Glad handing and hugs are likely on their way out at the Capitol this session as the threat of coronavirus has lawmakers reassessing the way they interact with each other and the public. Many lawmakers were business as usual before Monday’s news of the state’s first case broke. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis says he shook a lot of hands earlier in the morning…
Cut 7 (04) “…elbows.”
Louisiana has tested 17* patients so far, with one of them, a Jefferson Parish resident, coming back presumptively positive.
Six people have been arrested in a human trafficking sting executed by north Louisiana law enforcement.  The arrests took place at an area hotel. Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Bill Davis says further charges are possible and the investigation will continue.
Cut 5 (11)  “…to anybody else.”
Three of those arrested were also hit with drug charges.
A woman is dead and her boyfriend has been arrested in Iberia Parish. Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Col. Wendell Raborn says deputies were dispatched to the scene in reference to a possible homicide just before 10 PM Saturday night.

Cut 9 (12) “…the victim deceased.″

The manner of death has not been released and the victim has only been identified as a 38-year-old white female. The suspect has been identified as 59-year-old Luis D. Valdez.

Washington Parish Sheriff’s deputies make an arrest in the shooting death of 17-year-old Ja’Quarius Taylor.  Taylor was shot in the head three times in January and was found in a wooded area near the town of Angie.  Chief Deputy Mike Haley says the suspect has been identified as the victim’s cousin, 20-year-old Jo’Andre Dawson.

Cut 11 (06) “…set at $800,000.”

Haley says they are uncertain of the exact motive that led to the killing.

A human trafficking bust in Bossier Parish Friday night leads to six arrests, and a number of drug seizures. Three of those arrested were also hit with drug charges.  Authorities recovered marijuana, meth, ecstasy, a firearm, and a vehicle.  Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Bill Davis says over the years the area has seen various arrests linked to prostitution, but the human trafficking factor takes the arrests to the next level.

Cut 4 (09)_ “…not a victimless crime.”

Seventeen people have now been tested for COVID-19 in Louisiana with one presumptive case being a resident in Jefferson Parish. Those coronavirus fears have many lawmakers at the Capitol avoiding the customary hugs and glad-handing, but Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says not everyone is afraid of a handshake.

Cut 8 (09) “…over there”

Typically drivers start seeing increases at the pump this time of year, but that isn’t the case in 2020. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

Louisiana has its first presumptive case of coronavirus and an email to VA employees indicates the patient has been hospitalized at the VA Medical Center in New Orleans since Friday. Governor John Bel Edwards says now is not the time to panic, instead, get prepared.
Cut 7 (09) “…them to do.”
The state health department has asked people who came in contact with the patient to self-isolate for 14 days.

Fears over the Coronavirus are limiting travel and gas prices are falling as demand declines. GasBuddy-dot-com petroleum analyst Allison Mac says the statewide average is $2.07 for a gallon of regular gasoline and falling…
cut 6 (11) “….the state average”

At the state capitol, it’s the first day of committee hearings as the 2020 regular session is underway. Governor John Bel Edwards is once again supporting legislation to raise the minimum wage…
cut 11 (12) “….in July”
National Federation of Independent Business state director Dawn Starns says it’s disappointing to hear Governor Edwards double down on pressing forward with minimum wage increases. Starns says the Governor’s attempt to fulfill a campaign promise will only result in lost jobs.
Cut 12 (07) “…next ten years.”

Authorities say an 18-year-old Pineville High School student has died in a fatal crash that happened in Avoyelles Parish on Sunday. Corry Barbay was pronounced dead at the scene.

A Jefferson Parish resident is the state’s first coronavirus case and that individual is now hospitalized at a V-A medical center in New Orleans. So far the state has tested 15 individuals and there’s only been one presumptive case. Office of Public Health Assistant Secretary Doctor Alex Billioux says testing has been limited so far, but commercial labs are getting ready to test many more…
cut 9 (05) “…do this testing”
Health officials are asking anyone who feels sick to stay at home and call their healthcare provider.

Louisiana drivers are seeing savings at the pump as demand for gasoline drops. GasBuddy.com petroleum analyst Allison Mac says usually at this time of the year, gas prices rise as refineries transition to a summer grade fuel of gasoline…
Cut 4 (09)_ “…well into March.”
Mac says the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $2.07, but they expect it will fall below two-dollars.

Governor John Bel Edwards laid out his agenda to lawmakers on the opening day of the legislative session. Brooke Thorington has the story…
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A major focus of every session is to pass a budget. But the Revenue Estimating Conference has yet to agree on an income forecast, so it’s unclear how much money the state has to spend. Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson…
cut 15 (12) “…yet”
The R-E-C is expected to meet again in early April.

Now that the state has its first presumptive coronavirus case a veteran from Jefferson Parish, state public officials are trying to determine who has been in close contact with the patient. Office of Public Health Assistant Secretary Doctor Alex Billioux says those individuals will have to be quarantined…
cut 8 (09) “….know that information”
Health officials say the coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, for older adults with existing health problems, it can result a more severe illness.

Meanwhile, at the state capitol, it’s the first day of committee hearings as the 2020 regular session is underway. Governor John Bel Edwards is once again supporting legislation to raise the minimum wage…
cut 11 (12) “….in July”
But Edwards’ minimum wage proposal faces long odds in the Republican-led Legislature.

Gas prices are usually on the rise in March, but that’s not the case this year. Kevin Barnhart has more…
voicer 1 (31) “…Kevin Barnhart”

Oil prices are showing signs of rebounding after yesterday’s biggest one day drop since 1991. The price of oil impacts state revenues something lawmakers will monitor during the session. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis…
cut 14 (09) “….of that”

Louisiana has its first presumptive case of coronavirus and an email to VA employees indicates the patient has been hospitalized at the VA Medical Center in New Orleans since Friday. Governor John Bel Edwards says now is not the time to panic, instead, get prepared.
Cut 7 (09) “…them to do.”
The state health department has asked people who came in contact with the patient to self-isolate for 14 days.

Meanwhile, gas prices are dropping and Gas Buddy-dot-com petroleum analyst Allison Mac says the price drop can be directly attributed to coronavirus fears…
cut 5 (11) “…out to eat”
Louisiana’s average regular gasoline price is $2.07.

Governor John Bel Edwards tells legislators on the opening day of the session that it’s unacceptable for Louisiana to continue to have the largest gender pay gap in the country. Edwards is asking lawmakers to pass a pay transparency bill that would prevent anyone from losing their job for discussing their salaries
Cut 10 (08) “…more equity.”
Edwards is also urging lawmakers to set the state minimum wage at ten-dollars an hour.

National Federation of Independent Business state director Dawn Starns says it’s disappointing to hear Governor Edwards double down on pressing forward with minimum wage increases and equal pay legislation. Starns says the Governor’s attempt to fulfill a campaign promise will only result in lost jobs.
Cut 12 (07) “…next ten years.”
Edwards’ minimum wage proposal faces long odds in the Republican-led Legislature.

Louisiana reports its first presumptive case of coronavirus, a Jefferson Parish resident currently at the VA Medical Center in New Orleans….
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Oil prices had its biggest one-day fall since 1991 yesterday, which is not good news for the state’s finances. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says the only good news is that Louisiana has diversified its revenue streams…
cut 16 (09) “…the budget”

On the opening day of the legislative session, Governor John Bel Edwards called early childhood education his number one priority for his second term, proposing an additional 25-million dollars for pre-K programs. Edwards also continued his call to raise the minimum wage and urged legislators to pass a pay transparency bill that he says will help close the gender pay gap. National Federation of Independent Business state director Dawn Starns opposes both measures…
cut 13 (12) “….for our state”
The regular legislative session ends June 1st.

We’re officially in session as lawmakers begin three months in Baton Rouge amidst growing uncertainty over collapsing oil prices and the state’s first presumptive case of COVID-19.

The Governor’s budget calls for a combined 64 million in new spending for early childhood education, and K-12. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis says the oil collapse could impact those priorities…

Cut 14 (09) “…of that.” (Cut down)

Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson is concerned the uncertainty could result in the legislature having to wait longer than usual for a consensus from the Revenue Estimating Conference.

Cut 15 (12) “…yet.” (Cut down)

Without that they can’t craft a final budget.

Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says it’s not good news, but…

Cut 16  (09)  the budget”  (Cut down)

COVID fears, tort reform, and oil prices may be dominating the conversation but Governor Edwards says he’s not going to be deterred from pursuing his goal of raising the minimum wage, and ending pay secrecy, which the governor says will close the state’s highest in the nation gender pay gap.

Edwards is upping the ante this year, backing a larger increase in the state’s 7.25 an hour minimum than he did in his first term.

Cut 11 (12) “…in July.”

National Federation of Independent Business state director Dawn Starns says it’s disappointing and frustrating to hear Governor Edwards double down on pressing forward with minimum wage increases and equal pay legislation.  Starns says the Governor’s attempt to fulfill a campaign promise will only result in lost jobs.

Cut 12 (07) “…next ten years.”

The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed the state’s first presumptive positive case of the COVID-19, commonly referred to as the coronavirus. The patient is a Jefferson Parish resident who is hospitalized in Orleans Parish. Governor Edwards reaffirmed that his office will announce all confirmed cases and that the state is being as proactive as possible to contain the virus.

Cut 14 (12) “…the spread.”

The governor’s office says 15 tests have been completed in Louisiana. State immunization director Dr. FrankWelch says anyone who experiences symptoms should call their doctor to see if they fit the profile for someone in need of testing. Welch says the first thing doctors will test for is the flu since the symptoms are so similar.

Cut 7 (13) “…at the soonest.”

While awaiting testing results to come back, it is recommended that someone isolates themselves for that couple of days.

Oil prices have tumbled and the price for a barrel of oil is now in the 30s. Smith says a big part of the collapse is news that Russia and OPEC will both ramp up oil production in an apparent price war, suppressing global prices. Reports indicate the price war is partly an attack on American shale companies. Associate Director of the Tulane Energy Institute Dr. EricSmith says it’s likely it’s many of them will consolidate with larger companies, or just go out of business.

Cut 5 (11)  “majors”.

Smith adds it won’t harm all Louisiana drilling, as liquid natural gas exists in a separate market.

Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham’s Chief of Staff, Luke Letlow, formally announces he’s entering the race to replace his boss who’s not seeking reelection for the 5^th Congressional District. Letlow, was immediately endorsed by Abraham and If elected Letlow says he would seek a committee seat on the House Agriculture Committee.

Cut 11 (10) “…those committees.”