A state lawmaker voices her concerns after a Livingston Parish man – accused of sexually abusing young girls – was released this week on bail. Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”
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97 percent of educators statewide say they do not make enough according to a survey by the Louisiana Federation of Teachers. Teiko Foxx has more.
Cut 2 (33) “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”
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A Livingston parish man facing numerous child sexual abuse charges has been released on bond, and some are up in arms over it. One is Baton Rouge state Senator Regina Barrow, who chairs the Select Committee on Women and Children. She finds it troubling that John Mack, who’s been awaiting trial on the charges for over a year, was released this week on a $250-thousand bond…:
Cut 3 (08) “…that’s happening.”
Barrow is concerned that Mack’s alleged victims were under the care of the Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) and seeks answers as to how the agency missed what was happening. Barrow has filed legislation to create an advocacy program for victims within DCFS…:
Cut 4 (13) “…aware what’s happening.”
Barrow says Mack allegedly harassed two of his victims, and their families, before his eventual arrest. She says her committee sought to assure he would not be able to do so while out on bond…:
Cut 5 (13) “…as the family.”
Mack’s family is very well-connected in Livingston Parish and southern Louisiana. Barrow worries that may affect how closely he is monitored while awaiting trial.
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Colonel Lamar Davis expressed concern to lawmakers over the growing number of state troopers leaving the department. He says troopers are choosing to retire much sooner than they did in the past and there are just under 900 troopers in Louisiana.
Cut 6 (06) “…is pay.”
Davis says troopers in Texas are paid almost twice as much and the pay in Tennessee and Mississippi surpasses Louisiana.
In the past staffing shortages prompted LSP to hold trooper academies, but Davis says there’s a need to hold continuous training for new officers to avoid vacancies.
Cut 7 (10) “…with now.”
Davis says they also need to work harder in recruitment and retention of officers.
Cut 8 (11) “…their hearts.”
Davis says they are doing more community outreach in an effort to build trust and also recruit potential cadets.
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Former LSU basketball player Wayne Sims has died at the age of 54. Sims was a four-year standout for the Tigers from 1987 to 1991. He played with former LSU greats Shaquille O Neal and Chris Jackson. Former coach Dale Brown says the LSU basketball family is saddened by Sims’ unexpected death….
Cut 9 (07) “…heard about Wayne.”
Sources say Sims collapsed at work yesterday and died from natural causes this morning.
The DeRidder native played in 117 games from 1987 to 1991, averaging nearly 10 points a game. LSU went to the NCAA Tournament every year during Sims’ four seasons and in 1991 the Tigers won an SEC title. Brown says he’s crushed to hear about Sims’ passing..
Cut 10 (08) “…loved guy.”
Sims’ son, Wayde Sims, also wore the purple and gold. But just before his junior season, Wayde Sims was fatally shot during a fight following a party near the Southern University campus. Brown says he was inspired by Wayne Sims’ faith and will remember how he conducted himself on and off the court…
Cut 11 (11) “…own right”
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A recent survey by the Louisiana Federation of Teachers shows 97 percent of teachers and 98 percent of staff said they are not paid enough to raise a family. LFT Spokesperson Heather Cushman says state lawmakers are considering a pay raise for educators.
Cut 12 (11) “…this crisis.”
The statewide average teacher salary is $52, 472, nearly $3,000 less than the Southern regional average. Governor John Bel Edwards is proposing a $2,000 increase for teachers and possibly $3,000 if there is enough revenue available. Cushman says more than a third work of teachers have to work a second job.
Cut 13 (12) “…one job.”
Higher insurance premiums and inflation also deduct from living wages creating a greater shortage. Cushman says recent pay raises by the legislature do not resolve the problem but an additional increase in pay sends a message that educators are valued.
Cut 14 (09) “…behind again.”
Louisiana teachers have not been at the Southern regional average since 2007 resulting in more than 1,200 vacant teaching positions across the state.