A Jefferson Parish resident is the state’s first coronavirus case and that individual is now hospitalized at a V-A medical center in New Orleans. So far the state has tested 15 individuals and there’s only been one presumptive case. Office of Public Health Assistant Secretary Doctor Alex Billioux says testing has been limited so far, but commercial labs are getting ready to test many more…
cut 9 (05) “…do this testing”
Health officials are asking anyone who feels sick to stay at home and call their healthcare provider.

Louisiana drivers are seeing savings at the pump as demand for gasoline drops. GasBuddy.com petroleum analyst Allison Mac says usually at this time of the year, gas prices rise as refineries transition to a summer grade fuel of gasoline…
Cut 4 (09)_ “…well into March.”
Mac says the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $2.07, but they expect it will fall below two-dollars.

Governor John Bel Edwards laid out his agenda to lawmakers on the opening day of the legislative session. Brooke Thorington has the story…
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A major focus of every session is to pass a budget. But the Revenue Estimating Conference has yet to agree on an income forecast, so it’s unclear how much money the state has to spend. Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson…
cut 15 (12) “…yet”
The R-E-C is expected to meet again in early April.

Now that the state has its first presumptive coronavirus case a veteran from Jefferson Parish, state public officials are trying to determine who has been in close contact with the patient. Office of Public Health Assistant Secretary Doctor Alex Billioux says those individuals will have to be quarantined…
cut 8 (09) “….know that information”
Health officials say the coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, for older adults with existing health problems, it can result a more severe illness.

Meanwhile, at the state capitol, it’s the first day of committee hearings as the 2020 regular session is underway. Governor John Bel Edwards is once again supporting legislation to raise the minimum wage…
cut 11 (12) “….in July”
But Edwards’ minimum wage proposal faces long odds in the Republican-led Legislature.

Gas prices are usually on the rise in March, but that’s not the case this year. Kevin Barnhart has more…
voicer 1 (31) “…Kevin Barnhart”

Oil prices are showing signs of rebounding after yesterday’s biggest one day drop since 1991. The price of oil impacts state revenues something lawmakers will monitor during the session. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis…
cut 14 (09) “….of that”

Louisiana has its first presumptive case of coronavirus and an email to VA employees indicates the patient has been hospitalized at the VA Medical Center in New Orleans since Friday. Governor John Bel Edwards says now is not the time to panic, instead, get prepared.
Cut 7 (09) “…them to do.”
The state health department has asked people who came in contact with the patient to self-isolate for 14 days.

Meanwhile, gas prices are dropping and Gas Buddy-dot-com petroleum analyst Allison Mac says the price drop can be directly attributed to coronavirus fears…
cut 5 (11) “…out to eat”
Louisiana’s average regular gasoline price is $2.07.

Governor John Bel Edwards tells legislators on the opening day of the session that it’s unacceptable for Louisiana to continue to have the largest gender pay gap in the country. Edwards is asking lawmakers to pass a pay transparency bill that would prevent anyone from losing their job for discussing their salaries
Cut 10 (08) “…more equity.”
Edwards is also urging lawmakers to set the state minimum wage at ten-dollars an hour.

National Federation of Independent Business state director Dawn Starns says it’s disappointing to hear Governor Edwards double down on pressing forward with minimum wage increases and equal pay legislation. Starns says the Governor’s attempt to fulfill a campaign promise will only result in lost jobs.
Cut 12 (07) “…next ten years.”
Edwards’ minimum wage proposal faces long odds in the Republican-led Legislature.

Louisiana reports its first presumptive case of coronavirus, a Jefferson Parish resident currently at the VA Medical Center in New Orleans….
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Oil prices had its biggest one-day fall since 1991 yesterday, which is not good news for the state’s finances. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says the only good news is that Louisiana has diversified its revenue streams…
cut 16 (09) “…the budget”

On the opening day of the legislative session, Governor John Bel Edwards called early childhood education his number one priority for his second term, proposing an additional 25-million dollars for pre-K programs. Edwards also continued his call to raise the minimum wage and urged legislators to pass a pay transparency bill that he says will help close the gender pay gap. National Federation of Independent Business state director Dawn Starns opposes both measures…
cut 13 (12) “….for our state”
The regular legislative session ends June 1st.

We’re officially in session as lawmakers begin three months in Baton Rouge amidst growing uncertainty over collapsing oil prices and the state’s first presumptive case of COVID-19.

The Governor’s budget calls for a combined 64 million in new spending for early childhood education, and K-12. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis says the oil collapse could impact those priorities…

Cut 14 (09) “…of that.” (Cut down)

Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson is concerned the uncertainty could result in the legislature having to wait longer than usual for a consensus from the Revenue Estimating Conference.

Cut 15 (12) “…yet.” (Cut down)

Without that they can’t craft a final budget.

Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says it’s not good news, but…

Cut 16  (09)  the budget”  (Cut down)

COVID fears, tort reform, and oil prices may be dominating the conversation but Governor Edwards says he’s not going to be deterred from pursuing his goal of raising the minimum wage, and ending pay secrecy, which the governor says will close the state’s highest in the nation gender pay gap.

Edwards is upping the ante this year, backing a larger increase in the state’s 7.25 an hour minimum than he did in his first term.

Cut 11 (12) “…in July.”

National Federation of Independent Business state director Dawn Starns says it’s disappointing and frustrating to hear Governor Edwards double down on pressing forward with minimum wage increases and equal pay legislation.  Starns says the Governor’s attempt to fulfill a campaign promise will only result in lost jobs.

Cut 12 (07) “…next ten years.”

The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed the state’s first presumptive positive case of the COVID-19, commonly referred to as the coronavirus. The patient is a Jefferson Parish resident who is hospitalized in Orleans Parish. Governor Edwards reaffirmed that his office will announce all confirmed cases and that the state is being as proactive as possible to contain the virus.

Cut 14 (12) “…the spread.”

The governor’s office says 15 tests have been completed in Louisiana. State immunization director Dr. FrankWelch says anyone who experiences symptoms should call their doctor to see if they fit the profile for someone in need of testing. Welch says the first thing doctors will test for is the flu since the symptoms are so similar.

Cut 7 (13) “…at the soonest.”

While awaiting testing results to come back, it is recommended that someone isolates themselves for that couple of days.

Oil prices have tumbled and the price for a barrel of oil is now in the 30s. Smith says a big part of the collapse is news that Russia and OPEC will both ramp up oil production in an apparent price war, suppressing global prices. Reports indicate the price war is partly an attack on American shale companies. Associate Director of the Tulane Energy Institute Dr. EricSmith says it’s likely it’s many of them will consolidate with larger companies, or just go out of business.

Cut 5 (11)  “majors”.

Smith adds it won’t harm all Louisiana drilling, as liquid natural gas exists in a separate market.

Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham’s Chief of Staff, Luke Letlow, formally announces he’s entering the race to replace his boss who’s not seeking reelection for the 5^th Congressional District. Letlow, was immediately endorsed by Abraham and If elected Letlow says he would seek a committee seat on the House Agriculture Committee.

Cut 11 (10) “…those committees.”

A Jefferson Parish resident is the first presumptive case of COVID-19 reported in Louisiana. State immunization director Dr. Frank Welch says if you show symptoms, specifically a fever, call your doctor and see if you meet the criteria for testing. If you do, special accommodations will be made.

Cut 6 (12) “…personal protective equipment.”

Another common symptom is a persistent dry cough.

Governor Edwards announced that first case earlier today at the start of the session. He encourages lawmakers to share accurate information with their constituents and also gave them the most up to date information about ongoing testing in the state.

Cut 13 (12) “…hundred tests”

Edwards reaffirmed that his office will announce all confirmed cases.

The international oil market is tanking, with oil prices per barrel hovering in the mid to low 30s due to COVID-19 fears and a price war that’s leading to increased production at a time of deflating demand. Associate Director of the Tulane Energy Institute Dr. Eric Smith says these prices won’t just be a short term blip.

Cut 3 (08)  “…months”  

This morning’s price collapse is the biggest since 1991.

Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham’s Chief of Staff, Luke Letlow, formally announces he’s entering the race to replace his boss who’s not seeking reelection for the 5^th Congressional District. Letlow, a native of the small town of Smart in Richland Parish, says he identifies with the rural members of his district.

Cut 10 (12) “…row crops.”

Letlow is the third Republican to announce he’s running.