Lawmakers will enter a special session after the regular session ends June 1^st with 41 items on the menu for consideration. The budget highlights what will potentially be a busy month, but many of the proposals listed in the call are tax reforms, eliminations, or suspensions for businesses who’ve been hammered by the COVID shutdown.

Senate GOP Caucus Chairwoman Sharon Hewitt of Slidell says one big topic of conversation will be the potential elimination or suspension of the state’s corporate franchise tax.

Cut 13 (09) “…some time” 

The franchise tax is levied against a business’s total net worth and would cost the state an estimated 10 million dollars in lost revenue.

Hewitt adds the special session will also offer an added benefit for Republican lawmakers should Governor Edwards reject any key legislation from the regular session…

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That may be a possibility due to disagreements between Governor Edwards and the GOP on tort reform aimed at lowering auto insurance rates.

And with the regular session still in progress the Senate is set to debate a bill that would expand concealed handgun access in churches. Thibodaux Representative Bryan Fontenot’s  legislation passed the House on a 72-24 vote

Cut 4 (10)_ “pastor.”

Louisiana law currently allows a concealed handgun in a house of worship, but the congregation must agree on who is allowed to carry concealed weapons.

Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley voted for the bill but raised concern that the legislation removes from existing law a requirement for an additional eight hours of tactical training

Cut 5 (12)  “scares me”

Memorial Day will be a bit different this year due to the COVID-19…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The state economy is being battered by COVID-19 and Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says the pandemic is further proof that rural residents need access to better internet or just some internet at all.

Cut 10 (09) “…for our education.”

Louisiana is in line to receive an estimated $600 million from the feds over the next decade to assist in that. 

Legislators call for a special session to begin the moment the regular session ends June 1^st to address 41 items dealing with the budget and other fiscal matters. While the agenda currently only pertains to fiscal items political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it could be used as an opportunity to override a potential gubernatorial veto of items like tort reform aimed at lowering auto insurance rates.

Cut 13 (09) “…will be” 

The final step for fantasy sports legalization, taxation of the business, will also be considered.

With Memorial Day being an unofficial kick-off to summer, many will be grilling today.  A few tips from the pros can make a world of difference in your dining experience.  Cattle Producers of Louisiana CEO Dave Foster says a couple of dollars difference in the cost of meat can make a huge impact.

Cut 6 (09) “…juicy flavorful experience.

Staff at the state’s five veteran’s homes across the state will host private ceremonies this year for Memorial Day due to COVID-19. The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Colonel Joey Strickland says despite the virus the holiday is still too important and must be observed…

Cut 3 (10)  “…be flying”  

Strickland says since the Revolutionary War to present-day more than seven-thousand Louisianans have been killed while serving.

Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says the coronavirus pandemic further highlights the need for broadband internet in rural communities. Plenty of focus has been put onto 5G internet service availability, but Campbell says he’s ready to get internet to rural communities by any means necessary.

Cut 11 (08) “…but we want it.”

What steps do you need to take to ensure the best flavor experience when grilling meat today?  Kevin Barnhart spoke with the pros…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

Louisiana State Police Trooper George Baker, who was struck by a Hammond Police vehicle while pursuing a suspect, has died of his injuries. Baker and other troopers were removing a tire flattening device set up to stop a suspect’s vehicle when he was struck by Hammond Police. Baker was 33-years-old and a 10 year law enforcement and military veteran.

Lawmakers agree a special session will be needed this year due to the compressed regular session schedule resulting from COVID-19. The pandemic has hammered state finances and political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says many legislators are hoping the additional time will give the state more clarity on the budget.

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The special session starts immediately after the regular session ends on June 1^st.

Louisiana held no public memorial day ceremonies today to honor the fallen due to COVID-19 limits on gatherings, but Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Colonel Joey Strickland encourages the public to post photos of veterans that have sacrificed their lives for our country on the LDVA Facebook Page.

Cut 4 (11)_ “all of us.”

Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says the coronavirus pandemic further highlights the need for broadband internet in rural communities.  The PSC does not regulate the internet, but Campbell believes the commission can contribute to streamlining the implementation of internet service.

Cut 9 (10) “…all for it.”

Louisiana is in line to receive an estimated $600 million from the feds over the next decade to assist in that.

Cattle Producers of Louisiana CEO Dave Foster has some advice for those who’ve yet to start grilling today: make sure you build a good rub to avoid a bland experience….

Cut 8 (09) “…choice or better.”

If you haven’t bought your steak yet Foster recommends not settling for quality below choice.

Many people on this Memorial Day will take time to honor service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Colonel Joey Strickland is asking all Louisiana residents to fly an American flag today or visit a nearby veterans cemetery…
cut 5 (09) “….be open”
Strickland says since the Revolutionary War over seven-thousand Louisianans have sacrificed their lives serving our country.

There’s one week left in the regular session, but a special session will begin one minute after the regular session concludes on June 1st. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says passing a budget will be the focus, but legislators will also discuss tax breaks..
cut 14 (10) “…gives them’
The special session could last until June 30th.

The beach in Grand Isle has seen large crowds during this Memorial Day weekend, unfortunately, it’s a tragic weekend for one family. Grand Isle Police Chief Lane Landry says a 17-year-old died and two other family members were taken to the hospital after they were caught in the undertow of the water and struggled to get free.

What steps do you need to take to ensure the best flavor experience when grilling meat today? Kevin Barnhart spoke with a pro…
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The state’s five veteran’s homes are hosting private ceremonies today for Memorial Day due to COVID-19. Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Colonel Joey Strickland says despite the virus the holiday is still too important.
Cut 3 (10) “…be flying”
Strickland encourages those who do visit cemeteries to practice social distancing and at each veterans’ home there will be a Memorial Day event for residents and staff.

Today is also a big day to fire up the grill. Cattle Producers of Louisiana CEO Dave Foster says if you are heading to the grocery store today, remember a couple of dollars difference in the cost can make a huge impact…
cut 6 (09) “….juicy flavorful experience”

There’s one week left in the regular session, but there will be a month-long special session one minute after the regular session concludes a week from today. State lawmakers have set the agenda and the extra time will give legislators a chance to pass a budget and look at tax breaks for businesses. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the special session could also be used as an opportunity to override a potential gubernatorial veto of a tort reform bill aimed at lowering auto insurance rates…
cut 13 (09) “…will be”

Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says Louisiana is set to receive 600-million dollars in federal aid over the next ten years to spread broadband to underserved rural areas. Campbell says rural broadband availability could help with problems made worse by the pandemic.
Cut 10 (09) “…for our education.”

Memorial Day will be a bit different this year due to COVID-19, but the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs will still commemorate veterans.
cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

State Police is mourning the loss of one its troopers. George Baker has died from the injuries he sustained last week during a police chase in Hammond. Baker was hit by a Hammond Police car as he and another trooper were removing a tire-deflating device from the road. Baker was 33-years-old. The suspects in the police chase have been arrested.

Republican legislative leadership has called for the Legislature to begin a special session one minute after the regular session ends June 1st to address 41 items dealing with the budget and other fiscal matters pushed by business lobbyists. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the additional time may give them a clearer picture of the state’s finances.
Cut 12 (09) “…will be.”
The special session could run the entirety of June.

Many people will fire up the grill on this Memorial Day holiday. If you are cooking beef, there are four major grades of young beef, with prime being the top, followed by choice, then select, then standard. Cattle Producers of Louisiana CEO Dave Foster says retailers may use labeling tricks on standard beef.
Cut 7 (10) “…that as well.”

The Legislative season will continue into June as lawmakers take the unusual step of calling, on their own, for a special session to begin immediately after the regular session ends June 1^st.

Lawmakers laid out 41 items they plan to tackle during the period, nearly all dealing with the budget and other fiscal matters.

Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the COVID-19 shutdown and oil price collapse created serious uncertainty about the state’s finances for the next fiscal year starting July 1^st. Pinsonat says the additional time may give them a clearer picture of just how bad the hit to state revenue will be.

Cut 12 (06) “…that’s a risk.”

Lawmakers must pass a balanced budget by July 1^st.

While the agenda currently only pertains to fiscal items Pinsonat says it could be used as an opportunity to override a potential gubernatorial veto of items like tort reform aimed at lowering auto insurance rates, assuming that legislation can pass the House.

Cut 13 (09) “…will be” 

Fantasy sports taxation and fees for higher education will also be considered.

The House also passes several controversial gun rights bills, one of them allowing concealed carry in a house of worship without the congregation’s permission.

The House passed an amendment onto the state budget banning funding for any contact tracing that mandates citizen participation, but Governor Edwards says concern over contact tracing is unfounded. He told lawmakers the program will not be mandatory, and it is not like Louisiana hasn’t done contact tracing programs before…

Cut 16 (11) “…long time.”

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser is encouraging Louisiana residents to explore their state over the holiday weekend. Nungesser says the state is actively working now at luring tourists for the when it is safe for them to return as last year, they left behind $1.9 billion in tax revenue.

Cut 5 (10)  “…tax base back.”

Louisiana’s state parks have canceled all out of state bookings through phase one and will be relying on locals to fill in some of the lost revenue.

If you’re planning on traveling just know the statewide average for a gallon of gas sits at 1.63 heading into Memorial Day weekend. Despite the low price Fuel Analyst Don Redman does not expect the roads to be packed as the list of travel destinations is limited right now.

Cut 6 (11) “ …can go.”

If you are driving into Texas or Mississippi the average for a gallon there is actually a few cents lower, while those headed to Florida will be greeted by prices at 1.87 a gallon.

The Crisis Counseling Text Line is now active in Louisiana for residents who need help coping with the mental stress of the pandemic. GOHSEP Preparedness Section Chief Rubby Douglas says all you have to do is text reach out in all caps, one word to 741-741 to get help 24 hours a day.

Cut 9 (12) “…19.”

The money to run the text line comes from the feds.

The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 is down to 867. Governor John Bel Edwards says the hospitalization rate for this disease is at its lowest level since the end of March. Edwards says the state has also been supplied with thousands of viles of Remdesivir, a drug known to reduce the hospital stay of COVID-19 patients

Cut 15 (11)“  an allocation”