Chancellors of two LSU Health Sciences Centers delivered impassioned testimonies in front of the Senate Finance Committee, calling on legislators not to pass the proposed budget approved by the House Appropriations Committee that they say would devastate healthcare. New Orleans Chancellor Larry Hollier says the proposed spending plan cuts funding for the five statewide residency programs by 43 percent. He says those programs provide crucial services to the most vulnerable patients.

Cut 10 (11) “care of.”

House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry, who’s in favor of the proposed budget, released a statement saying “We’re trying to pass a responsible budget with the dollars we have available.”

The National Weather Service confirmed 20 tornadoes touched down in Louisiana between Friday and Saturday. The severe weather hit 13 parishes, and generated an EF-1 Tornado that was responsible for the death of a Bossier Parish infant.

On an 11-7 vote, a House committee killed Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith’s proposal to ban bump stocks on guns. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

If you are a parent, you may find it hard to feed your child if they are a picky eater. About one in four kids develop an eating problem. Ochsner Pediatrician Dr. Myriam Ortiz says don’t force them to eat what they don’t want to. It could be due to other issues…

Cut 3 (09) “appetite slump”

Ortiz says it’s important not to become frustrated with your child. She also warns against bribing your child

A House committee killed Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith’s proposal to ban bump stocks on guns. Authorities say a bump stock was used to kill more than 50 people in Las Vegas last October by allowing semi-automatic guns to shoot rapid-fire. Smith says something like that can happen here too.
Cut 6 (11) “are gathered”
But the opponents to the legislation said the language in the bill was too broad and the measure was defeated in a 11-7 vote.

The chancellors of two LSU medical schools delivered impassioned testimonies in front of the Senate Finance Committee, calling on legislators not to pass the proposed budget approved by the House Appropriations Committee that they say would devastate healthcare. Shreveport Chancellor G.E. Ghalli says the proposed cuts are impossible to make.
Cut 9 (10) “to cut”
The budget will be discussed on the House floor Thursday.

The campaign for St. Landry Parish Congressman Clay Higgins reports the freshman U-S Representative has raised 218-thousand dollars in campaign finance dollars during the first quarter of the year and has 211-thousand dollars on hand. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Higgins will need to raise a lot more….
cut 13 (11) “…try anything”
Republican attorney Josh Guillory and Democrat Phillip Conner, a physician from Lake Charles, are two candidates raising money to challenge Higgins this fall.

The leaders at LSU’s medical schools railed against a proposed budget that’s heading to the House floor. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

It doesn’t look like sports betting will be legal in Louisiana anytime soon. A measure that would have allowed voters in parishes with riverboat and land-based casinos to decide whether sports bets should legally be taken in their parish, was rejected on a six-to-three vote in Senate Finance. Opponents are concerned about expanding gambling.

The House Criminal Justice committee shot down legislation today that attempted to limit sales of assault weapons and prohibit bump stocks. National Rifle Association spokesperson Erin Luper says they oppose the state ban on bump stocks, because there is legislation pending in D-C to ban them nationwide…
cut 8 (06) “…look like”
The committee agreed and voted down the bill on an 11-7 vote.

Congressman Clay Higgins’ re-election campaign reports the former law enforcement officer now has 211-thousand dollars in camapaign cash on hand for his re-election bid. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Higgins didn’t raise a lot of money when he was elected in 2016, but he’ll need more cash this time around…
cut 14 (11) “….this time”

The House Criminal Justice Committee has voted down legislation that would ban bump stocks. Supporters of the legislation pointed to the Las Vegas shooting as to why the legislature should pass this bill. But Kyle Galotta, who opposes the measure, says the Las Vegas shooting should not mean the end of Bump Stocks.
Cut 7 (10) “bad precedent”
The legsiatlion failed on an 11-7 vote.

Chancellors of two LSU Health Sciences Centers delivered impassioned testimonies in front of the Senate Finance committee, calling on legislators not to pass a proposed budget they say would devastate healthcare in Louisiana. New Orleans Chancellor Larry Hollier sats the budget moving to the House Floor would result in a mass exodus of medical professionals.
Cut 11 (07) “in workforce.”
Hollier pleaded with legislators to go into a special session, so they can pass tax bills to fund a more responsible budget.

The campaign for Congressman Clay Higgins reports the former law enforcement officer has raised 218-thousand dollars during the first quarter of this fundraising year and has 211-thousand dollars on hand. Higgins had just 50-thousand dollars in the bank at the end of 2017. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Higgins finally has his campaign fundraising operation going….
cut 12 (10) “…to win”
Republican attorney Josh Guillory and Democrat Phillip Conner, a physician from Lake Charles, are two candidates raising money to challenge Higgins this fall.

Many families deal with children who are picky eaters. Ochsner Pediatrician Doctor Myriam Ortiz says if your child isn’t eating, there could be a bigger underlying problem…
cut 5 (11) “…with them”
Ortiz says its important not to become frustrated with your child if they are not eating.

The full House takes up a bill this afternoon that would prohibit you from holding a cell phone while driving. Opponents to the bill, claim they need access to their phones at all times while driving. Many note the map feature is something they use on a regular basis while behind the wheel. But Jennifer Smith of Stop Distractions-dot-org says using your cell phone while driving is dangerous…

Cut 9 (08)  “deadly weapon.”

You may have a child who is a picky eater and you don’t know what to do about it. Ochsner pediatrician Dr. Myriam (Ma-ri-um) Ortiz says it’s important not to become frustrated with your child. She also warns against bribing your child. You could be training them in a way that is not conducive with what you are trying to accomplish…

Cut 4 (07) “certain behaviors.”

On an 11-7 vote, a House committee killed Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith’s proposal to ban bump stocks on guns. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

A House committee killed Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith’s proposal to ban bump stocks on guns. Authorities say a bump stock was used to kill more than 50 people in Las Vegas last October by allowing semi-automatic guns to shoot rapid-fire . Smith says something like that can happen here too.
Cut 6 (11) “are gathered”
Despite Smith’s plea, the measure failed on an 11-7 vote.

A bill that would allow civil court judges to decide whether juries should know whether a crash victim was wearing a seat belt will be heard in a Senate committee today. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says crashes involving people not wearing seat belts lead to heftier settlements.
Cut 10 (11) “of us”
The measure has the support of Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon.

An LSU survey says Louisianans have a pretty favorable view of their local media. 78 percent of those polled said they trust their local media’s information a lot, or some. Public Policy Research Lab Director Mike Henderson says local media also got high marks in getting the facts right.
Cut 13 (06) “their reporting”

If you are a parent, you may find it hard to feed your child if they are a picky eater. About one in four kids develop an eating problem. Most quickly outgrow the fast-food and junk food only phase, but a few need professional assistance. Oschner Pediatrician Dr. Myriam Ortiz says don’t force them to eat what they don’t want to. It could be due to other issues…
Cut 3 (:06) “appetite slump”
Ortiz says it’s important not to become frustrated with your child.

The full House takes up a bill today that would prohibit you from holding a cell phone while driving. Jennifer Smith, the C-E-O of Stop-distractions-dot-org is pushing for this legislation…

Cut 7 (13)  “no cost.”

15 other states and Washington D.C. currently have a similar law.

An LSU survey shows Louisianans have a favorable view of their local media. Public Policy Research Lab Director Mike Henderson says 78 percent of those polled said they trust their local media’s information a lot, or some. He says maintaining trust between the media and public is critical for preserving the system of governance.

Cut 15 (10) “their decisions”

Today is the final day to file your 2017 federal tax returns. A recent survey found 53-percent of Louisianans wait until the very end to do so, the most of any state.  Retired New Orleans CPA Ted Stacey says those who procrastinate can make costly mistakes as they rush to file…

Cut 5  (11)  “can take.”

Louisiana state taxes need to be filed by May 15.

The Pelicans can take a commanding two games to none series lead tonight when New Orleans faces Portland in Game 2 of their best of seven playoff series. New Orleans won Game 1 on Saturday night and have had two off days to get ready for tonight’s game. Head Coach Alvin Gentry says he’ll take the extra rest….

Cut 17 (11)  “to us”

Tip off is set for 9:30pm.