The regular session is expected to end today, with a special session set for next week. Matt Doyle looks at some of the legislative accomplishments of the spring.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The on-line restaurant delivery service waitr, which is based in Lake Charles, has been sold to a Texas billionaire  Tilman Fertitta in a deal worth 308 million dollars. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 2 (28)I’m Jim Shannon “

Cut 3 (10) “other issues”

Bridgers was booked on one count of residential contractor fraud and released on a 10-thousand dollar bond. According to the arrest report, Bridgers agreed to repair a home in East Baton Rouge Parish in October 2016 for 47-thousand dollars, but never finished the work. House says this is a miscommunication, not fraud

Cut 4 (11) “the issue”

Bridgers was invited to Washington D.C. for President Donald Trump’s first State of the Union Address. House says the dispute with the homeowner got out of hand.

Cut 5  (08) “refused it”

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The regular session is expected to end today with a special session set for Tuesday. One notable piece of legislation to pass, is a bill that allows riverboats to expand on land. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonant says the chances of any further gaming legislation making headway next year, such as sports betting, is slim.

Cut 6 (09)  “the plauge”

The “Hail Mary” of the session, New Orleans Senator JP Morrell’s unanimous juries constitutional amendment, found surprising success and is on its way to the November ballot. The measure would require a unanimous jury verdict in criminal trials. Pinsonat says it’s success will hinge on who shows up to the ballot box in fall.

Cut 7 (08)  “it would fail”

Wage related bills, such as equal pay for women, pay secrecy, and a minimum wage hike all failed to pass the legislature. Pinsonat says proponents will have to wait a few years before having a realistic shot at passing these bills.

cut 8 (11)   “may pass”     

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The on-line restaurant delivery service Waitr, which is based in Lake Charles, has been sold to a Texas Billionaire, Tilman Fertitta, in a deal worth 308 million dollars. Waitr was founded in 2015 and has grown to 30 metro areas from Texas to South Carolina. Chris Meaux the company’s founder will continue as chairman of the board of directors.

Cut 9 (08) “our business.”

Meaux says the added infusion of cash will help the company grow.

Cut 10 (07) “in louisiana”

Last year an investment group lead by Saints QB Drew Brees pumped 10 million into the company. This buy out will, according to Meaux will also make the company prosper.

Cut 11 (11) “accurately”

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Latest job numbers show that more Louisiana residents are employed than ever before. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, just over two-million people were employed last month, an increase of 47-thousand from the previous April.  Executive Director of the Louisiana Workforce Commission, Ava Dejoie, says certain sectors of Louisiana’s economy continue to do well

Cut 12 (05)   “as well”

The state’s unemployment rate fell nearly one-percent from April of 2017 to April 2018. Dejoie says education and health services added  78-hundred jobs for the year, while leisure and hospitality gained 67-hundred jobs..

Cut 13 (08) “economic development”

Dejoie says the leisure and hospitality industry, along with technology and construction helped New Orleans gain 29-hundred jobs in the past month. Houma’s job numbers remained steady over the last month, but she says there’s been a 500-percent job gain in that market over the year…

Cut 14 (11)  “energy sector”

The founder of the Cajun Navy 2016, Jon Bridgers of Walker, has been arrested on contractor fraud accusations. His lawyer Philip House says Bridgers insists it’s a contractual dispute involving rebuilding following the August flood of 2016. House says the dispute with the homeowner got out of hand.

Cut 5  (12) “refused it”

The regular session is expected to end today with a special session set for Tuesday. The “Hail Mary” of the session, New Orleans Senator JP Morrell’s unanimous juries constitutional amendment, found surprising success and is on its way to the November ballot. The measure would require a unanimous jury verdict in criminal trials. Political Analyst Pinsonat says its success will hinge on who shows up to the ballot box in fall.

Cut 7 (08)  “it would fail”

The on-line restaurant delivery service waitr, which is based in Lake Charles, has been sold to a Texas billionaire Tilman Fertitta in a deal worth 308 million dollars. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 2 (28)I’m Jim Shannon “

Two St. Martinville High students and one parent were killed, and another student is in critical condition in a car crash this morning. The incident occurred on Hwy 96. The highway was shut down for a period and reopened at 10am. The incident is still under investigation and no official press release has been sent out by Louisiana State Police.

Lake Charles-based Waiter believes their online restaurant delivery service will only get better as a result of the 308-million dollar acquisition by Texas billionaire Tilman Fertitta. Chris Meaux is the company’s founder and will continue as chairman of the board of directors…
cut 10 (07) “…in Lousiaina”
Waitr is available in 30 metro areas from Texas to South Carolina. They also have offices in Lafayette and Baton Rouge. The company expects will continue to grow its footprint.

The 2018 regular session is expected to come to a close today. Once again equal pay legislation and an effort to raise the minimum wage from $7.25 an hour failed to pass. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says proponents will have to wait a few years, before having a realistic shot at passing these bills…
cut 8 (11) “…these may pass”

The legislature has sent a budget for next fiscal year to the governor’s desk, but it remains to be seen if John Bel Edwards will sign it, because it contiains deep cuts in higher education, child welfare and funding for TOPS is reduced by 70-percent. Edwards has called for a special session to begin Tuesday, so legislators can pass revenue measures to fill the budget gaps. House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry says he’s open to passing revenue proposals, and they’ll get to hear from voters this weekend….
cut 30 (12) “…some revenue”

If you are traveling east on Interstate 10 this weekend and crossing the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge, be prepared for some roadwork. The Department of Transportation will close the eastbound inside lane at seven o’clock tonight until noon on Sunday. The westbound inside lane will also be closed for about 12 hours starting tonight at 9:30. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says they are trying to get the word out for the thousands travelers who will use the bridge this weekend.

Cut 6 (08) “lit up”

A new jet airplane  interior modification plant is coming to Chennault International Airport in Lake Charles. Citadel Completions announced the company will make a nearly 180-million dollar investment in a plant that will customize Jet airplanes of any size. Don Pierson is the Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development. The average salary will be around 80 thousand dollars a year. Citadel is already hiring as they plan to employ 250 workers.

Cut 9 (09)  “resume there”

The governor has called for a special session next week to replace expiring sales tax revenues at the heart of the budget struggle. Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry says Republicans are potentially open to revenue proposals, but they’re back from the voters over the weekend.

Cut 12 (12) “some revenue”

The Louisiana Department of Child and Family Services kicked off a new Foster Parent Recruitment Campaign as part of Foster Care Month, an annual push to increase awareness of the importance of the foster care system. Child Welfare Manager Christy Tate says the campaign is built around a message of teamwork. Tate says foster parents aren’t just crucial to DCFS and the children in the system, but to parents who are trying to get back on their feet and reunite with their family.

Cut 15 (09) “temporarily”

Those interested in volunteering can visit DCFC’s website for more information on foster care opportunities.

All eyes are on the governor to see whether or not he signs a budget backed by the legislature that enforces deep cuts on education. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The Louisiana Department of Child and Family Services kicked off a new Foster Parent Recruitment Campaign as part of Foster Care Month, an annual push to increase awareness of the importance of the foster care system. Child Welfare Manager Christy Tate says the campaign is built around a message of teamwork.

Cut 13 (08)  “team approach” 

If you are traveling east on Interstate 10 this weekend and crossing the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge, be prepared for some roadwork. The Department of Transportation will close the eastbound inside lane at seven o’clock tonight until noon on Sunday. The westbound inside lane will also be closed for about 12 hours starting tonight at 9:30. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says

The 50 year old plus bridge is in dire need of replacing some on-ramp concrete.

Cut 5  (12)  “incident”

A new jet airplane  interior modification plant is coming to Chennault International Airport in Lake Charles. Citadel Completions announced the company will make a nearly 180-million dollar investment in a plant that will customize Jet airplanes of any size. Don Pierson is the Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development. He says In addition to Jet interior modifications Citadel will provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul services.

Cut 8 (10)  “big aircraft”

A new jet airplane interior modification plant is coming to Chennault International Airport in Lake Charles. Jeff Palermo reports it means another 250 direct jobs for the area.

Cut 2 (27) I’m Jeff Palermo”

If you are traveling east on Interstate 10 this weekend and crossing the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge, be prepared for some roadwork. The Department of Transportation will close the eastbound inside lane at seven o’clock tonight until noon on Sunday. The westbound inside lane will also be closed for about 12 hours starting tonight at 9:30. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett

Cut 4  (10) “River Bridge” 

The Legislature passed a budget that fully funds the Department of Health, but reduces nine state agencies budgets by 24 percent, slashes higher ed spending, and cuts TOPS to 70 percent coverage. The jury is still out on whether the governor will veto the plan, but if he approves the plan, but if he authorizes it House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry says it won’t be “imaginary”.

Democrats have raged against the budget, calling it immoral, and calling on lawmakers to reject any budget until a special session arrives that can plug a 648 million dollar shortfall. But Henry says the state has to work with the money it has available, and prioritize.

Cut 11 (08) “priority”

The Louisiana Department of Child and Family Services kicked off a new Foster Parent Recruitment Campaign as part of Foster Care Month, an annual push to increase awareness of the importance of the foster care system.

The Department of Transportation is warning motorists heading east on Interstate 10 this weekend, a lane will be closed on the Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge.  Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo “

A new jet airplane  interior modification plant is coming to Chennault International Airport in Lake Charles. Citadel Completions announced the company will make a nearly 180-million dollar investment in a plant that will customize Jet airplanes of any size. Don Pierson is the Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development.

Cut 7 (09)  “related jobs”

The Legislature passed a budget that fully funds the Department of Health, but reduces nine state agencies budgets by 24 percent, slashes higher ed spending, and cuts TOPS to 70 percent coverage. The jury is still out on whether the governor will veto the plan, but if he approves the plan, but if he authorizes it House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry says it won’t be “imaginary”.

Cut 10 (11) “is law”

The Louisiana Department of Child and Family Services kicked off a new Foster Parent Recruitment Campaign as part of Foster Care Month, an annual push to increase awareness of the importance of the foster care system. Child Welfare Manager Christy Tate says the campaign is built around a message of teamwork.

Cut 13 (08)  “team approach” 

Pig guts

The House approved Senate changes to the budget, that fully funds healthcare, but slashes higher ed, funding for state agencies, and cuts TOPS by 30 percent. the Democratic Caucus opposed the passage of the budget, calling the cuts included immoral. They argued the legislature should wait until the special session, where revenue could be raised to fill the 648 million dollar budget gap.  Caucus Chairman Robert Johnson:

Cut 15 (11) “disengenuous”

It’s been a record breaking week of intense heat, but State Climatologist Barry Keim says this unusual weather phenomenon is not an indicator that the summer will be abnormally hot.

Cut 13 (10) “play out”

A cool front moving into the area today should start pushing temperatures down today and into the weekend.

Three anti-hazing bills are on their way to the governor’s desk following last fall’s death of LSU freshman Max Gruver. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon”

Riverboat casinos were thrown a lifeline this week as legislation was passed that would allow the water based facilities to expand onto land. That has Boyd Gaming CEO Keith Smith, who owns Treasure Chest, Sam’s Town, and Amelia Belle, pretty excited. He says this could lead more investment in Louisiana facilities.

Cut 3 (06) “we’re optimistic”

Riverboat casinos were thrown a lifeline this week as legislation was passed that would allow the water based facilities to expand onto land. That has Boyd Gaming CEO Keith Smith, who owns Treasure Chest, Sam’s Town, and Amelia Belle, pretty excited. He says this could lead more investment in Louisiana facilities.

Cut 3 (06) “we’re optimistic”

Governor John Bel Edwards addressed the recent US Supreme Court decision to allow sports betting outside of Nevada on his monthly talk radio show. 32 states have legislation in place to allow the activities, including Mississippi, but Louisiana shot down similar legislation this session. Edwards didn’t oppose the idea. But don’t expect to see Senator Danny Martiny’s parish by parish legalization legislation to pop up again during the special session that starts next week.

Cut 6 (09)  “July 1st”

Three anti-hazing bills are on their way to the governor’s desk following last fall’s death of LSU freshman Max Gruver. The house voted 88 to 1 in favor of final passage of house bill 78 otherwise known as the Max Gruver Act. East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore testified in favor of the measure to give the current laws more teeth.

cut 8 (10) “hazing violations”

Moore says a companion bill to force mandatory education for university fraternities and sororities should help  stop dangerous hazing.

The House approved Senate changes to the budget, that fully funds healthcare, but slashes higher ed, funding for state agencies, and cuts TOPS by 30 percent. The spending plan is now on its way to the Governor who has expressed opposition to the cuts. Metairie Representative Cameron Henry says the budget will identify what programs need to be funded with special session revenue.

Cut 14 (11)  “family services”

Its been a record breaking week of unusual heat, but forecasts project a cooler weekend. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”

Riverboat casinos were thrown a lifeline this week as legislation was passed that would allow the water based facilities to expand onto land. That has Boyd Gaming CEO Keith Smith, who owns Treasure Chest, Sam’s Town, and Amelia Belle, pretty excited. He says this could lead more investment in Louisiana facilities. He says one casino in particular is looking very promising now that it’s allowed to expand on land.

Cut 4 (11) “very significant”

Governor John Bel Edwards addressed the recent US Supreme Court decision to allow sports betting outside of Nevada on his monthly talk radio show. 32 states have legislation in place to allow the activities, including Mississippi, but Louisiana shot down similar legislation this session. Edwards didn’t oppose the idea.

Cut 5  (07) “do this”

Three anti-hazing bills are on their way to the governor’s desk following last fall’s death of LSU freshman Max Gruver. The house voted 88 to 1 in favor of final passage of house bill 78 otherwise known as the Max Gruver Act. East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore testified in favor of the measure to give the current laws more teeth.

cut 8 (10) “hazing violations”