LRN Legislative Report May 9

Legislation to require public school employees to use the name and pronoun on a student’s birth certificate passes in the House after emotional debate on the floor. Bill author Bossier City Republican Representative Raymond Crews said it’s a parent’s rights bill. The legislation, however, allows teachers to choose how they will refer to the student.

Cut 14 (06)  “…participate.”

Gretna Republican Representative Joe Marino said the legislation is anti-transgender and will only worsen the suicide rate among trans children. Marino said it’s a culture war bill and it’s designed to divide.

Cut  16 (12)  “…some parent’s rights.” 

The legislation passed on a 61 to 33 vote and advances to the Senate.

House Commerce is expected to vote on legislation to allow a person to break a lease if multiple violent or drug crimes are reported to police within a tenth of a mile of their rental. It’s in response to last year’s fatal shooting of three-year-old Devin Page Junior who was hit by a stray bullet from a drive-by shooting in Baton Rouge. The child’s grandmother Cathy Toliver pleaded with the panel to pass the bill…

Cut 4 (14)  “… feels like.”

House Commerce meets at 9:30 this morning.

A legislative auditor’s report indicates the state’s Motion Picture Income Tax Credit (MPITC) appears to have a positive impact on the economy. Economist Ed Seyler (Sigh-ler) says it does generate more household income than it costs the state…

Cut 8 (10) “… revenue perspective.”

AM LRN Newscall May 9

Legislation that would mandate property owners to increase safety for rental property – in memory of three-year-old Devin Page, Jr. who was killed by a stray bullet as he was sleeping in his bed last year – will be voted on by the House Commerce Committee today. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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And while it remains to be seen what the Senate will do with the state’s film income tax credit program, a legislative auditor’s report looks at the numbers.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Researchers at LSU develop a new bait that may be the key to getting the state’s wild hog problem under control. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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The House Commerce Committee is expected to vote today on legislation that would allow a person to break a lease if multiple violent or drug crimes are reported to police within a tenth of a mile of their rental. It’s in response to last year’s fatal shooting of three-year-old Devin Page Junior who was hit by a stray bullet from a drive-by shooting in Baton Rouge. The child’s grandmother Cathy Toliver pleaded with the panel to pass the bill…

Cut 4 (14)  “… feels like.”

The family complained to the landlord and tried to leave their house after hearing gunshots nearby several nights in a row before the incident occurred. The landlord threatened to make the mother pay thousands in fees to move. The last day she complained was the day her son was murdered.

Cut 5 (13)   “…by that.”

Last year, the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Council passed an ordinance, called “Devin’s Law.” The ordinance was designed to make rental properties safer by imposing new regulations on rental properties. Apartment Association of Louisiana Attorney, Jim Rather says the bill will not resolve the real issue.

Cut 6 (12)  “…is crime.”

Baton Rouge Rep. Edmond Jordan authored HB606, which proposes requiring “any owner, property manager, or property management company shall provide proper security cameras and lighting on their residential properties.” Rather says the bill would result in more lawsuits and it would be costly for property owners.

Cut 7 (12) “… thousand dollars.”

House Commerce meets at 9:30 this morning.

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A legislative auditor’s report indicates the state’s Motion Picture Income Tax Credit (MPITC) appears to have a positive impact on the economy. Economist Ed Seyler (Sigh-ler) says it does generate more household income than it costs the state…

Cut 8 (10) “… revenue perspective.”

The report also looked at what areas of the state benefit the most from the MPITC and its overwhelmingly southeast Louisiana.  Seventy-two percent of the jobs and 78 percent of the productions are in the New Orleans area.  But Seyler says it may be possible for other areas, especially Shreveport and Lafayette, to grow their motion picture industries.

Cut 9 (10)  “…year-to-year.”

Legislation to renew the state’s MPITC for 10 years when it expires in 2025 passed in the House but still has to be approved in the Senate.

Seyler says if providing more data to show which locations benefit from the MPITC and possibly direct stakeholders to grow the industry in other sections of the state…

Cut 10 (06) “…the core.” 

And while the report indicates overall the tax credit appears to have a positive impact because it generates more household income than it costs the state, the credit does not generate enough tax revenue to make up for what the state loses in revenue.

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Researchers at LSU have developed a patent-pending bait that could become a big weapon in the state’s war on wild hogs. LSU animal scientist and researcher Glenn Gentry says they have developed an effective poison bait; made of fish, potatoes, and sodium nitrite; a chief ingredient in bacon. He says sodium nitrite impedes the body’s ability to send oxygen to the organs…:

Cut 11 (07)  “…a lethal dose.”

Wild pigs cause an estimated $ 75 million in annual crop losses and crop damage in Louisiana. Plus their presence creates an E. coli problem. Gentry says the bait makes them fall asleep, then die…and there is no risk to humans or other animals from eating their remains. He says the bait is part of a technological delivery system, which uses cellular communications and game camera technology to target only wild pigs…:

Cut 12 (12)    “…whole shell corn.” 

Gentry says federally-monitored testing and eventual permitting for public use is still a few years away, but farmers are excited at the prospect of taking control of the wild hog population. Some sportsmen are concerned that the bait will virtually eradicate the animals, which they still enjoy hunting. Gentry says hog hunters have nothing to worry about…:

Cut 13 (09) “…manage their numbers. 

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Legislation to require public school employees to use the name and pronoun on a student’s birth certificate passes in the House after emotional debate on the floor. Bill author Bossier City Republican Representative Raymond Crews said it’s a parent’s rights bill. The legislation, however, allows teachers to choose how they will refer to the student.

Cut 14 (06)  “…participate.”

Homer Representative Patrick Jefferson asked Crews what happens if a parent wants the employee to call their child by a name or pronoun that differs from their birth certificate…

Cut 15 (12)  “…that’s correct.”

Crews was questioned if any teacher organizations support House Bill 81. He said he’s received positive feedback from teachers individually, but the bill does not have the official backing of any specific educator association.

Gretna Republican Representative Joe Marino said the legislation is anti-transgender and will only worsen the suicide rate among trans children. Marino said it’s a culture war bill and it’s designed to divide.

Cut  16 (12)  “…some parent’s rights.” 

The legislation passed on a 61 to 33 vote and advances to the Senate.

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The LSU baseball team is no longer the top-ranked team in the country and they have the Tigers have their first two-game losing streak of the season after dropping a series to Auburn. D-1 Baseball-dot-com, Baseball America, and Perfect Game dropped LSU from the top spot in their polls to number two behind Wake Forest. But Tigers Coach Jay Johnson is not panicking

Cut 17 (20) “..is a plan”

LSU’s powerful offense was held to eleven runs in the three-game series to Auburn. And several pitchers had a rough outing, Ty Floyd, Javen Coleman, Bryce Collins, Christian Little, and Griffin Herring. But Johnson says the guys who struggled on the mound are more than capable

Cut 18 (24) “..as possible”

But Paul Skenes was spectacular again on Friday as he was named the SEC Pitcher of the Week. Skenes struck out a career-high 15 hitters in a season-high 7.1 innings. Johnson says Skenes preparation between starts is second to none

Cut 19 (18) “…not out there.

 

Cut 20 (15)  “… you stop.”  

5:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana Pre K-12 schools showed marked improvement on the latest state rankings released by U.S. News and World Report. The improvement is similar to data released earlier this year in The Nation’s Report Card which showed similar improvement in the state’s education outcomes. Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says the state’s reading ranked higher.

Cut 13 (08) “…of years.” 

NAEP’s data shows where Louisiana 4th graders ranked #1 in the country in reading growth.

Senate District 21 candidate Stephen Swiber knows there’s no one like your mother to persuade you, so he’s going to fly one lucky mother to anywhere in the US to visit their child as part of his BackToTheBayou.com campaign.

Cut 6 (09)  “…have moved.” 

The contest isn’t limited to District 21 which includes St. Mary and parts of other coastal parishes. To enter visit BackToTheBayou.com

Former President Trump officially announced he is endorsing Jeff Landry in the Louisiana governor’s race. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The 2023 National Championship LSU’s Women’s Basketball team has accepted an invitation to celebrate its historic season at the White House May 26. A definite decision was in up in the air after First Lady Jill Biden publicly invited the Iowa women’s basketball team to join the champions on the visit to the White House. The Tigers scored a game-record 102 points in the win over Iowa last month in front of 9.9 million viewers. Women’s basketball will become the fourth LSU sport to visit the White House in celebration of a national championship.

4:30 LRN Newscast May 8

An Arkansas man in Louisiana for a birthday celebration was killed by an 18-year-old during a carjacking incident in Hammond. Chief Jimmy Travis with the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office says it happened Saturday morning when 62-year-old Paul Holt and his wife were trying to leave for a cruise…:

CUT 03(09)      “…to the ground.”

Ladarrius Evans has been arrested and charged with murder.

Senate District 21 candidate Stephen Swiber knows there’s no one like your mother to persuade you, so he’s going to fly one lucky mother to anywhere in the US to visit their child and convince them to move home with his BackToTheBayou.com campaign. He says the state can no longer ignore outmigration…:

CUT 08(10)      “…Rouge at all.”

Visit “BackToTheBayou.com” to know more.

 

Louisiana schools showed improvement in the latest state rankings for Pre-K through 12 education in 2023 based on data by U.S. News and World Report. The statistics show Louisiana moved up five places jumping from 46th to 41st in 2023. Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says the positive gains reflect the commitment of educators…:

CUT 12(08)      “…to go.”

The report shows from 2019-2023 the state’s high school graduation rank improved; jumping 8 spots from 45th to 37th.

Deputies in Calcasieu Parish arrest a man for allegedly shooting a teen girl in the head. Officers say kids were playing hide & seek and wandered onto 58-year-old David Doyle’s property. Thinking they were intruders, he armed himself, went outside and fired a few rounds at the fleeing youths; hitting the girl. Surprisingly, doctors say she is expected to recover. Doyle was arrested for assault with a firearm and other charges.

A drunk driver is blamed for a Saturday night crash in East Baton Rouge Parish that sent for teens headed for the prom to the ER instead. A 33-year-old local man, who blew a .211 breathalyzer, has been arrested for the wreck.

3:30 LRN Newscast May 8

The Donald endorses Jeff Landry. Former President Donald Trump gave his official nod to the Attorney General in his bid to be elected governor this fall. What does it mean for Landry’s campaign? U.L.-Monroe political science professor Pearson Cross says any high-profile endorsement from a former Commander-in-Chief is an asset…:

CUT 10(11)      “…foregone conclusion.”

Schools in Louisiana are showing improvement among students in math and reading, according to data from U.S. News & World Report. The numbers show we have gone from 46th overall in the nation for 41st. Not great, but better. State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley says drilling down on the data shows some real good news, like Louisiana 4th graders placing 1st in reading growth & improvement…:

CUT 14(12)      “…we are.”

 

The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office reports one person dead and another injured after a shooting Saturday at the Toledo Bend RV Resort. The gunfire was the result of some kind of big disturbance that deputies are still figuring out. They ask anyone with tips to please call SPSO.

Mother’s Day is Sunday, and a state Senate candidate wants to fly one lucky mother anywhere in the US to visit her kids. Brooke Thorington tells us why…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Thorington.”

2:30 LRN Newscast May 8

An Arkansas man in Louisiana for a birthday celebration was killed by an 18-year-old during a carjacking incident in Hammond. Chief Jimmy Travis with the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office says it happened Saturday morning when 62-year-old Paul Holt and his wife were trying to leave for a cruise. Holt saw his wife being thrown from their car, and rushed to stop the thief, who shot and killed him. Travis says the whole incident is tragic…:

CUT 05(10)      “…his victim.”

Hammond resident Ladarrius Evans has been arrested and charged with murder, armed robbery, carjacking and possession of illegal weapons.

Deputies in Calcasieu Parish arrest a man for shooting a teen girl in the head. Officers say kids were playing hide & seek and wandered onto 58-year-old David Doyle’s property. Thinking they were intruders, he armed himself, went outside and fired a few rounds at the fleeing youths; hitting the girl. Doctors say – surprisingly – she is expected to recover. Doyle was arrested for assault with a firearm and other charges.

 

Louisiana schools showed improvement on the latest state rankings for Pre-K through 12 education in 2023 based on data by U.S. News and World Report. The statistics show Louisiana moved up five places jumping from 46th to 41st in 2023. Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says biggest improvements were in math and reading…:

CUT 13(08)      “…of years.”

Attorney General and candidate for governor Jeff Landry has received former President Donald Trump’s endorsement to lead our state. U.L.-Monroe political science professor Pearson Cross says this is big for Landry, as Trump is still very well-liked among Louisianans…:

CUT 09(08)      “…for President.”

The last Louisiana gubernatorial candidate endorsed by Trump was Eddie Rispone in 2019, who didn’t cross the finish line.

1:30 LRN Newscast May 8

It was a tragic weekend for an Arkansas couple as they tried to leave a Hammond hotel in route to a birthday cruise. Chief Jimmy Travis with the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office says 18-year-old Ladarrius Evans allegedly carjacked their car, and in the process fatally shot 62-year-old Paul Holt.

Cut 4 (08)  “…in Hammond.” 

The couple were on their way to celebrate Holt’s 63rd birthday which would have been Sunday. Evans is in custody.

Louisiana schools showed improvement on the latest state rankings for Pre-K through 12 education U.S. News and World Report. The statistics show Louisiana moved up five places jumping from 46th to 41st. Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says the positive gains reflect the commitment of educators…

Cut 12 (08) “…to go.” 

To kick off his campaign for Senate District 21 Stephen Swiber is holding a Monday’s Day drawing for two free plane tickets to visit their children, or grandchildren anywhere in the US. Swiber says he’s running for office to create better opportunities to keep residents in the state so mom can stay home.

Cut 7 (05)  “…Mother’s Day.” 

You can register to win at BackToTheBayou.com

Former President Donald Trump has endorsed Attorney General Jeff Landry in the governor’s race. U-L-M Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says this is significant for Landry, considering Trump’s popularity in Louisiana. But it could make fundraising difficult for Republican Stephen Waguespack…

Cut 11 (10)  “…much harder.”

But in the last governor’s race, Trump endorsed and campaigned for Eddie Rispone who lost to Governor Edwards.

 

 

 

12:30 LRN Newscast

Former President Trump is backing Attorney General Jeff Landry’s bid for Louisiana governor. U-L-M Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says a high-profile endorsement from a former president is also extremely helpful…

Cut 10 (11) “…forgone conclusion” 

Landry is one of five major Republicans running for governor and is considered a front-runner to make a run-off, because of the financial backing he’s already received.

While attempting to stop an 18-year-old from stealing his car at a Hammond hotel, 62-year-old Paul Holt of Arkansas was killed and the suspect, La-darrius Evans faces multiple charges including first-degree murder. Chief Jimmy Travis with the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office says it happened Saturday morning when Holt and his wife were trying to leave for a cruise.

Cut 3 (09) “….to the ground.”

Holt then died from his injuries at the hospital. Travis says Holt and his wife were on their way to New Orleans to celebrate his birthday, he would have turned 63 on Sunday.

Mother’s Day is Sunday, and a state Senate candidate wants to fly one lucky mother anywhere in the US to visit her kids. Brooke Thorington tells us why.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

11:30 LRN Newscast

Former President Donald Trump has officially endorsed Jeff Landry in the Louisiana governor’s race. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The 2023 National Championship LSU’s Women’s Basketball team has accepted an invitation to celebrate its historic season at the White House May 26. A definite decision was in up in the air after First Lady Jill Biden publicly invited the Iowa women’s basketball team to join the champions on the visit to the White House. The Tigers scored a game record 102 points in the win over Iowa last month in front of 9.9 million viewers. Women’s basketball will become the fourth LSU sport to visit the White House in celebration of a national championship.

Advocates from across the state are encouraging legislators to support funding for domestic violence shelters in the state budget. Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence Director Mariah Wineski says HB1 that passed the House last week did not include funding for domestic violence shelters…

Cut 4 (13)  “… necessary funding.”

81% of female homicides in Louisiana are committed by a partner or ex-partner.

Senate District 21 candidate Stephen Swiber (Swhy-ber) knows there’s no one like your mother to persuade you, so he’s going to fly one lucky mother to anywhere in the US to visit their child and convince them to move home with his BackToTheBayou.com campaign.

Cut 6 (09)  “…have moved.” 

To enter visit BackToTheBayou.com

10:30 LRN Newscast

Domestic violence advocates from across the state encouraged lawmakers to support funding for domestic violence shelters in the state budget. Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence Director Mariah Wineski says the legislation that passed the House last week did not contain any funding to address the obvious needs.

Cut 5 (12)   “…were full.”

Louisiana ranked 5th in the nation for femicide and 81% of female homicides in Louisiana are committed by a partner or ex-partner.

A bill requiring parents to give permission for schools to use corporal punishment on children in Louisiana will be up for debate on the House floor today. Metairie Representative Stephanie Hilferty says while some school systems allow corporal punishment, others do not, Hilferty says there’s no rhyme or reason why one parish allows it, and another doesn’t.

Cut 13 (06) “…state level.” 

Hilferty filed legislation to ban the use of corporal punishment in the past but the bill failed.

Governor candidates, Attorney General Jeff Landry and Treasurer John Schroder already have campaign ads running on TV, and the political action committee known as Reboot Louisiana, supporting Stephen Waguespack begin running ads today. La-Politics.com Publisher, Jeremy Alford…says with the governor’s race – their supporters are eager to have ads airing sooner than later to build name recognition.

Cut  16 (10)  “…Jeff Landry.” 

Alford believes former Transportation Secretary, Shawn Wilson, the only Democrat in the race will make the runoff.

Former President Donald Trump has endorsed Attorney General Jeff Landry in the governor’s race. U-L-M Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says this is a significant development in the governor’s race as Trump is well-liked by Republican voters in Louisiana…

Cut 9 (08) “….for President.”

Trump says his endorsement message that Landry has been a fantastic A-G and he wants to stop crime. The former president also says Landry loves the people of Louisiana just like he does.