (2X)

Dwight says if you do see a threat and if it’s viewed as an imminent danger, you should call 9-1-1.  If there is more investigation needed, other agencies will step in.