Citizens Insurance policyholders may get some financial relief when it comes to premiums. Sean Richardson reports legislators are working on legislation that temporarily eliminates the ten-percent surcharge for coastal residents..
Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”
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The Louisiana Public Service approves the largest renewable power expansion in state’s history. Mel Bridges has more…
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”
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If you want to avoid the holiday traffic but you’re itching to take a dip in the water, relief is as close as a Louisiana State Park pool. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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Citizens Insurance policyholders may see some relief from high premiums as lawmakers are working on a bill that would suspend the 10% surcharge for coastal residents and reduce the surcharge from 10 to 5% for the rest of the state. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot is working on the legislation.
Cut 4 (06) “…we can do it.”
Under the bill, they are calling for a three-year suspension of the surcharge, but it would get evaluated yearly. Citizens’ rates are intentionally higher so the state insurer of last resort is not in competition with private insurers. He says based on conversations with Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple, a temporary surcharge reduction is possible…
Cut 5 (13) “…pull the trigger.”
Property Insurance rates have skyrocketed in Louisiana since active storm seasons in 2020 and 2021. Legislation has been approved this year that’s intended to bring more private insurers into the state in the hopes competition will lower premiums. Talbot this bill could provide immediate premium relief…
Cut 6 (06) “…legislative level.”
The bill still needs approval before lawmakers adjourn the legislative session which could come to an end next Friday.
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The Louisiana Department of Health is set to greatly increase the availability of mental health providers by expanding Medicaid reimbursement eligibility to provisionally licensed mental health professionals. Deputy Assistant Secretary for the state Office of Behavioral Health Robyn McDermott says one of the only major differences between provisionally and fully licensed mental health professionals is supervision.
Cut 7 (09) “…clinical directors.”
Over four-thousand providers in Louisiana would become eligible for reimbursement under the policy change including provisionally licensed professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, and licensed master social workers. McDermott says under the new plan, provisionally licensed professionals can help the 74% of people in Louisiana who have not yet had their mental health needs met.
Cut 8 (08) “…services.”
Nationally, one in three people live in an area that doesn’t have any mental health providers. McDermott thinks this plan could help change that in Louisiana.
Cut 9 (12) “…otherwise have.”
Publication of the final rule is expected by July 20th. If approved, the plan is expected to begin August 1st.
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The Louisiana Public Service Commission gave Entergy Louisiana the go-ahead to add up to three gigawatts of economic solar power to its generational portfolio, which is the largest renewable power expansion in state history. Entergy Louisiana Director of Resource Planning and Market Operations Laura Beauchamp says this is a big deal for some outside Louisiana as well.
Cut 10 (08) “…in the state.”
Beauchamp notes the increased economic solar power says a lot to companies looking to relocate to Louisiana, including…
Cut 11 (12) “…(x3) renewable power.”
Additionally, Beauchamp says individuals and households are not eligible for this power and won’t see any upcharges.
Cut 12 (12) “…decarbonize.”
Currently, Entergy Louisiana has about 230 megawatts of renewable energy in total with an additional 3,225 megawatts of solar capital in development.
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Memorial Day weekend officially kicks off summer activities and if you’re looking for a way to beat the heat, look no further than a Louisiana State Park. Parks Director Brandon Burris says they’ll officially open their pools and water playgrounds on Saturday.
Cut 13 (11) “…weekend day.”
This weekend state park pools parks will be open Saturday through Monday and then they’ll resume their regular schedule of Thursday through Sundays for the remainder of the summer. Burris advises visitors to check with individual parks for days and hours of operation.
Burris says pools are available for day use and lifeguards are on duty from nine to five.
Cut 14 (10) “…Toledo Bend.”
And if you’re looking for more than a dip in the pool, Burris says several of their parks have water playgrounds and splash pads from the north part of the state to the south and everywhere in between.
Cut 15 (06) “…to offer.”
For more information and to find the closest park visit LAStateParks.com
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The LSU Tigers took down one of the best teams in college baseball yesterday to advance into the winner’s bracket of the SEC Tournament. Jared Jones and Tommy White each hit grand slams as the Tigers blanked Kentucky eleven to nothing. Michael Braswell started the scoring with a solo home run on the second pitch of the game and scored three times. Coach Jay Johnson says Braswell is playing to his potential…
Cut 16 (20) “…hitting mistakes.”
Luke Holman was the winning pitcher as he threw six hitless innings. Johnson says Holman was in complete control as he faced the second ranked Wildcats…
Cut 17 (18) “…I’ve had.”
LSU will play South Carolina at around 4:30 PM today in a winner’s bracket game.
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Cut 18 (12) “…La Tech.”
Cut 19 (20) “…as well.”
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Cut 20 (13) “….else does that.”