Governor John Bel Edwards vetoes legislation that would have provided a tax rebate to companies hiring or rehiring employees right now citing the cost and current revenue situation of state government. The bill had widespread support in the Legislature and Covington Representative Mark Wright disagrees with Edwards’ claim…

Cut 4 (11)_ “…to it”

The State Treasury Department will launch a 300-million dollar small business COVID relief grant program in July as a result of legislation signed by the governor. Treasurer John Schroder says they’ve also dedicated a portion of the funds so certain business owners can take advantage.

Cut 8 (08) “…buisinesses.”

To qualify your business must have fewer than 50 employees and can demonstrate COVID-19 related losses.

Governor John Bel Edwards signs a bill that greatly expands access to medical marijuana. Under current law, medical marijuana is only available to a patient suffering from a specific condition or disease, and now that’s been expanded to anyone with a debilitating condition. Louisiana Association of Therapeutic Alternatives lobbyist Danny Ford says the requirement that a doctor must have a special license in order to recommend the treatment has also been removed…

Cut 14 (05) “…is necessary”

Personal finance website WalletHub finds a strong majority, 67 percent, of Americans think people who do not want to return to the office and would rather work from home should not see pushback from employers. WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says those that disagree tend to want direct action from employers against those workers.

Cut 12 (10) “…paid on unemployment.”

About a third of respondents also believe businesses should be held responsible for employees getting sick.

Come August 1^st Louisiana will significantly expand its medical marijuana laws, allowing any licensed doctor to prescribe the treatment to a patient suffering from a “debilitating condition”. Louisiana Association of Therapeutic Alternatives lobbyist Danny Ford says this expansion will undoubtedly strain the state’s limited supply of treatment at first, but it should improve as LSU is the state’s only licensed grower, and…

Cut 15 (11)“ very soon” 

The State Treasury Department will launch a 300-million dollar small business COVID relief grant program in July as a result of legislation signed by the governor. Treasurer John Schroder says businesses with under 50 employees can be eligible for up to 15,000 dollars if they have documented proof of COVID related losses.

Cut 9 (10) “…Louisiana.”

New research from personal finance website WalletHub indicates 6 in 10 Americans think COVID-19 has changed the way we work for the better.  But WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says most workers are happy about the work culture changes, parents aren’t…

Cut 11 (09) “…being more productive.”

Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed a bill that would have provided companies impacted by COVID-19 a rebate for hiring or rehiring employees. Covington Representative Mark Wright says businesses would be eligible for the program if they hired at least five people and added 40-thousand dollars in total payroll

Cut 3 (07)  “…sticking it out”  

The legislation received overwhelming support in the legislature and it could be brought up again in a potential veto session. Edwards vetoed citing the cost.

A onetime confirmed and admitted incoming LSU freshman who filmed himself screaming the n-word on camera along with other racist comments will not be attending the state’s flagship university in fall. LSU has refused to comment further on the subject citing privacy concerns.

More Louisiana residents will be eligible for medical marijuana treatment under legislation signed into law by the governor…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Governor Edwards signs legislation barring residents from suing a restaurant, claiming they got the coronavirus from their business. Covington Senator Patrick McMath says the law will help thwart wasteful litigation, but notes that if restaurants refuse to follow COVID guidelines like mandatory mask wearing for employees they could still get sued.

Cut 6 (09) “…misconduct”

Take-out, drive-thru, and delivery food services are covered under the new law which is retroactive to March 11th.

The State Treasury Department will launch a 300-million dollar small business COVID relief grant program in July as a result of legislation signed by the governor. Treasurer John Schroder says once the program gets started, they will take applications from businesses that did not receive federal coronavirus relief funding

Cut 7 (08) “…benefits”

There are 24 new COVID-19 fatalities reported in the state today, more than the last three days combined. Total deaths: 2,930. Hospitalizations… up by 20, bringing the total to 588. Total cases: 47,706… up by 534, but the Department of Health says 148 of those come from a testing backlog.

Starting sometime in July Louisiana small businesses will be allowed to apply for a state grant worth up to 15,000 dollars to help deal with COVID related losses. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

New research from the personal finance website WalletHub indicates almost 60% of Americans think COVID-19 has changed the way we work for the better.  WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says around a third of Americans feel physical offices are a thing of the past and many will choose where to live based on things other than proximity to the office.

Cut 10 (08) “…nearby outdoor activities.”

About a third of respondents also believe businesses should be held responsible for employees getting sick.

Governor John Bel Edwards signs a bill that greatly expands access to medical marijuana. Louisiana Association of Therapeutic Alternatives lobbyist Danny Ford says this measure allows any doctor in good standing to recommend medical cannabis to a patient suffering from a debilitating condition…

Cut 13 (11) “…could help”  

Governor Edwards signs legislation barring residents from suing a restaurant, claiming they got the coronavirus from their business. Covington Senator Patrick McMath says it’s tough to prove where someone contracted COVID-19, but that wouldn’t stop someone from trying…

Cut 5 (10)  “…jobs”

But McMath notes that if restaurants refuse to follow COVID guidelines like mandatory mask wearing for employees they could still get sued.

The Louisiana House has approved two bills that Republicans say will lead to lower auto insurance rates because it would limit what a person can receive in compensation from an auto accident. But New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry remains skeptical…
Cut 15 (10) “…zero.”
The measure heads to the Senate for more consideration. Governor Edwards has already vetoed a similar bill.

Louisiana Highway 1 in Lafourche Parish receives $135 million in federal grant money to construct an 8.3-mile elevated highway from Leeville Bridge to Golden Meadow, making it the largest transportation grant in America. Congressman Garret Graves says the road is vital to get to Port Fourchon.
Cut 11 (13) “…the United States.”
The governor’s office says in order to alleviate the impacts of frequent flooding, the roadway will be elevated 22 feet above sea level and connect to the existing L-A one bridge.

The state reports the third straight day of double digit addition of COVID-19 hospitalizations, bringing the total to 588, up by 20. Total cases: 47,706… up by 534, but the Department of Health says 148 of those come from a testing backlog dating back to mid-April. There are 24 new deaths reported today, more than the last three days combined. Total death toll is at 2,930. Ventilator usage is at 77, up by one.

Monday’s decision by the Supreme Court that LGBTQ people deserve equal treatment in the workplace is being celebrated by some while being a disappointing development to others. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

LSU has announced that Drew Dollar of West Monroe will not enroll in the fall. Dollar has been a source of controversy, because of a video of him on social media screaming a racial slur. LSU Black Male Leadership Initiative applauds the university’s decision.

Louisiana will receive a 135-million dollar federal grant that will elevate an eight-mile stretch of Highway One in Lafourche Parish that regularly floods. The state highway connects the rest of the nation with a critical national oil and gas hub, Port Fourchon. Congressman Garret Graves on when construction could begin…
cut 13 (11) “…quarter of 2021”

Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed a measure that would have created an incentive program for businesses to add employees. Edwards says it could lead to a substantial cost to the state, but the bill’s author Covington Representative Mark Wright disagrees on the cost of the legislation…
cut 4 (11) “..to it”
The legislation received overwhelming support in the legislature and it could be brought up again in a potential veto session.

Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed a bill that would have provided companies impacted by COVID-19 a rebate for hiring or rehiring employees. Covington Representative Mark Wright says businesses would be eligible for the program if they hired at least five people and added 40-thousand dollars in total payroll…
cut 3 (07) “…sticking it out”
But in the governor’s veto letter, Edwards said that the program would create such a large pool of eligible businesses, the potential cost to the state could be substantial.

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center they’ve found a chemical compound that could be an effective drug for treating obesity and related diseases. Pennington Executive Director Doctor John Kirwan says BAM15 infiltrated fat cells in lab mice and produced weight loss without any additional physical exertion
Cut 5 (07) “…leaner.”
Human trials will be needed before the federal government believes its safe to take.

Republicans are trying again to pass a tort reform bill that seeks to lower auto insurance rates by making changes to the state’s legal system. The House approved two bills yesterday. Erath Representative Blake Miguez says the legislation is similar to other states who pay much lower premiums.
Cut 16 (09) rates”
Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed similar legislation last week because he says there’s no guarantee that these legal changes will lead to lower rates. During Monday’s House Debate, Amite Representative Robby Carter tore into the bill over how it would impact the funding of court systems and it would hurt a person’s ability to receive adequate compensation if involved in a car wreck
Cut 17 (08) “…beginning”
The bill heads to the Senate.

A tort reform bill aimed at lowering auto insurance rates has cleared the Louisiana House. Matt Doyle reports lawmakers are still trying to pass the legislation, even though the governor vetoed a similar bill because it does not mandate a rate decrease.…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Governor Edwards has signed into law a bill that creates a 300-million dollar small business grant program. The money is part of the one-point-eight billion dollars the state has received from the federal government in coronavirus relief assistance.

Governor Edwards supports the U-S Supreme Court’s ruling that extends workplace protections to gays, lesbians, and transgender individuals. But Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says he’s concerned it could result in an increase in lawsuits between workers and their employers…
cut 8 (11) “…lititgation rich field”
Edwards says the supreme court’s ruling proves he was on the right side of history when he issued a non-discrimination executive order in 2016.

Researchers at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center say their studies show that a chemical compound known as BAM 15 prevented weight gain, fat buildup and reduces blood sugar in mice. Pennington Executive Director Dr. John Kirwan says if human trials are successful, BAM 15 could be taken as a supplement to treat obesity…
cut 6 (09) “…diet”

The Louisiana House has approved tort reform legislation that aims to lower auto insurance rates. Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed similar legislation saying it does not mandate lower rates for drivers. But Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo says this new bill requires insurance companies to meet with the Insurance Commissioner to see how much money this legislation has saved them…
Cut 14 (04) “…accordingly.”
The bill passed with a veto-proof margin, 73 yeas to 25 nays.

The U-S Department of Transportation is providing a 135-million dollar grant to elevate an eight-mile stretch of LA 1 in Lafourche Parish. Congressman Garret Graves says L-A one is impassable too often because of flooding and that cuts off access to Port Fourchon…
cut 12 (12) “…extended period”

The US Supreme Court has delivered a landmark ruling that says a civil rights law from the 1960s also prohibits discrimination in the workplace against gays, lesbians and transgender people. But Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says it may also result in unknown ramifications.
Cut 7 (11) “…releasing an employee.”
Governor Edwards says the Supreme Court ruling confirms that prejudice and discrimination on any basis are not Louisiana values.

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center says a chemical compound called BAM15 has shown in lab studies with mice that it could be a potential treatment for obesity. Pennington Executive Director Dr. John Kirwan says the results have been impressive.
Cut 4 (07) “potential.”
Kirwan says mice given BAM 15 burned more calories than their untreated counterparts. Human trials are the next step in their research.

Louisiana reported five new coronavirus deaths yesterday bringing the state’s death toll to 2,906. The five fatalities are the lowest one-day total for the state since March. But we are starting to see an uptick in hospitalizations as 12 more people were hospitalized with COVID-19.

A new fat-burning substance is discovered in the labs at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Republicans are trying again to pass a tort reform bill that seeks to lower auto insurance rates by making changes to the state’s legal system. The House approved two bills yesterday. Erath Representative Blake Miguez says the legislation is similar to other states who pay much lower premiums.
Cut 16 (09) rates”
Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed similar legislation last week because he says there’s no guarantee that these legal changes will lead to lower rates.

The governor is applauding a ruling from the U-S Supreme Court that provides workplace protections for gay and transgender individuals. Louisiana Democratic Party executive director Stephen Handwerk says LGBT employees can now go to work and know they can’t be fired because of sexual orientation or gender identity…
cut 9 (05) “….their head”