A bill that would prohibit students’ use of cell phones in the classroom passed unanimously out of the Senate on Monday. Teiko Foxx has more…
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Legislation to expand the school voucher program passes in the House after explosive testimony from a surprise ally. Brooke Thorington has more.
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In a bid to curb classroom distractions, legislation aimed at restricting student cellphone usage or any electronic device during school hours unanimously passed the Senate. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says cellphones in the classroom are a big distraction for students.
Cut 3 (10) “…continual distraction.”
The bill bans students from carrying cellphones “on his person” while in the classroom. Mizell says her bill would require students to put their cellphones in designated places during school hours.
Mizell says school leaders have the authority to have their own policy of no cellphones in the classroom, but they do not. She was questioned on the Senate floor about students not having a phone in the the event of an emergency, such as a school shooter…
The bill heads to the House for more discussion.
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There was emotional testimony in the House over expanding the school voucher program. House Bill 745 will eventually allow all families to apply for state grants for private school tuition regardless of financial need. New Orleans Democrat Jason Hughes surprised Republican lawmakers with his support of the bill.
Alexandria Democrat Representative Ed Larvadain spoke against the bill saying it would jeopardize funding for public schools, which are already having problems recruiting and retaining teachers.
Cut 7 (10) “…public education.”
Hughes acknowledged that his stance for the bill could cost him his seat but says he came to the legislature to make tough decisions and those who know him, heart know his heart for children.
Larvadain says moving education money around increases the possibility of fraud and abuse. He worries local superintendents will be faced with closing schools and he’s very concerned about the closures of elementary schools forcing young students to be bused even farther from home.
The House passed the bill 71-32. It was not along party lines either, six Republican lawmakers voted against it, and some Democrats voted in favor.
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New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter commends the Environmental Protection Agency for implementing a final rule aimed at reducing cancer causing air pollution released by 51 plants and refineries in Louisiana. The rule significantly reduces the amount of chloroprene, ethylene oxide among others. Carter says this is a step towards environmental justice.
Cut 10 (10) “…air pollutants. “
EPA says the rule will reduce both EtO and cholorprene emissions by nearly 80 percent and reduce nearby cancer rates by 96 percent. Carter says many of these plants are located near low-income communities with people who suffer with elevated health risks. The rule slashes more than six thousand tons of toxic air pollution by requiring facilities to conduct fenceline monitoring and lowering emissions.
The EPA action targets Denka Performance Elastomers facility in LaPlace which is the largest source of toxic emissions in the U-S. Carter says this rule addresses public health risks in local communities and protects future generations.
Denka plans to challenge the rule in court. The Louisiana Chemical Association argues that EPA used flawed data in determining this new regulation. The LCA plans to meet with it’s members to decide who to respond to this new EPA regulation.