House Republican lawmakers grilled state health officials about the growing Medicaid budget and whether the state is doing enough to prevent waste or misspending. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds is concerned the health department’s budget is set to grow by another billion dollars
Cut 3 (12) “…L-D-H.”
It was revealed during the hearing that 16-hundred people making at least 100-thousand dollars a year were covered by Medicaid.
After failing for five months on recognizing additional revenues, the Revenue Estimating Conference adopted an income forecast that will give lawmakers an additional 110-million dollars in this year’s budget to spend and another 119-million dollars in next year’s budget. House Speaker Taylor Barras “Yes” vote broke the gridlock
Cut 7 (11) “…budget work.”
_____________________________________________
An Opelousas man is arrested following the stabbing death of his mother. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”
Democrat Charlie Greer of Natchitoches Parish is running for Agriculture Commissioner against incumbent Mike Strain, slamming his opponet for repeated delays in the release of medical marijuana. Greer says the delays have been unacceptable.
Cut 15 (09) “…put that”
Strain denies impeding medical cannabis progress.

After failing for five months on recognizing additional revenues, the Revenue Estimating Conference adopted an income forecast. The extra revenue recognized can help the state pay for raises for teachers and the governor also wants to put more money towards colleges and public safety programs. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne is glad the stalemate over revenue projections is over with

Cut 9 (11) “…is gonna be”

An Opelousas man is in jail suspected of stabbing his mother to death.  Detectives arrested 28 year old Cody James Arceneaux on Monday after receiving 911 calls from a witness inside the home and from the suspect.  Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodeaux says by the time deputies arrived, they found the suspect curled up on the floor holding his hands in a bloody towel, but were too late to help the victim.

Cut 12 (05) “…we got there.”

The victim has been identified as Vicky Granger.

GOP lawmakers express their concerns to state health officials over audits that show misspent dollars within the Medicaid program. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Democrat Charlie Greer of Natchitoches Parish is running for Agriculture Commissioner against incumbent Mike Strain, touting his 20 year career in the Ag Department, and time in law enforcement.

Greer says if elected, he would push hard for the regulated production of industrial hemp, and hemp adjacent products to revitalize the state’s lagging Ag.

Cut 13 (10) “…in it.”

Greer ran for the office in 2015, finishing with 30 percent of the vote.

House Republican lawmakers grilled state health officials about the growing Medicaid budget and whether the state is doing enough to prevent waste or misspending. It was revealed during the hearing that 16-hundred people making at least 100-thousand dollars a year were covered by Medicaid, which is way above the income threshold.
Health Secretary Rebekah Gee says mistakes will be made with a large government program, but they are trying to control spending and pointed to the recent removal of 30-thousand people from Medicaid, because they made too much money…
Cut 4 (09) “…this program”
The House Appropriations Committee is hearing from every state agency as they put together a spending plan for next fiscal year. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds says they need confidence that money is spent wisely.
Cut 5 (11) “…we have.”
__________________________________
After failing for five months on recognizing additional revenues, the Revenue Estimating Conference adopted an income forecast that will give lawmakers an additional 110-million dollars in this year’s budget to spend and another 119-million dollars in next year’s budget. Governor John Bel Edwards says the action by the R-E-C that Louisiana has an improving economy and budget surpluses.
Cut 8 (10) “…opinion on that.”
House Speaker Taylor Barras “Yes” vote broke the gridlock.
An Opelousas man is in jail suspected of stabbing his mother to death. Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodeaux says Arceneaux claims his mother tried grab the knife to stab him, slicing the suspect in the process. He then regained the kitchen knife and began to attack her.
Cut 11 (10) “…could stab her.”
Detectives arrested 28 year old Cody James Arceneaux on Monday.

After failing for five months on recognizing additional revenues, the Revenue Estimating Conference adopted an income forecast that will give lawmakers an additional 110-million dollars in this year’s budget to spend and another 119-million dollars in next year’s budget. House Speaker Taylor Barras “Yes” vote broke the gridlock

Cut 7 (11) “…budget work.”

An Opelousas man is in jail suspected of stabbing his mother to death.  Detectives arrested 28-year-old Cody James Arceneaux on Monday after receiving 911 calls from a witness inside the home and from the suspect.  Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodeaux says an argument quickly escalated into violence.

Cut 10 (07) “…out of control.”

The victim has been identified as Vicky Granger.

House Republican lawmakers grilled state health officials about the growing Medicaid budget and whether the state is doing enough to prevent waste or misspending. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds is concerned the health department’s budget is set to grow by another billion dollars

Cut 3 (12) “…L-D-H.”

It was revealed during the hearing that 16-hundred people making at least 100-thousand dollars a year were covered by Medicaid, which is way above the income threshold. But Health Secretary Rebekah Gee says an upgraded computer system should make sure ineligible residents are not receiving taxpayer funded health care

Cut 6 (11) “…very well”

Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters has asked lawmakers for an additional 13-million dollars in funding to avoid having to cut the state’s food stamp program. Walters says food stamps are on the chopping block, because she will not cut child welfare services or money that’s needed during disasters…
cut 12 (08) “…a cut”
Walters understands no one is interested in cutting the SNAP program.

It’s University of Louisiana System day at the State Capitol. U-L System President Jim Henderson says this year’s event is certainly more upbeat than last year’s…
Cut 7 (09) “…Louisiana”
The day will feature four events starting at 11, including a McNeese cow roping demonstration at 1145 AM.

Law enforcement officers may soon have to go through additional training for motorcyclist profiling awareness.
Voicer 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

An East Feliciana Parish woman has been arrested after department of corrections officials caught her allegedly dropping off a large package of contraband in the parking lot of Elayn Hunt Correction Center in St. Gabriel. Officials say 25-year-old April Matthews tried to smuggle in marijuana, pain pills, cell phones, tobacco and Air Jordan tennis shoes.

GOP lawmakers are concerned with the growing size of the state’s health budget, which is set to increase to nearly 15-billion dollars next fiscal year. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds had several questions for Health Secretary Rebekah Gee during a House Appropriations Committee meeting…
cut 5 (11) “…we have”

Also in House Appropriations, Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters warned the food stamp program may have to be cut, unless the state agency receives an additional 13-million dollars in funding…
cut 10 (08) “…budget”
The Republican House budget proposal doesn’t include any additional dollars for D-C-F-S.

The latest installment of the Louisiana Survey finds that 88-percent of respondents support a teacher pay raise. Director of LSU’s Public Policy Research Lab, Doctor Michael Henderson, says support for a teacher pay hike remains high, even after respondents were told the average salary for a public school teacher.
cut 6 (08) “….they should be”
Three-fourths of the state residents underestimate average teacher pay in Louisiana and they actually think they earn less than they actually earn.

Many Representative Frank Howard has filed a bill for this legislative session that would require law enforcement officers to undergo training so that they do not discriminate against people on motorcycles. Howard is concerned about motorcycle profiling…
cut 15 (11) “…different organizations”
Howard’s bill has been assigned for a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services says the food stamp program could be cut, if the state agency does not see a 13 million dollar funding increase. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

The arson investigation continues into the three historically black churches that burned in St. Landry’s Parish in past two weeks and now with the assistance from Florida officials.  Seven members from the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office are helping authorities determine the cause and origin of the fires. Louisiana State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says suspicions elements have been found in each case. The FBI, Federal Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives are also participating in the investigation.

The latest installment of the Louisiana Survey shows there is strong support for teacher pay raises among residents, but if Louisianans are asked to foot the bill, support wanes. Director of LSU’s Public Policy Research Center Dr. Mike Henderson says when asked about raising taxes to fund the teacher pay increase, support dropped from 88% to 63% .  The survey asked in general about teacher pay raises then questioned participants with a tax increase.

Cut 5 (07) “…support is lower.”

Lawmakers will hear from students and system leaders today during University of Louisiana System day at the capitol. U-L System President Jim Henderson says he plans to highlight the 8.8 billion dollar impact U-L system grads have on the state’s economy, and the 10.9 billion dollar total economic impact of the nine system schools, along with a new transparency tool that highlights U-L’s cost-effectiveness.

Cut 9 (05) “…operation″

Shocking development on the baseball diamond last night as Southern beat LSU 7-2.

The latest installment from the Louisiana Survey shows residents are firmly behind the teacher pay raises that the governor and other legislators are pushing for in the legislative session.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

John Bel Edwards’ reelection campaign reports the governor has over 10-million dollars in the bank after raising more than 2.5 million dollars in the fundraising quarter that ended April 5^th. Republican challenger Eddie Rispone says he has 10.4 million in cash on hand, while Congressman Ralph Abraham has not released updated campaign numbers.

Today is University of Louisiana System day at the State Capitol, and over a thousand students will attend to call attention to the needs of the 92,000 students studying a system college across the state. U-L System President Jim Henderson says Northwestern and Louisiana Tech are showing record numbers of enrollees, and UNO, which joined the UL system in 2011, is set to have its largest incoming class in a decade…

Cut 8 (08) “…excellence”

A House Bill is bringing attention to law enforcement profiling motorcycle riders.  Many Representative Frank Howard says bikers in various organizations have said it has become an issue.  Howard is sponsoring a bill that would add a 30 minute motorcyclist profiling awareness session to the training academy.

Cut 13 (08) “…over the state.”

Howard says despite the dedication that many motorcyclists have to their community, often they are on the receiving end of profiling from police.

The latest installment of the Louisiana Survey shows there is strong support for teacher pay raises among residents, with 88% backing the pay bump. Giving educators a pay raise is the governor’s top legislative priority. Director of LSU’s Public Policy Research Center Dr. Mike Henderson says the legislature will likely fall in line with public opinion.

Cut 4 (06) “…raising teacher pay.”

Today is University of Louisiana System day at the State Capitol, and over a thousand students will pack the lawn to call attention to the needs of the 92,000 students studying at one of nine system colleges. U-L System President Jim Henderson says this year’s event is certainly more upbeat than last year’s…

Cut 7 (09) “…Louisiana”

The system is comprised of Southeastern, Northwestern, ULM, UL Lafayette, Louisiana Tech, Grambling, McNeese, Nicholls, and UNO.

The Department of Children and Family Services says they need a 13 million dollar funding increase over the current fiscal year to meet their budget needs, or the food stamps program could be shut down.

Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says any cuts would just cost more money, and others, like Child Welfare Services have been trimmed to the bone.

Cut 11 (12) “…one nickle.”

Walters made the statements at a House Appropriations Committee meeting.

The latest installment from the Louisiana Survey shows residents are firmly behind the teacher pay raises that the governor and other legislators are pushing for in the legislative session.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

_______________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services says the food stamp program could be cut, if the state agency does not see a 13 million dollar funding increase. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________________________

Aspiring law enforcement officers may soon have to go through additional training for motorcyclist profiling awareness.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

__________________________________

The latest installment of the Louisiana Survey shows there is strong support for teacher pay raises among residents, with 88% backing the pay bump. Giving educators a pay raise is the governor’s top legislative priority. Director of LSU’s Public Policy Research Center Dr. Mike Henderson says the legislature will likely fall in line with public opinion.

Cut 4 (06) “…raising teacher pay.”

More than 90% of Democrats and Independents support the pay hike, as do 80% of Republicans.

When asked about raising taxes to fund the teacher pay increase, support dropped to 63%.  Henderson says the support changed in the phrasing of the question.

Cut 5 (07) “…support is lower.”

About three-quarters of residents believe teachers are being paid less than they are, thinking the average is around $38,000, where in reality the average is $50,000.  But when the question was asked after being told how much teachers make, Henderson says it had no effect on the response for a raise.

Cut 6 (08) “…they should be.”

Two-thirds of residents have either a good deal or very great deal of confidence in the state’s public school teachers.

___________________________________________________

It’s University of Louisiana System day at the State Capitol, and over a thousand students will pack the lawn to call attention to the needs of the 92,000 students studying at one of nine system colleges. U-L System President Jim Henderson says this year’s event is certainly more upbeat than last year’s…

Cut 7 (09) “…Louisiana”

The system is comprised of Southeastern, Northwestern, ULM, UL Lafayette, Louisiana Tech, Grambling, McNeese, Nicholls, and UNO.

Henderson says Northwestern and Louisiana Tech are showing record numbers of enrollees, and Henderson says UNO, which joined the UL system in 2011, is set to have it’s largest incoming class in a decade…

Cut 8 (08) “…excellence”

The system President says he plans to highlight the 8.8 billion dollar impact UL system grads have on the state’s economy, and the 10.9 billion dollar total economic impact of the nine system schools, along with a new transparency tool that highlights UL’s cost-effectiveness.

Cut 9 (05) “…operation″

The day will feature four events starting at 11AM, including a McNeese cow roping demonstration at 1145 AM.

__________________________

The Department of Children and Family Services says they need a 13 million dollar funding increase over the current fiscal year to meet their budget needs, or the food stamps program could be shut down.

Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says the department is seeing increased expenses and the only program that could absorb millions in reductions is SNAP.

Cut 10 (08) “…budget”

The House budget being worked on currently does not include any funding increase for DCFS.

SNAP is not the only program under DCFS, but Walters says most of them draw federal matching funds, so any cuts would just cost more money, and others, like Child Welfare Services have been trimmed to the bone.

Cut 11 (12) “…one nickle.”

Walters acknowledged that DCFS does have a few million that has yet to specifically be dedicated, but that’s being set aside as disaster relief money, and cutting disaster relief in the summer is asking for trouble during hurricane season.

Cut 12 (08) “…a cut″

Walters made the statements at a House Appropriations Committee meeting.

________________________

Legislation in the House is bringing attention to law enforcement profiling of motorcycle riders.  Many Representative Frank Howard says bikers in various organizations have said it has become an issue.  Howard is sponsoring a bill that would add a 30 minute motorcyclist profiling awareness session to the training academy.

Cut 13 (08) “…over the state.”

Howard says despite the dedication that many motorcyclists have to their community, often they are on the receiving end of profiling from police.

Cut 14 (08) “…a lot of things.”

Some law enforcement agencies in the state already have profiling awareness as part of their training.  Howard says he doesn’t believe asking for the extra time in training is asking all that much, but says he could foresee some opposition.

Cut 15 (11) “…different organizations.”

__________________________________________

The Pelicans season is now over and for the first off season since 2012 the team is not planning on how to build a winner around All-Star forward Anthony Davis, who demanded a trade earlier in the season. Since that trade demand, the Pelicans fired their general manager, so Locked on Pelicans host Jake Madison says the team’s first move will be finding a replacement with a vision for the future.

Cut 16  (13) “….future” 

After they nab their new GM, he’ll be tasked with navigating what will likely be the biggest blockbuster NBA trade of the decade. The Boston Celtics, and their cadre of young talents like Jason Tatum and Jaylen Brown appear to be Brow front runners, but Madison says don’t rule out two other contenders…

 cut 17 (20)   “..this year” 

Cut 18 (17)   streak”