A Hospital in Lafayette has sent out lay off warnings to 770 employees ahead of potential budget cuts that would close the facility. Michael Farrar has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michael Farrar”

______________________________________

GOP House Caucus Chairman Lance Harris says it’s likely we’ll see a special session kick off May 18^th. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”

__________________________________

Two State Police Troopers and two former troopers are on the other side of the law as they’ve been arrested on allegations they received overtime pay for hours they never worked. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

____________________________________________

University Hospital and Clinics in Lafayette has notified 770 employees that they could be laid off, and the facility shut down under proposed spending plans that slashes state funding for public-private partnership hospitals. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says they are not the only jobs at risk.

Cut 4  (09) “smaller locations” 

Dardenne says the public-private system was created after Charity Hospitals were dismantled under the Jindal Administration, and focus on covering the underinsured.

Cut 5  (10)  “primary care”

Dardenne says legislators need to find a budget solution sooner rather than later, as the indecision is stressing out the industry.

Cut 6 (10) “private sector”

________________________________________

House GOP Chairman Lance Harris is defending the House backed budget that funds education, but slashes healthcare, ahead of a special session that is expected to start mid may. The budget has come under fire for threatening to eliminate public-private partnership hospitals and residency programs, but Harris says it’s just a first step in long budget process that he expects will carry over into a special session.

Cut 7 (11)  “may happen”

The Alexandria Republican anticipates a May 18^th special session being called by the governor to fill the 648 million dollar budget gap reflected in the House budget, but he says the legislature will likely not increase income taxes to replace expiring sales taxes.

Cut 8 (08)  “being here”

Harris says he sees two options for funding those healthcare priorities: keeping a piece of the expiring one cent sales tax, and eliminating sales tax deductions for certain industries in an anticipated special session.

Cut 9 (11)  “to execptions”

_______________________________________

Two current and two former Troopers have been arrested on various charges as part of a six month investigation into payroll fraud. The four men allegedly claimed bogus hours and wrote fraudulent tickets as part of a highway safety program funded by district attorneys. State Police Colonel Kevin Reeves says it’s a disappointing day…

Cut 10 (06) “their actions”

State Police launched an internal investigation into the actions of these troopers after a New Orleans T-V station showed surveillance video that showed two Troopers filed for overtime pay for hours they didn’t work. Reeves says changes have been made to this ticket-writing program

Cut 11 (09) “working”

Trooper Daryl Thomas, a 23-year veter of State Police was booked into the East Baton Rouge Prison, along with former Trooper Byron Sims. Former trooper Jimmy Rogers faces 74 counts of injuring public records was taken into custody in Calcasieu Parish and Senior Trooper Wayne Taylor was processed in Rapides Parish. Reeves says this has been a long and unfortunate journey….

Cut 12 (09) “their actions”

_____________________________

Over 900 farmers and ranchers are receiving grants averaging 9900 dollars for disaster recovery efforts resulting from the 2016 floods. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says it’s long overdue.

Cut 13 (08)  “devastating flood” 

Strain says the grants will fill a reimbursement gap for farmers who’ve suffered damages that were uninsured.

Severed heads in Texas and Louisiana have law enforcement officials wondering if there is a connection. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

______________________________________________

In Concordia Parish, an Australian-based manufacturing plant is about to move in. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”

_____________________________________________________

A unrestrained Deville teen was killed in a car crash Sunday morning around 4AM on LA Highway 8 in Grant Parish. State Police Master Trooper Scott Moreau says the tragedy occurred after the driver, 18-year-old Benjamin Williford, lost control…

Cut 3 (10) “overturning”

Toxicology tests are pending.

Moreau says Williford was not wearing a seat belt.

Cut 4 (08) “minor injuries”

State Police Troop E says they’ve dealt with 12 fatal crashes so far this year.

____________________________________

Investigators are trying to determine if severed heads discovered last month near lakes in Texas and Louisiana are connected. Cameron Parish Sheriff Ron Johnson says the head found in his parish next to Highway 27 and one in Texas are eerily similar.

Cut 5  (:12) “good teeth.”

The Texas and Louisiana connection according to Johnson seems to point toward a serial killer. The heads were found in similar surroundings about 150 miles apart at Lake Houston and Calcasieu Lake.

Cut 6 (07)  “thrown away”

An inmate doing clenup labor found the severed head in Cameron Parish on March 1st. Volunteers cleaning near Lake Houston made their discovery on March 24th. Johnson believes that another body discovered in his parish in 2016 could also be a part of these similar crimes.

Cut 7 (11)  “dump in”

_________________________________________

Australian-based Syrah Resources has selected Vidalia to open a 25 million dollar graphite processing plant. The  facility will produce products that are used in commercial and automotive batteries. Mayor Buz Craft says it means 25 new jobs

cut 8 (10) have em”

A 50-thousand square foot building is available for Syrah and the average annual salary will be 60-thousand dollars. Craft hopes it leads to more businesses coming to Concordia Parish.

.Cut 9 (12) “this region”

With many large metropolitan areas converting their old diesel buses to clean electric or natural gas propulsion, the product produced at the Vidalia plant will be in high demand for years to come.

Cut 10 (09) “its exciting.”

———————————————————————————–

A reported LSUPD Officer being sought by police for allegedly battering his girlfriend and holding her hostage overnight. Twenty-five-year-old Samuel Ellis III was charged with 2^nd Degree Battery and False Imprisonment as a result. Baton Rouge Police Spokesman Sgt. Don Coppola says it was a brutal crime.

Cut 11 (12) “he fled”

BRPD has not confirmed Ellis’s occupation.

Coppola says Ellis’s girlfriend survived the assault, but was badly hurt.

Cut 12 (08)   “extensive damage”

Coppola says a search is on for Ellis, and is asking for the public to pass on any information they have, but…

Cut 13 (09) “any jeopardy”

Ellis’s vehicle was located in the Baton Rouge area, but police say his whereabouts are still unknown.

_____________________

After his accuser speaks, will Secretary of State Tom Schedler decide to step down due to sexual harassment allegations? Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Legislation that would increase penalties for those who are caught soliciting prostitutes is close to final passage. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”

__________________________________

Doubts are growing that the legislature will be able to find a compromise budget before the end of the regular session. Michael Farrar has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Mike Farrar”

____________________________________________

A political analyst says embattled Secretary of State Tom Schedler might not be able to stay in office much longer as the sexual harassment allegations against him will not go away. Bernie Pinsonat says published emails showing sexual advances by Schedler towards an employee could lead to his resignation…

Cut 4  (10) “resigns” 

Pinsonat says it’s also difficult for Schedler to stay in office, when U-S Senator John Kennedy believes the Secretary of State should step down

Cut 5  (09)  “case”

Schedler has previously said he will not resign, but this will be his last term. The Republican statewide elected official says it’s important for him to continue running the agency that handles elections, because they are in the process of buying new voting equipment. But Pinsonat says Schedler’s time might be up…

Cut 6 (10) “serious trouble”

________________________________________

A Senate-approved bill that would double, and in some cases, increased tenfold the fines associated with soliciting prostitutes passed a House committee nine to six. The bill would not change the current penalty of up to six months in jail for soliciting. Sponsor Franklinton Senator Beth Mizel says it attacks human trafficking at its root.

Cut 7 (06)  “our problem”

The bill would also allow judges to order people convicted of soliciting to attend an educational course that instruct “Johns” on how human trafficking destroys lives. Mizel says that kind of public shaming is a powerful disincentive.

Cut 8 (10)  “the product”

Denham Springs Representative Valerie Hodges, supported the legislation, arguing that heavier punishments are the only thing the stop people from trying to buy sex.

Cut 9 (12)  “the penalty”

The bill moves to the House for final passage.

_______________________________________

There’s only two months left in the fiscal year, and doubts are growing as to whether a spending plan for next budget year can be approved in the current regular session. A 648-million dollar budget gap is forcing lawmakers to consider deep cuts in state spending. LaPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says we’re approaching uncharted waters.

Cut 10 (11) “special session”

Lawmakers are constitutionally barred from raising revenue in this regular session to plug the budget gap, and Alford says that means the safe money is on a special session starting up next month, where revenue issues can be considered.

Cut 11 (09) “special session”

The House passed budget includes massive cuts to healthcare, which administrators warn would lead to the end of public-private partnership hospitals. Alford says voters won’t accept those kinds of cuts, so revenues will have to be raised to replace the one penny sales tax that is set to expire in July.

Cut 12 (10) “tax renewals”

_____________________________

The Saints 2018 draft has a Louisiana flair to it this year as the Black and Gold selected two local products, running back Boston Scott in the sixth round and offensive lineman Will Clapp in the seventh round. Clapp is the first former Tiger drafted by New Orleans since defensive tackle Al Woods in 2010. Head Coach Sean Payton says he didn’t have to make a long distance call to let Clapp know he’ll be playing for his childhood team…

Cut 13 (10)  “on rent” 

Scott is a former Louisiana Tech running back, who walked on at the Ruston school after a stellar prep career at Zachary High School. Payton says Scott can fill a couple of roles on their team…

The Senate passed a bill that would allow teachers to pray in public schools with students. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

______________________________________________

The woman who has accused Secretary of State Tom Schedler of sexual harassment has come forward to the Louisiana Radio Network to tell her story. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (47) I’m Jeff Palermo”

_____________________________________________________

The Senate passed a proposal that will allow school employees to pray with students during the class hours. Before joining in the group prayers, students would have to have a signed request form signed by their parents. The bill’s sponsor, Bossier Senator Ryan Gatti, says it’s a response to recent legal actions taken against his parish.

Cut 3 (12) “like that”

Gatti says denying students the ability to pray with faculty flies in the face of local culture.

Cut 4 (08) “gag order”

Gatti says prayer is allowed in many other state institutions, such as the legislature, and as such should not be restricted in schools. He anticipates his bill will receive approval in the House…

Cut 5  (08) “we pray”

________________________________________________________

The woman who has accused Secretary of State Tom Schedler of sexual harassment is speaking out, exclusively to the Louisiana Radio Network. Dawn Ross, who is a longtime employee of the Secretary of State’s office, says she was the recipient of unwanted sexually charged emails, gifts and advances by Schedler since 2007 and she eventually had enough

Cut 6 (:10)  “multiple times”

Schedler has described the relationship as consensual. But Ross says she tried to keep the relationship only to the friendship level and made it clear to him that’s all she was seeking…

Cut 7 (07)  “texts”

Ross says Schedler also stalked her and would show up unannounced in public settings. She says the Secretary of State even bought a townhome in the same complex as her…

Cut 8 (:15) “back there”

Ross, who also worked for a time as Schedler’s secretary, says the final straw came last April, when Schedler started screaming at her when she asked for time off. Ross says Schedler banished her from the office and assigned her to a room with nothing to do and was told to stay out of sight. She says that continued for about three months….

Cut 9 (15) “my attorney”

US Senator John Kennedy says it saddens him, but he believes Secretary of State Tom Schedler should resign because of the sexual harassment allegations made against him by a longtime employee. When the accusations first surfaced, Kennedy said he’s withholding judgement, but his views have changed.

_____________________________________

The Louisiana Red Cross is joining a national push to install hundreds of thousands of smoke detectors in homes around the country. “Sound the Alarm” will see Red Cross volunteers visiting homes to install alarms, and educate families on fire safety. Greater New York Regional CEO Josh Lockwood says its been a wildly successful program so far.

Cut 10 (07) “since 2014”

Lockwood says despite big publicity pushes, reinforcing the importance of fire safety, many homes still lack a working smoke detector.

Cut 11 (11) “each day”

Lockwood says along with alarm installation, volunteers will be handing out crucial fire safety tips like…

Cut 12 (09)   “reconvening outside”

The drive kicks off in Louisiana tomorrow in Baton Rouge and Marrero.

______________________________________________

Is six-foof-six pass rusher Marcus Davenport the missing piece to a Super Championship defense? New Orleans traded up in Thursday night’s first round of the NFL draft to select the freak athlete from Texas-San Antonio. Saints sideline reporter Kristian Garic says drafting Davenport comes with a risk, since they gave up their 2019 first round pick for him

Cut 13 (11) “winning a championship”

Davenport was the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year last year and finished his career at the University of Texas at San Antonio with 22 sacks. Garic says Davenport is a gifted athlete, who needs some polish

Cut 14 (09)  “pretty quickly”

The Saints have one third round selection tonight and then four more picks on Saturday. Garic says his sources around the league believe the Saints will look to add to their defensive line

Cut 15 (10) “me that”

The nation could be facing a truck driver shortage of over 100 thousand by 2022, and that means higher prices for consumers. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

______________________________________

If you are a concealed handgun permit owner, you could bring a gun into school or university building, under a bill heading to the House floor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29) I’m Jeff Palermo”

__________________________________

35,000 Bald Cypress will be planted in Terrebonne Parish as part of a new project the joins NGOs and private in the fight against wetland loss. Mike Farrar.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Mike Farrar”

____________________________________________

The nation faces a truck driver shortage, and that could hurt your pocketbook. The American Trucking Association says they expect to see a 106,000 driver shortage by 2022. Louisiana Motor Transport Association Executive Director Chance McNeely says it’s resulting in longer delivery times and higher prices for consumers.

Cut 4  (09) “industry” 

The industry is facing a unique problem in that as the economy expands, more shipping is needed, but McNeely says the number of drivers appears to be dropping, just as demand has begun increasing.

Cut 5  (08)  “get worse”

Trucking doesn’t seem to have the same pull it used to. McNeely says average pay sits between 40 to 50 thousand, depending on the job, but one regulation in particular is keep young people from considering the industry.

Cut 6 (10) “hit 21”

In an example of the problems caused by the driver shortage: Tyson Foods blamed the 200 million dollars in new costs that they’ve passed to retailers on the shipping industries struggles.

________________________________________

Concealed carry permit holders could bring a gun into a school or university building under legislation heading to the House floor. The controversial measure cleared the House Criminal Justice Committee on a narrow 9-8 vote. Erath Representative Blake Miguez says his legislation doesn’t arm teachers, just visitors who have a concealed handgun permit

Cut 7 (04)  “self defense”

All Democrats on the panel opposed the measure. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle argued concealed handgun permit holders do not have the same level of training as law enforcement….

Cut 8 (08)  “children shot”

Louisiana Federation of Teachers legislative director Cynthia Posey says allowing non-law enforcement to bring guns into a school will create a disruption…

Cut 9 (10)  “school lock down”

Miguez says education groups might oppose this legislation, but responsible gun owners would applaud the passage of this bill…

Cut 10 (10) “self defense”

=========================================================

A Senate-approved bill to allow foster kids to stay in the system until they turn 21, or graduate high school, which ever happens first, cleared a House committee. Currently, foster kids are forced out of the foster care program when they turn 18, regardless of their high school degree progress. Louisiana Budget Project Coordinator Dylan Waguespack says hundreds of kids are effected every year.

Cut 11 (09) “foster care”

A foster care teenager by the name of Ella recounted the story of how earlier families difficulties put her behind in school, and under current law are putting her chance of obtaining her diploma at risk.

Cut 12 (13) “bit longer”

Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti says kids who age out before graduating are at high risk of falling into homelessness or crime.

Cut 13 (10)  “finding them”

_________________________________________

A partnership between coastal advocates and private business is leading to the planting of 35,000 bald cypress in Terrebonne Parish Wetlands. Senior adviser to the Americas Wetlands Foundation Sidney Coffee says its part of a string of smaller projects.

A domestic violence firearms bill cleared a House panel that further restricts possession of a gun by someone who is under a protective order. Jim Shannon has more

Cut 1 (:31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

______________________________________________

A new AAA foundation student finds Louisiana ranks second in the country with the highest rate of fatal hit-and-run crashes per capita. Michael Farrar has more….

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Michael Farrar”

_____________________________________________________

A domestic violence firearms bill cleared a House panel that further restricts possession of a gun by someone who is under a protective order. Currently its prohibited for an abuser to have a weapon, this bill prohibits among other things carrying a concealed weapon. Mariah Wineski is the executive director of the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Cut 3 (:12) “those numbers”

Domestic Violence survivor and advocate Tiffany Morgan was shot in the face by an angry boyfriend. Morgan says she’s been diagnosed with severe depression and PTSD as a result of her traumatic experience…

Cut 4 (06) “a weapon”

The Senate-approved bill heads to the House floor. It requires offenders to declare in open court what firearms they possess. Morgan says this bill would help domestic violence victims.

Cut 5  (09) “piece of mind”

________________________________________________________

Louisiana now ranks second in the nation with the highest hit and run rate of fatal crashes per capita, according to a new survey from the AAA foundation. The national study concluded there is a hit and run fatality every minute in the nation. Don Redman is with AAA

Cut 6 (:10)  “of fatalities”

Redman says the report found most victims of fatal hit and run crashes are pedestrians and bicyclists…

Cut 7 (07)  “pedestrians”

Redman says there are two big factors on why Louisiana ranks second in the nation for fatal hit and run crashes.

Cut 8 (:12) “impaired driving”

______________________________________________

A woman is under arrest for allegedly stealing a horse, and selling it for 1,000 dollars cash on the internet. 27-year-old Sarah Broussard of Scott was booked into the Lafayette Parish Jail on the charge of Theft of Property valued over 500 dollars. Ag Commisioner Mike Strain says the purchaser had no clue the horse was stolen.

Cut 9 (05) “the internet”

The horse was being housed in Lafayette Parish, while its owner lived elsewhere. Strain says the owner had no clue the horse had been swiped.

Cut 10 (09) “the internet”

Strain says this incident is a good reminder to all livestock purchasers to check the papers before you drop the cash.

Cut 11 (10) “paperwork”

_________________________________________________________

Concerns are being raised about a House bill that includes an application for funding a Boy Scouts project, but did not include an application for a girl scouts project. Girl Scouts Louisiana East spokesperson Mary-Patricia Wray says neither project is guaranteed to be funded, but allowing both applications to be considered would send a message of equality.

Cut 12 (05)   “Boy Scouts”

The Girl Scouts are seeking funding for a project that would prevent a lake in Tangipahoa from spilling into the Tangipahoa River. Wray says the lake is a valuable part of the community.

Cut 13 (10) “community use”

Wray says if they don’t get the funding, it could lead to an ecological disaster.

Cut 14 (09)  “back up”

The House Criminal Justice Committee approves a constitutional amendment to require unanimous verdicts in serious felony cases. Jim Shannon reports testimony got a little heated after a comment by a district attorney.

Cut 1 (:28) “I’m Jim Shannon”

______________________________________________

A beastiality bill that’s drawn some surprising opposition passed through a House committee unanimously. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_____________________________________________________

The state legislature is not willing to give voters in Tangipahoa Parish the opportunity to vote on whether they want a riverboat casino at a location near I-12. DiamondJacks Casino and Resort in Bossier City is interested in moving its license to Tangipahoa. But religious leaders object. First Baptist Church of Hammond Pastor Jeff Robertson

Cut 3 (:10) “of it”

Robertson made his comments in the House Criminal Justice Committee, one day after the Senate voted against allowing a local referendum in Tangipahoa on whether the citizens want a casino in their area. Pastor Louis Husser at Crossgate Church says such a vote would be unfair….

Cut 4 (:10) “casino is”

The House version of the Tangipahoa Parish voter referendum measure died in committee today. Ponchatoula Representative Steve Pugh moved to table the bill, because there’s opposition from local senators…

Cut 5  (11) “as well”

________________________________________________________

The House Criminal Justice Committee approves a constitutional amendment that calls for all 12 members of a criminal jury to agree on the guilt or innocence of an accused person. Current law only requires 10. The debate digressed to a racial issue when an opponent, Calcasieu D.A. John Derosier, brushed off the notion that unanimous juries were racially driven.

Cut 6 (:12)  “what it is.”

Committee member Ted James of Baton Rouge fired back at Derosier.

Cut 7 (11)  “utterly offended”

The bill’s author, New Orleans Senator J.P. Morrell, cited 180 year old documents to make his point why convictions in felony should be unanimous…

Cut 8 (:13) “official journal”

Louisiana and Oregon are the only two states without Unanimous jury requirements. The Senate has already approved the proposal and it will need a two-thirds vote on the House floor.

______________________________________________

A Senate-approved bestiality bill that’s been grabbing headlines passed unanimously through a House committee. The bill would update bestiality laws, and codify them as only applying to acts between man and animal. Some opponents argue the bill is an attempt to protect homosexual behavior. The bill’s sponsor, New Orleans Senator JP Morrell.

Cut 9 (10) “about beastiality”

Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills objected to certain parts of the bill, because he says as written, the law would remove human on human acts from criminality.

Cut 10 (09) “prohibition”

Opponents say they aren’t supporting bestiality, they’re just opposed to the way the bill was worded, arguing that it was too vauge and could be extended to human behavior. Dr. Will Hall says existing laws are enough.

Cut 11 (11) “this year”

The bill moves to the House floor.

_________________________________________________________

Smoothie King is moving its corporate headquarters out of New Orleans, and taking most of it’s 80 jobs to a new location in Dallas. Greater New Orleans Inc. President Michael Hecht says Smoothie King’s owner is Korean and is seeking better access to his overseas holdings.

Cut 12 (08)   “to asia”

The loss of an internationally recognized, home grown company, will sting for the New Orleans area. Hecht says the direct economic impact may be small, but…

Cut 13 (06) “issue here”

It’s a setback for New Orleans, which has seen some big business wins recently, but Hect says it’s not an indicator of a greater shift away from the growing city. He says the city is still on an upward trajectory.

Cut 14 (08)  “make progress”

The Smoothie King Center, the home of the New Orleans Pelicans, will retain its name.

___________________________________________

Secretary of State Tom Schedler told a Senate committee his office is looking at improving its anti-harassment policies. Schedler, who was  accused of sexually harassing an employee in a recent lawsuit, was forced to discuss his agency’s policies during harsh questioning from New Orleans Senator Karen Peterson…

Cut 15 (09) “the way”

Peterson said it’s been since 2013 since the Secretary of State’s office has updated its anti-harassment policies. Schedler says his agency is working on revised procedures…

Cut 16  (08) “that process”

The Senate approves legislation to allow riverboat casinos to operate on land, despite objections it’s an expansion of gambling. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

A House committee is expected to take up a Senate-approved proposal that seeks to change the state constitution so that unanimous juries are required in felony convictions. Jeff Palermo previews the debate…

Cut 2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”

__________________________________

A wave of teacher’s strikes is sweeping the south, and which has Louisiana Teacher’s Unions looking at their options. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

____________________________________________

The Senate passed a bill 22-14 that would allow riverboat casinos to expand their operations on land. Louisiana is the only state that requires floating gambling halls to keep all gaming operations on water. Franklin Senator Bret Allain says he can’t support the legislation, because it is an expansion of gaming.

Cut 4  (10) “what is” 

But Metairie Senator Danny Martiny says the bill allows the riverboats to invest more into their properties, which will bring more tax dollars to the state…

Cut 5  (09)  “that money”

Opponets argue that an expansion of gaming would lead to more gambling addiction, but the Metairie Republican says gamblers will find a way to get their fix whether we legislate against it or not.

Cut 6 (11) “nothing”

The bill moves to the House.

________________________________________

The switch to make Louisiana juries come to unanimous decisions will face a tough test in the House Criminal Justice committee today. Currently only 10 out of twelve jurors have to agree if someone is guilty of a crime. A proposed constitutional amendment seeks to make all felony convictions unanimous. Christie Smith is the legislative liaison for the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys.

Cut 7 (10)  “in Louisiana”

The measure has already passed the Senate, despite concerns the proposal will make it more difficult to get convictions. Smith says that’s not the case….

Cut 8 (08)  “or better”

Smith also says if you compare Texas and Mississippi they both are getting their share of convictions with a standard of unanimous juries.

Cut 9 (10)  “that matter”

That House committee is made up of 10 Republicans, 8 Democrats, 1 independent.

___________________________________________________

A teachers strike in Kentucky that led to increased funding for schools and higher pay is inspiring educator walkouts and work stoppages across the south. Louisiana Federation of Teachers is now polling its members to see what actions they would favor to address quality of life for teachers and students. LFT spokesperson Les Landon says it’s not just about winning a bigger paycheck.

Cut 10 (09) “to be”

Landon says six year ago, Louisiana teachers we’re paid about the same as other southern educators, but in 2018, that’s no longer the case.

Cut 11 (11) “regional average”

Landon says they’ve already polled around 3,000 members, and will release a report in mid to late may with the results.

Cut 12 (11) “strike”

________________________________________________

A 15 week abortion ban passes the Senate on a 31-3 vote. The bill mirrors a Mississippi law recently passed that has been halted by a federal judge. Shreveport Senator and Democrat John Milkovich says he’s well aware his potential law will lead to an expensive court battle, but it’s a price he’s willing to pay.

Cut 13 (06)  “worth it”

Milkovich says 15 week old fetuses show clear signs of life.

The House-approved Max Gruver Act is sailing through the legislative process, passing out of a Senate committee without objection today. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (:31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

______________________________________________

We’re at the halfway point of the regular session, and major changes to hot button issues appear to be off the table. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_____________________________________________________

The House-approved Max Gruver Act is sailing through the legislative process, passing out of a Senate Judiciary Committee without objection this morning. It calls for tougher penalties for those convicted of hazing. Police say Gruver died after an alcohol induced hazing incident last September at LSU. Lafayette Representative Nancy Landry authors the bill.

Cut 3 (:11) “Your support”

East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore testified in favor of the legislation which makes it a felony to commit hazing.

Cut 4 (:06) “its fair”

Rae Ann and Steven Gruver, Max’s parents, both testified in front of the panel.

Cut 5  (11) “saved maxes”

The bill cleared the house 88-0 it now goes to the Senate Floor.

________________________________________________________

The regular legislative session is at the halfway point, with issues like TOPS reform, gun control, and gambling expansion mostly dead, while new sexual harassment policies, tougher hazing laws, and medical marijuana expansion have received broad support. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the session has been bogged down by one issue

Cut 6 (10)  “gunna have”

The yearly attempt at altering TOPS hit a brick wall on the house floor, and Pinsonat says at this point legislators should just give up trying to change the universally popular program.

Cut 7 (11)  “ever passed”

Governor John Bel Edwards and Democratic lawmakers are calling on the legislature to abandon efforts to craft a budget that includes a 648 million dollar budget gap, but Pinsonat says entering a special session without a senate approved budget would be unprecedented.

Cut 8 (08) “or tried”

Lawmakers have until June 4^th to wrap up the regular session.

______________________________________________

The largest international music fest in the United States begins tomorrow in Lafayette as Festival International de Louisiane starts a five-day fun that features music from over 20 countries. Marketing director Carly Viator says its free to attend…

Cut 9 (09) “pretty cool”

Viator says to make things easier on fairgoers this year, they will issue electronic bracelets instead of selling tickets to buy drinks and merchandise. She says you can also link your bank card to your wristband

Cut 10 (08) “really smooth”

The festival attracts 300-thousand people every year and has an estimated economic impact of 49-million dollars. Viator says there’s no other festival in Louisiana you can attend for free and hear music from across the globe…

Cut 11 (11) “this year”

_________________________________________________________

A Senate-approved resolution to create a panel to find a solution to Baton Rouge’s horrible traffic problems flew through a Senate committee. The Capital City is plagued with rush hour gridlock, and Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter says the sponsor of the measure was inspired to bring forth the legislation after one too many bumper to bumper trips through BR.

Cut 12 (08)   “this resolution”

Carter says the city is already looking into innovative options to curb excessive traffic, such as a compressed work schedule.

Cut 13 (10) “this resolution”

The panel will be comprised of DOTD, Workforce Commision, and LSU Board of Supervisor members.

Cut 14 (08)  “one suggestion”

Arcadia Mayor Eugene Smith passed away yesterday at the age of 84. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

______________________________________

A 9.4 billion dollar chemical manufacturing facility has been announced for St. James Parish. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”

__________________________________

A proposal to raise fees on hunting and fishing licenses fails to get enough votes on the House floor. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (33) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

____________________________________________

15-year-old Seth Veillon was found dead by deputies in a mobile home Sunday in Paradis, and his mother is in critical condition. The child’s father is the suspected killer. Deputies found the boy, and his mother, both with multiple gunshot wounds. St. Charles Parish Sherriff’s spokesman Corporal James Grimaldi says could not resuscitate the boy.

Cut 4  (09) “no avail” 

Grimaldi says the boy’s father, Ed Veillon Jr. has been charged with first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder.

Cut 5  (10)  “of deputies”

Grimaldi says the victim’s mother, Nicole Veillon was taken to a local hospital.

Cut 6 (10) “unharmed”

________________________________________

84-year-old Arcadia Mayor Eugene Smith passed away yesterday from complications related to a lung illness. Smith sheparded the north Louisiana town for 16 years. Homer Representative Pat Jefferson, who was hired by Smith as the city’s first black attorney, says he was a man of the people.

Cut 7 (11)  “was everywhere”

Jefferson says Smith “mastered Baton Rouge”, and worked the rooms in the capital to get the best deal for his constituents and the surrounding areas.

Cut 8 (10)  “his stewardship”

The Homer Democrat says he tells mayors in his area to look to Smith as a role model for how to effectively guide their towns and cities. He says Smith’s secret was to never stop networking.

Cut 9 (06)  “of Arcadia”

___________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards and Formosa Petrochemical Corporation announced an agreement to build a 9.4 billion dollar facility in St. James Parish. Once the ten year project is completed, officials say it will generate 1,200 full time jobs with an average pay of 84,500 dollars a year. St. James Parish President Timothy Roussell says it’s a big deal.

Cut 10 (08) “these jobs”

8,000 construction jobs are expected to be created while the facility is built.

Roussell says Formosa, who employs over 100,000 people worldwide, including several hundred at its other Louisiana facilities, is looking forward to working with and in the St. James community.

Cut 11 (06) “organizations”

The project will require a major overhaul to local infrastructure, and Roussell says it’s the parish and state’s responsibility to make sure the road are up and working before construction begins.

Cut 12 (11) “kinda issues”

A LSU economic impact study estimates the facility will generate 313 million dollars in state revenue during its first ten years of operation.

________________________________________________

A proposal to increase fees for hunting and fishing licenses failed to get the necessary 70 votes to pass the House. The legislation would raise an additional six-point-eight million dollars a year for Wildlife and Fisheries, who says the increase is necessary to help sustain the department for years to come. But Erath Representative Blake Miguez says if L-D-W-F needs more money, they can get it from the Conservation fund

Cut 13 (08)  “what happens”

The legislation would also consolidate the number of licenses from 117 to 35 and actually lower some fees. Miguez says he’s fine with a consolidation of licenses, but his constituents are not happy about a fee increase…