LSU has reinstated basketball coach Will Wade after a five week long suspension. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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It’s four months into 2019 and the crawfish season still hasn’t quite taken off. Matt Doyle talked to a mudbug expert about why that is.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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LSU basketball coach Will Wade’s suspension is over as the 36-year-old has been reinstated, after meeting with LSU and NCAA officials. Athletics director Joe Alleva says Wade answered all questions and denied any wrongdoing in connection with the reported allegations of recruiting violations. Tiger Rag Assistant editor Tyler Nunez says Wade could have possibly avoided the five-week long suspension

Cut 3 (09) “…he’s back.”

Alleva says Wade’s explanations offered during the meeting, absent actual evidence of misconduct, satisfy his contractual obligation to LSU. Nunez says LSU’s compliance department look into the Yahoo Sports Report that allegedly had Wade discussing improper benefits and could not find any wrongdoing

Cut 4 (09) “…get him back”

Wade returns to a team that looks much different than the one that just won the SEC regular season championship. Five players have declared for the NBA draft, but have the option of returning to LSU. Nunez also needs to build up a recruiting class that’s rated near the bottom in the SEC…

Cut 5 (09) “…April 20th”

___________________________________

The severe weather that impact Louisiana on Saturday resulted in two deaths.  The first was a 13-year-old boy, who fell into a flooded drainage canal in West Monroe.  Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson Deputy Glenn Springfield says a call for help came just before 5 o’clock Saturday afternoon.

Cut 6 (04) “…he fell in.”

The child was identified as Sebastian Omar Martinez.  The investigation is ongoing as to why he fell into the water.  This is the second child to be killed by flooding in less than a week.

Springfield says a call came in around 10:15 PM of a vehicle being taken over by floodwaters on a rural road in Calhoun.  When first responders arrived, the vehicle was still underwater.

Cut 7 (06) “…of the vehicle.”

Deputies say the victim was identified as 80-year-old Patsy Meeks.

Springfield says the flooding has resulted in infrastructure damage that leaves some roads closed today.  In West Monroe, Highway 546, which is one of the major state highways in that part of the parish, sustained a severe washout under the roadbed.

Cut 8 (10) “…of the road.”

The potential for more severe weather is in the forecast Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

____________________________

The crawfish supply remains limited this season and experts cannot pin down an exact cause. LSU Ag Center Aquaculture Specialist Greg Lutz says its a mixed bag when it comes to size and quantity of the crop.

Cut 9 (11) “…so long”

He says so far they have two leading theories as to why the mudbug class of 2019 appears to be smaller in both size and number. One of them is the irregularly long winter that featured some bursts of brutally cold weather.

Cut 10 (09) “…their growth.”

The other theory is the white spot virus, which is a fatal disease for mudbugs. Lutz says white spot has become a bigger problem since it was first discovered in Louisiana ponds about 10 years ago.

Cut 11 (11)   “…harvested”

Lutz reiterated that the virus does not effect humans, or even fish, it’s restricted solely to crustaceans.

_____________________

A St. Landry parish judge has denied bond for 21-year-old Holden Matthews, who is accused of burning down three historically black churches. Matthews had his first court appearance today since he was arrested on Wednesday night. Legal analyst Tim Meche is not suprised Matthews remains in jail without bail…

Cut 12 (07) “…denied bond”

Matthews was arrested Wednesday on three arson charges. Prosecutors have also added three hate crime charges. But Meche says the hate crime charges are not that significant

Cut 13 (07) “…five years”

Matthews trial on state charges is set to begin in September. Federal prosecutors are also considering charges against Matthews and Meche expects this case be prosecuted federally…

Cut 14 (06) “…will end up”

If Louisiana legalizes sports betting, then LSU wants in on the action. Jeff Palermo talked with school President F. King Alexander…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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 The Ports of New Orleans and Baton Rouge are getting a 3.1 million dollar grant that could reduce traffic congestion by getting more shipping trucks off the road. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

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There’s a big threat for severe weather on Saturday. State Climatologist Barry Keim says ingredients are in place for numerous thunderstorms, some of them could produce a significant severe weather event

Cut 3 (10) “…severe tornadoes.”

Central Louisiana is under an enhanced threat for severe weather, while south Louisiana is under a slight risk. Keim says flash flooding is also possible…

Cut 4 (10) “…severe weather.”

Saturday’s stormy weather will result in cooler temperatures on Sunday with high temperatures in the 60s. But Keim says north Louisiana especially should be on the look out for severe weather

Cut 5 (10) “…thunderstorms.”

___________________________________

When electric scooter companies Bird and Lime placed their electric scooters in Lafayette, there were no ordinances in place to govern their use on the city’s streets. So Lafayette Senator Page Cortez has introduced a bill that provides regulations.

Cut 6 (09) “…deal with them”

The scooters would be able to be operated on roads which have a speed limit of 25 miles per hour or less. It would also require minors to wear a helmet while operating the scooters.

Cortez says the bill came from local government not knowing how to regulate because the scooter’s hybrid design didn’t fit the criteria of either a motorcycle or a bicycle.

Cut 7 (07) “…to call them.”

Cortez says his bill would help answer many questions that need to be defined within state law, while at the same time not restricting municipalities and parishes from passing ordinances in dealing with scooters as well.

Cut 8 (10) “…third party companies.”

____________________________

LSU President F. King Alexander says if sports betting is legalized in Louisiana, then LSU should get a cut of the revenue since a lot of the gambling will be on the Purple and Gold.  Alexander says it’s only right that a portion of the revenue should return to the individuals who will generate the revenue.

Cut 9 (12) “…about that”

But Metairie Senator Danny Martiny says he’s committed to ensuring any revenue generated goes towards early childhood education subsidies for working and middle class families.

He says giving a cut to LSU because of their athletics opens up a nasty can of worms.

Cut 10 (06) “…i’m doing.”

Revenue coming directly from sports betting in other states like Mississippi has so far not added up to a lot of money. Martiny says people are lining up to get a slice of the revenue from business that may only be worth 20 to 50 million dollars.

Cut 11 (10)   “…casinos.”

_____________________

The feds have awarded the Ports of New Orleans and Baton Rouge a 3.1 million dollar grant to get shipping containers off the roads and back onto the river.

Congressman Garret Graves says we’re seeing more 40-foot steel containers in shipping, and our ports just aren’t built to process enough of them, which means many of them end up on trucks…

Cut 12 (12) “…congestion”

Louisiana’s growing chemical industry utilizes the containers to move products from facility to facility.

Graves says as the global market shifts to the use of 40-foot containers, ports that do not have the capability to process the steel boxes will fall behind their competitors.

Cut 13 (11) “…with them”

Graves says securing the grant was a big win for a state that has five of the country’s top 15 ports, and handles nearly 25 percent of America’s waterborne commerce.

Cut 14 (10) “…cargo”

The existing container on barge service moves about 16,800 40-foot equivalent units between Memphis/Baton Rouge and New Orleans.

________________________________

US Senator John Kennedy says President Trump is getting involved in the duplication of benefits dispute that’s impacted about 62-hundred 2016 flood victims who are unable to get federal recovery grant dollars, because they received an SBA loan. Kennedy says he spoke with the President during a lunch meeting

Cut 15 (11) “…couple of weeks”

Even though Congress passed legislation saying that 2016 SBA recipients are eligible federal recovery grant dollars, the Office of Management and Budget has refused to write the regulations so the money can be distributed. Kennedy says if the President doesn’t get the answer he’s looking for, legal action is the next step

Cut 16 (10) “…legislative intent”

The son of a St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s deputy has been accused of burning down three historically black churches in the Opelousas area. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Nearly three quarters of Louisianans approve of Governor Edwards’ Medicaid expansion according to the latest edition of the 2019 Louisiana Survey. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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Walmart is investing an estimated $73 million into remodeling 15 stores in Louisiana.  Four of those stores are in the New Orleans area and two in the Baton Rouge area.  Walmart spokesperson Anne Hatfield says the goal of the investment in technology innovations is to help save customers’ time and money.

Cut 3 (07) “…serve our customers.”

Shreveport, Natchitoches, Minden, Leesville, Winnsboro, Thibodaux and Mansura are also among the stores seeing the upgrades.

Hatfield says among the innovations, Walmart is adding autonomous shelf scanning to help with inventory, grocery pickup and delivery, and Walmart Pickup Towers.

Cut 4 (08) “…on walmart.com.”

In addition, autonomous floor scrubbers and fast unloaders to sort and scan truck deliveries will be added to assist Walmart employees.

Hatfield says online grocery pickup and delivery is extremely popular with customers.  Walmart has specially trained employees who do the shopping for the customers.

Cut 5 (07) “…customers love it.”

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An Opelousas man has been arrested for burning down three historical black churches in St. Landry Parish. 21-year-old Holden Matthews is facing three counts of simple arson of a religious building. Governor John Bel Edwards was on hand to congratulate law enforcement for getting Matthews behind bars

Cut 6 (12) “…evil acts”

The first church to burn down was the St. Mary Bapstist Church in Port Barre on March 26. Two more churches were torched in early April in Opelousas, State Fire Marshal Butch Browning credits boots on the ground law enforcement for making an arrest

Cut 7 (08) “…is a suspect”

Matthews is a son of a St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s deputy and had no prior arrests or history of violence. Browning says an exact motive has not been determined, but the suspect may have been influenced by black metal

Cut 8 (10) “…church burnings.” 

____________________________

The Revenue Estimating Conference’s updated revenue forecast gives lawmakers 110 million dollars extra to spend for this fiscal year, and 119 million dollars more for the next fiscal year.

The upgraded forecast had been blocked by Speaker Taylor Barras for months, citing concerns about accuracy. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says it was unnecessary.

Cut 9 (09) “…modified”

The forecast showed a 308 million dollar budget surplus from the fiscal year ending on June 30th.

The legislature can now go about crafting a budget, knowing exactly how much money they can spend, something they couldn’t do previously. Dardenne says he’s disappointed the final numbers came out lower than expected, but it’s better than nothing.

Cut 10 (09) “…forecast.”

Everyone at the Capitol appears ready to back a 1,000 dollar teacher pay raise, and 500 dollar support personnel pay raise, which could eat up most of these newly surplus funds. On top of a pay raise though, Governor Edwards is chasing 39 million in additional education funding, which could be a tough budget fit…

Cut 11 (10)   “…today.”

_____________________

73 percent of Louisianans support Governor Edwards’ Medicaid expansion according to the fourth installment of the 2019 Louisiana Survey.

Manship School Dean Martin Johnson says before you preface the question with any background information about costs, the policy has bipartisan backing.

Cut 12 (07) “…expansion”

The survey also found 74 percent of Louisianans support protections for pre-existing conditions in health insurance.

The survey shows support for the expansion increases even further when respondents were informed about how many people were covered by it, but Johnson says GOP support begins to collapse when the cost of the program is mentioned, something gubernatorial candidates are sure to notice…

Cut 13 (12) “…counting on”

The Medicaid expansion provided health insurance coverage to 600,000 Louisiana, and is primarily funded by the feds.

55 percent of respondents said they were “unsure” whether the state had expanded Medicaid, with only 35 percent correctly saying that it had. Johnson says the large gap is due to the difference in language between people in political and news circles, and the public.

Cut 14 (07) “…we do”

The expansion’s popularity has risen four percent in the three years since the survey began tracking it’s approval rating.

GOP lawmakers express their concerns to state health officials over audits that show misspent dollars within the Medicaid program. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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An Opelousas man is arrested following the stabbing death of his mother.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

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House Republican lawmakers grilled state health officials about the growing Medicaid budget and whether the state is doing enough to prevent waste or misspending. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds is concerned the health department’s budget is set to grow by another billion dollars

Cut 3 (12) “…L-D-H.”

Health Secretary Rebekah Gee says mistakes will be made with a large government program, but they are trying to control spending and pointed to the recent removal of 30-thousand people from Medicaid, because they made too much money…

Cut 4 (09) “…this program”

The House Appropriations Committee is hearing from every state agency as they  put together a spending plan for next fiscal year. Edmonds says the health department’s budget is set to grow to nearly 15-billion dollars and they need confidence that the money is spent wisely

Cut 5 (11) “…we have.”

It was revealed during the hearing that 16-hundred people making at least 100-thousand dollars a year were covered by Medicaid, which is way above the income threshold. But Gee says an upgraded computer system should make sure ineligible residents are not receiving taxpayer funded health care

Cut 6 (11) “…very well”

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After failing for five months on recognizing additional revenues, the Revenue Estimating Conference adopted an income forecast that will give lawmakers an additional 110-million dollars in this year’s budget to spend and another 119-million dollars in next year’s budget. House Speaker Taylor Barras “Yes” vote broke the gridlock

Cut 7 (11) “…budget work.”

Four members sit on the Revenue Estimating Conference. Since February, Barras blocked an increase to the income forecast, because he was concerned the state may not collect as much money as projected. The House Speaker relented on Wednesday after hearing revenue projections from two different economists…

Cut 8 (09) “…we can get.” 

The extra revenue recognized can help the state pay for raises for teachers and the governor also wants to put more money towards colleges and public safety programs. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne is glad the stalemate over revenue projections is over with

Cut 9 (11) “…is gonna be”

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An Opelousas man is behind bars for allegedly stabbing his mother to death.  St. Landry Parish Sheriff deputies arrested 28-year-old Cody James Arceneaux after receiving 911 calls from a witness inside the home and from the suspect.  Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodeaux says an argument quickly escalated into violence.

Cut 10 (07) “…out of control.”

The victim has been identified as Vicky Granger.

Thibodeaux says Arceneaux claims his mother tried grab the knife to stab him, slicing the suspect in the process.  He then regained the kitchen knife and began to attack her.

Cut 11 (10)   “…could stab her.”

Arceaneaux was transported to a local hospital for treatment, then was taken to jail.

Thibodeaux says by the time deputies arrived, they found the suspect curled up on the floor holding his hands in a bloody towel, but were too late to help the victim.

Cut 12 (05) “…we got there.”

______________________

Democrat Charlie Greer of Natchitoches Parish is running for Agriculture Commissioner against incumbent Mike Strain, touting his 20 year career in the Ag Department, and time in law enforcement.

Greer says if elected, he would push hard for the regulated production of industrial hemp, and hemp adjacent products to revitalize the state’s lagging Ag.

Cut 13 (10) “…in it.”

Greer ran for the office in 2015, finishing with 30 percent of the vote.

Greer is blasting Strain for a series of medical marijuana delays, but Strain says he’s just following the law to ensure the product is safe for consumption. Greer isn’t buying it, and says Strain had years to get the program together.

Cut 14 (11) “…in place.”

Strain denies impeding medical cannabis progress, and recently granted approval for the growth of the first crop. Greer says the delays have been unacceptable, and proof that the commissioner is not surrounding himself with competent regulators.

Cut 15 (09) “…put that”

Gas prices continue their usual climb during the spring months. Jeff Palermo has an update on where we stand…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Governor Edwards raised 2.5 million dollars in the last quarter, bringing his cash on hand to 10.2 million dollars for his re-election effort. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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The statewide average price for gasoline is up 26-cents from a month ago. According to Gas-Buddy-dot-com the statewide average stands at $2.48 per gallon, which is six cents more than a year. GasBuddy analyst Patrick DeHaan says the price at the pump is rising, because production is down

Cut 3 (10) “…summer driving season.”

DeHaan says oil prices are also rising, up 21-dollars a barrel from Christmas. He says expect gas prices to keep rising for another six weeks…

Cut 4 (12) “…wraps up”

DeHaan says if you want to save a few pennies on gasoline, try filling up on Tuesday. He says they’ve found that’s the best day to buy gas

Cut 5 (12) “…more volatile.”

The worst day to buy gasoline is Friday according to GasBuddy’s research.

________________________________

The latest release from the 2019 Louisiana Survey shows 81% of respondents support raising the minimum wage to $8.50 an hour, from the current rate of $7.25.  Director of LSU’s Public Policy Research Center Dr. Mike Henderson says the numbers indicate there is broad support for the increase.

Cut 6 (08) “…that minimum wage.”

The $8.25 an hour proposal saw support among Democrats at 94%, Independents at 78%, and Republicans at 72%.  Governor Edwards has been pushing for an increase in the minimum wage with the goal of the state minimum wage hitting $9 an hour by July 2020.

While support for the pay hike for minimum wage workers is there from the public, the state has yet to see that same support from lawmakers.  Henderson says he would not bet on an increase passing this year.

Cut 7 (09) “…down in committee.”

Support for a hike dropped to 59% when proposing a $15 an hour minimum wage, with only Democrats maintaining majority support at 85%.

Cut 8 (10) “…opinion on that.” 

Governor Edwards is pushing a constitutional amendment to increase the minimum wage to nine-dollars an hour in 2020.

_________________________

Governor Edwards campaign reports it raised 2.5 million dollars in the 1st quarter of 2019, giving the reelection effort a total of 10.2 million dollars cash on hand.

His two Republican challengers have yet to release their latest numbers, but political analyst Clancy DuBos says Edwards fundraising sends a strong message to the GOP.

Cut 9 (10) “…good”

4,246 people donated to the campaign for an average donation of 600 dollars during the quarter that ended on April 5th.

But, Edwards fundraising is about to screech to a halt over the next three months as Louisiana law prohibits election fundraising during legislative sessions. DuBos says this gives the GOP a chance to dramatically close the gap.

Cut 10 (09) “…candidacies”

Edwards is being challenged by businessman Eddie Rispone and Congressman Ralph Abraham.

There’s reports that other Republicans have been approached about joining the race, candidates who could potentially bring more robust fundraising, but DuBos says this late in the game the party is better off doubling down on the two they have…

Cut 11 (10)   “.anyway”

The Edwards campaign has raised 12.1 million dollars total so far for the election cycle.

______________________

It’s the first full day of the 2019 legislative session and for the first time since Governor John Bel Edwards took office, state lawmakers are not dealing with a significant budget deficit. Edwards says a two-billion dollar budget deficit has turned into a surplus

Cut 12 (10) “…chopping block”

But the state republican party says Governor Edwards eliminated the budget deficit by signing the largest tax increase in the state history, just so the state can spend all of it.

Edwards says the state is much stronger and in a better place than just a few years ago. He points to recent data that showed personal income in Louisiana is the highest it’s ever been…

Cut 13 (10) “…for business.”

But Republican gubernatorial opponent Ralph Abraham points to a U-S News and World report that says Louisiana was ranked as the worst state for economic opportunity last year.

But Edwards says a recent survey out of LSU found that more people say the state is heading in the right direction compared to last year and he looks to keep the momentum going during this legislative session

Cut 14 (08) “…more opportunity.

Legislators are working out ways to regulate fantasy sports after voters in 47 out of 64 parishes legalized the activity last year. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Congressman Clay Higgins didn’t hold back in a video filmed just steps away from the charred remains of the St. Mary Baptist Church.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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A Houma man is in jail after an investigation into a vehicle fire that left one man dead.  State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says 37-year-old David Mason is accused of intentionally setting the blaze that resulted in the death of 39-year-old Wayne Winter, Jr.

Cut 3 (10) “…families were asleep.”

The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are expected.  Rodrigue says Mason now faces a litany of charges following the March 31^st incident.

Cut 4 (09) “…of criminal conspiracy.”

____________________

There was no holding back for Congressman Clay Higgins as he released a video message aimed at those responsible for the recent fires that destroyed three historically black churches in St. Landry Parish.  Higgins filmed the video just steps away from the charred remains of the St. Mary Baptist Church and says the responsible party has succumbed to evil and will be caught.

Cut 5 (13) “…will be caught.”

The FBI has recently announced they are joining the investigation.  Higgins says he firmly believes the book will be thrown at whoever set the fires when their day in court comes.

Cut 6 (07) “…of the law.”

The three fires are being considered suspicious, but investigators have stopped just short of saying the fires are linked as the investigation continues.  Higgins has called for those behind the fires to step forward.

Cut 7 (10) “…or the other.”

__________________________________________

Last fall voters in 47 out of 64 parishes approved online fantasy sports betting, and now lawmakers are tasked with figuring out how to regulate the game in the session that kicks off today.

River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot says they plan on copying the laws passed in other states, but are considering one change…

Cut 8 (07) “  sports” 

Talbot says the legislation will include “geo fencing” that tracks a users location, and blocks their access to the game once they cross into one of the 17 that denied legalization, much like players from across state lines deal with now…

Cut 9 (10) “…kings”

The majority of the parishes who did not legalize the game are in north and central Louisiana.

The River Ridge Republican says he doesn’t expect fantasy sports to be much of a revenue generator, as the average player doesn’t spend more than a few hundred dollars, but…

Cut 10 (06) “…that work”

_________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards laid out his legislative agenda to lawmakers on the first day of the 2019 legislative session. Edwards spoke for nearly 40 minutes during a joint session of the House and Senate and said his top priority is to give teachers a one-thousand dollar increase in pay

Cut 11 (06)   “..teachers deserve more”

Edwards is also seeking a 500-dollar increase in pay for school support workers and he wants to see more money put into the classroom, increasing the public school education budget for just the second time in the last 10 years.

The governor is also asking legislators to support legislation to raise the minimum wage and also approve a bill to eliminate pay secrecy as a way to reduce the highest gender wage gap in the country…

Cut 12 (10) “…wage gap”

Edwards also wants to see legislators approve legislation that would make sure Louisiana residents are not denied access to health coverage because of a pre-existing condition. He says the proposal would go into effect if the courts throw out the Affordable Care Act…

Cut 13 (08) “…style politics.”

Lawmakers return to Baton Rouge today for a two-month legislative session with a statewide election right around the corner. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

_______________________________________________

A bill that would raise the gas tax has advocates mobilizing for a legislative battle over the future of Louisiana’s roads and bridges. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards focal point of the legislative session is pay raises for teachers and school support staff.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

__________________________________

Louisiana’s supply of Hepatits C medication is about to drastically increase as the Louisiana Department of Health finalized a first in the nation deal with Asegua Therapeutics for “subscription model” access to the lifesaving treatment.

Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee says before the new arrangement, thousands of Hep C sufferers went untreated.

Cut 4 (10) “…drug.”

The “subscription model” will pay Asegua a flat fee every year for unlimited access to the medication roughly equal to the amount the state previously paid when ordering “a la carte”.

Gee says it’s a remarkable drug that can cure the deadly virus in almost everyone that receives the daily pill based treatment.

Cut 5 (09) “…we can.”

less than 3 percent of Medicaid patients with Hep C were treated last year.

37,000 Medicaid recipients and incarcerated people suffer from Hep C, and the program is aiming to treat 10,000 of them by the end of 2020. Gee says treating inmates will dramatically increase their likelihood of reintegrating into society.

Cut 6 (11) “…conditions”

The contract is expected to be in place by June 1st.

___________________________________________________

The 2019 legislative session gets underway at noon. It was very contentious at the State Capitol last year as lawmakers struggled to pass a budget, because of a huge deficit. This year the budget is in better shape, but political analyst Bernie Pinsonat doesn’t expect the process of approving a new budget will go smoothly…

Cut 7 (11) “…should be cut”

Legislators can file up to five non-fiscal bills in this session and Pinsonat says legalizing sports betting and a proposal to extend Harrah’s New Orleans Casino’s land license for another 30 years will be hotly debated

Cut 8 (06) “…districts”

This session will feature another effort to raise the state’s gasoline tax, but Pinsonat says the proposal by Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter will start the legislative process in the lower chamber…

Cut 9 (10) “…pass the Senate″

__________________________

A proposal to raise the gas tax to fund bridge and road repair and expansion is shaping up to be one of the early battlegrounds in the revenue focused legislative session that kicks off today. Louisiana Coalition to Fix Our Roads President Eric Ponti backs the proposal to raise the tax by six cents in the first year, and 18 cents total over 10 years.

Cut 10 (12) “…these projects”

Americans for Prosperity State Director John Kay opposed a similar proposal in 2017 that failed to gain momentum, and says anti-tax crusaders will be back to stop this year’s push as well.

Cut 11 (11) “…enough.”

Kay says our roads do need more of an investment, but before the state considers a higher gasoline tax, it should dedicate the current 20-cent gas tax completely to infrastructure and not use a portion to pay for salaries within the department of transportation…

Cut 12 (10) “…just that″

Representative Carter’s legislation guarantees that all new funds generated by the tax would go towards our roads, and Ponti says there’s already a mechanism in place to ensure that money isn’t used for other purposes….

Cut 13 (08) “…projects.”

The 2019 Louisiana Survey showed 69 percent were in favor of a five cent gas tax increase, but only 46 percent support for a 20 cent rise.

___________

One of the focal points of the legislative session is pay raises for teachers and school support staff.  House Education Chairman Nancy Landry says it’s a priority that teachers get a pay raise and there is bipartisan agreement that teachers do not get enough.

Cut 14 (11) “…right now.”

Governor Edwards is behind a $1000 pay raise for teachers and a $500 raise for support staff. Edwards also supports an additional 39-million dollars in public school education funding. But Landry is not on board with that proposal…

Cut 15 (10) “…the urgency there.”

Landry says she’d rather see additional funding for early childhood education to help working families who can’t pay for high quality daycare.

Cut 16  (10) “…critical time period.” 

_______________________________________

Big explosive offensive plays were lacking in LSU’s spring football game on Saturday, but the quarterbacks were sharp throwing short and intermediate passes to a variety of wide receivers. Starting quarterback Joe Burrow was 15 of 25 for 159 yards, one touchdown and one interception…

 cut 17 (12)   “…are at 

Burrow didn’t participate in spring football, because he didn’t arrive on the LSU campus until summertime. He says they didn’t show all of the offense on Saturday, but he’s still optimistic in its potential…

Cut 18 (16)   the year” 

LSU took two of three from Texas A-and-M to move into a three-way tie for first place in the SEC West. The Tigers took the final game of the series on Saturday night with a nine to three win over the Aggies. Freshman pitcher Cole Henry had another impressive outing as he allowed two runs over eight innings and struck out nine. Coach Paul Mainieri…

Cut 19 (19)   “…have em

LSU banged out 12 hits in the rubber match of the series, led by Zach Watson, who had four hits. Mainieri says his hitters performed well against one of the top pitching staffs in the country…

Cut 20 (18) “…ball club”

Many Louisiana residents have misunderstandings about tax rates according to the latest release from the 2019 Louisiana Survey.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

____________________________

An equal pay bill has been pre-filed for the 2019 legislative session as a new report ranks Louisiana 48th in gender pay disparity. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________________________

The latest report from the Louisiana Survey shows many residents are wrong when it comes to how much they pay in taxes. Director of LSU’s Public Policy Research Lab, Dr. Mike Henderson, says 46% of the respondents say the state income tax rates are higher than they were four years ago, and 32% say the rates are higher than last year, but the state income tax rate hasn’t changed in years…

Cut 3 (10) “…simply not true.”

Henderson says many residents are also confused with sales taxes. He says 40% incorrectly believe the state sales tax rate is higher than one year ago. It actually went down about a half-a-cent. However, 60% correctly said the sales tax is higher than four years ago

Cut 4 (05) “…the Edwards administration.”

During the Jindal administration, the state’s sales tax rate was four-percent, it’s now around 4.5-percent.

And Henderson says when asked about gasoline taxes, the average guess on what we pay in federal and state taxes is  79 cents per gallon when the actual rate is 38.5 cents…

Cut 5 (09) “…the actual rate.”

____________________

A father has been arrested on numerous charges after his seven-year daugther was killed in a single vehicle wreck in the Donaldsonville area last night. State Police Trooper Taylor Scrantz says they believe 25-year-old DeVontae Sanders of Donaldsonville was impaired….

Cut 6 (11) “…vehicle overturned”

Scrantz says Sanders had three young children in his car and none of them were in seat belts…

Cut 7 (10) “…local hospital”

The ages of the children that survived are three and four-year-olds and they were sent to separate hospitals with critical injuries. Scrantz says troopers suspected Sanders was impaired at the time of the crash and L-S-P booked him into the Ascension Parish jail on numerous charges, including vehicular homicide…

Cut 8 (11) “    last night” 

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Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton has a bill that would enforce pay equality between men and women in Louisiana’s private sector. Currently only public sector employers must pay women the same as men for equal work. According to a report Louisiana ranks 48th in pay equality, and Norton says something must be done.

Cut 9 (10) “…their work”

The report, presented by former state Representative and current New Orleans Councilwoman Helena Moreno, shows women make 69 percent of what white men make in Louisiana.

Similar versions of equal pay legislation have been filed for years in the legislature, but every time they’ve failed to get traction. Opponents argue it would place an undue burden on business, and open companies up to expensive litigation. Norton says get over it.

Cut 10 (12)“…opportunities”

The report also detailed how African American women are particularly impacted by the pay disparity, earning 47 cents on the dollars for every buck a white man makes. Norton says this bill is aimed at improving quality of life for all women.

Cut 11 (11)   “that dollar”

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Most of southeast Louisiana is under a flash flood watch through midnight. Phil Grigsby with the National Weather Service in Slidell says a warm front has stalled along the coast and its producing significant downpours…

Cut 12 (07) “…heavy rain.”

Two to four inches of rain is possible throughout the day in Baton Rouge, Houma, the northshore and the New Orleans metro area. Grigsby says the torrential rainfall started this morning and it will continue into the night

Cut 13 (08) “…street flooding issues”

Grigsby says a risk of severe weather exists for nearly the entire state today…

Cut 14 (10) “…few tornadoes”

The natural disaster relief volunteer organization known as Cajun Navy Relief is holding the second annual Search and Rescue Games Saturday in Westlake.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (27) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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20 percent of the Bayou State has order their groceries online for delivery or pickup, part of a growing trend nationwide. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Is the Louisiana on a path to financial disaster?  Republican State Treasurer John Schroder thinks so.  Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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For those that have the desire to help others following natural disasters, Cajun Navy Relief will host the second annual Search and Rescue Games Saturday in Westlake. The event will feature hands-on training including mock rescues, dispatch simulation, and boater response in an effort to train volunteers for real scenarios.  Cajun Navy Relief President Shawn Boudreaux…

Cut 4 (08) “…exposure to boaters.”

Boudreaux says this time of year is the organizations offseason, so it’s a great time to recruit those interested in disaster relief.

Cut 5 (10) “…us during disaster.”

Boudreaux says participants will be divided into three divisions in an effort to not only train, but to compete for prizes.

Cut 6 (09) “…prizes as well.”

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Louisiana is in for some nasty weather today statewide, but north of the I-10 particularly heavy precipitation and winds could spawn severe weather. National Weather Service forecaster Matt Hemmingway says it’s classic warm air meets cool air situation.

Cut 7 (12) “…hours”

So bring a raincoat, and if you’re further north in the state you might want to consider staying at work for lunch because there’s a light chance of some severe weather.

Cut 8 (09) “…the remainder”

While the temperature has been a roller coaster, It’s been a few weeks of mild weather across the state. Hemmingway says expect more bouts of severe weather to sprout up throughout the month.

Cut 9 (06) “…in Louisiana.″

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A report shows one in five Louisiana shoppers have either had their groceries delivered or done some curb side pickup through online ordering at their local grocery. Offers.com editor Kristen McGrath says most services come with a fee and a one to two hour wait time, but it’s definitely got it’s perks.

Cut 10 (09) “…delivery.”

The survey showed the top concern about online ordering was that folks can’t inspect the produce, and that it might be spoiled.

Curbside pickup is most popular in the southeast, but has low participation rates in California and the north east. McGrath says the service caught up in our area because it was started by Walmart, and unlike densely packed urban centers, we’ve got space to spare.

Cut 11 (11) “…pickup.”

40 percent of those who chose curbside pickup chose Walmart, followed by local chains.

Of the 20 percent of the general population who do use it, about 42 percent of those place more than one order a month on the service, but McGrath says the most common use is for special occasions.

Cut 12 (09) “…grocery run.″

The average amount spent on an online order is about 110 dollars, which can come with a delivery or pickup fee starting around five dollars.

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State Treasurer John Schroder is criticizing Governor John Bel Edwards for growing government at a faster pace than revenues coming in. Schorder says Louisiana is on course for financial disaster.  he comments come ahead of the start of the Legislative Session next week.  Schroder says he is tired of hearing about how great everything is.

Cut 13 (10) “…is just wonderful.”

Edwards has responded by saying if Schroder doesn’t believe the state is in a better place than three years ago, he needs a reality check.

Schroder says the issue comes down to the Governor not being able to say no to more government spending and that the mathematics indicates a coming crash.

Cut 14 (08) “…it’s a shame.”

Schroder suggested that the government could benefit from voting for more business minded people in public office.

Cut 15 (11) “…to do that.”

In an interview with USA Today Network, Governor Edwards dismissed Schroder’s claims as political posturing.

Another Industrial Tax Exemption Program change could be on it’s way if one Baton Rouge lawmaker has his way. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m matt doyle.”

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 New legislation could see High Occupancy Vehicle lanes may be coming to the Bayou State.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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New legislation could see I-10 renamed in honor of the Black and Gold.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

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A Louisiana Policy Institute for Children report shows the price of childcare in the state is rapidly rising in price, up 35 percent from 2010 to 2016.

To combat this, Executive Director Melanie Bronfin says the state should pump more money into early childhood subsidies like California does with it’s dedicated tobacco tax.

Cut 4 (10) “…states.”

The study shows childcare costs the average single parents on average 38 percent of their income, and 45 percent of all kids in the state live in single parent households.

Sports betting could be legalized this session, and some early childhood proponents have suggested putting that tax money towards the program. Bronfin says they are not advocating for legalization, but if it is legalized, they hope to make it a dedicated funding stream, but…

Cut 5 (11) “the puzzle.”

A state commission came up with a number for what the state would need to pay to take care of early childhood education for all at-risk kids. Bronfin says clearing the thousands of kids on the active wait list, and providing care for the rest who are in need is a substantial investment.

Cut 6 (10) “…ten years.”

15,000 kids are in the early childhood subsidy program, down from 39,000 in 2008.

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A Baton Rouge Representative is proposing a change to the Industrial Tax Exemption Program. The Republican lawmaker wants the Parish President, Sheriff, and School Board President to be the review board for ITEP requests.

Rick Edmonds says at the moment, requesting an ITEP means working with a number of local boards.

Cut 7 (07) “…a different parish.”

The new ITEP policy grabbed headlines after a community group pushed the Baton Rouge School Board to deny Exxon an ITEP tax break. Edmonds says he hopes the streamlining will appease both local stakeholders and business investors.

Cut 8 (11) “…approval of.”

The changes comes a year after an executive order eliminated a state review board and gave local authorities the final say on the tax exemption.

Edmonds says the Governor assured businesses that the change would not create problems, but…

Cut 9 (09) “…in Texas.″

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Louisiana may soon see high occupancy vehicle lanes instituted across the state.  Livingston Senator Dale Erdey says a recent study  showed Louisiana could benefit from the use of HOV lanes, and now the state Department of Transportation needs the authority to put them in place.  Erdey says the room for the extra lane is already there, but there will be some funding needed….

Cut 10 (07) “…to accomplish this.”

Erdey says drivers riding solo would not get to take advantage of the driving in the lane, but they’d likely still see benefits from the change.

Cut 11 (08) “…lanes of highway.”

When it comes to enforcement of the laws of the HOV lanes, Erdey says in other states, cameras can now detect the occupancy in a vehicle, and they can tell if you are trying to pull one over on the system.

Cut 12 (04) “…the passenger seat.″

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New Orleans Representative Wesley Bishop is introducing legislation to see the interstate adopt the moniker the “Who Dat Nation Highway.”  Bishop says the nearly 275 mile stretch of Interstate 10 that runs through South Louisiana would be rebranded in an effort to pay homage to the fans of the Black and Gold.

Cut 13 (10) “…in the world.”

Bishop says the idea spawned from being upset about how the NFC title game played out and says the Saints fan are the best fan base on the planet.

Cut 14 (09) “…to do something.”

Bishop says nothing brings together the Bayou state quite like the Saints.

Cut 15 (09) “…New Orleans Saints.”

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The Tigers baseball team is riding a high after their bats came back alive in a series win over Mississippi State a few days ago, and now they’re hoping to keep that momentum going in tonight’s game against Grambling. LSU scored double digit runs in both of the last two games, and Head coach Paul Mainieri says the display is a big ego boost to the team.

Cut 16  (15) “…the time.” 

Friday’s  10-5 win was the first time in eight games the Tigers scored in double digits. Mainieri says he told the team to keep their head high through a hitting slump that resulted in a four-game losing streak,….

 cut 17 (18)   “…direction”