Governor Edwards hit on several topics during his address to the state legislature which convened today for the 2018 regular session. Edwards pushed for a higher minimum wage, anti-sexual harassment training for all public employees and hazing prevention education on college campuses. He did not get specific about proposed legislation dealing with guns…
cut 14 (11) “…this session”
There are numerous gun bills filed during this session.

NFL teams can contact Drew Brees’ agent and begin the negotiating process about joining their team. Brees is free to sign with another team on Wednesday. But NFL analyst Mike Detillier still believes Brees will stay with the Black and Gold…
cut 9 (09) “with it.”

Governor John Bel Edwards supports a bill that rolls back the standard public school teachers need to achieve for tenure. Jeff Palermo has more.
Voicer 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The regular session is set to end on June 4th. But La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says the goal is to end the regular session in May, so they can have another special session to discuss solutions to the fiscal cliff…
cut 8 (07) “…regular session”

Governor John Bel Edwards kicked off the regular session today by laying out his legislative agenda, and tearing into lawmakers who failed to fix the fiscal cliff. As part of his agenda, the governor proposed an economic plan that he says would cut back on unnecessary regulations hampering the state’s economy. He says Louisiana has some of the most burdensome occupational licensing restrictions in the nation.

Cut 13 (06) “to require.”

The governor also touched on the minimum wage, equal pay, and sportsman’s licenses.

Time is running out for the Saints and Drew Brees to come to an agreement before free agency opens Wednesday. Brees turned 39 in January, and Saints analyst Mike Detillier says that adds to the complication.

Cut 10 (12) “free agency”

Lawmakers are back at the capital today to begin the regular session, a week after the special session failed to find a resolution for a one-billion-dollar budget shortfall.  LAPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says the backbiting and harsh words that were slung around between legislators will have an impact.  They need to work together to consider over 1,000 non revenue related bills…

Cut 6 (07)  “Medicaid access”

LSU president F. King Alexander is standing behind his decision to institute a zero tolerance policy on hazing in the Greek system. In the wake of the death of Maxwell Gruver the school commissioned a group to come up with a plan. Alexander says the restrictions on alcohol are to protect students, but wants to remind people the Greek system is a valuable asset for the university…

Cut 3 (11) “graduation rate.”

LSU president F. King Alexander says the LSU Greek system is much more helpful than hurtful. But he believes a zero tolerance hazing policy is necessary. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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Lawmakers return to Baton Rouge for the start of the regular session. Kelley Ray spoke with LAPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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LSU president F. King Alexander is standing behind his decision to institute a zero tolerance policy on hazing in the Greek system. In the wake of the death of Maxwell Gruver the school commissioned a group to come up with a plan. Alexander says the restrictions on alcohol are to protect students.  He says the Greek system is a valuable asset for the university…

Cut 3 (11) “graduation rate.”

Alexander says the culture of tradition runs deep in the Greek system and he says there is no reason for them to be hazing…

Cut 4  (06) “to have.”

Alexander says they have tried other types of rules and regulations but at the end of the day the administration has to have a single purpose edict…

Cut 5  (07) “United States.” 

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Lawmakers are back at the capital today to begin the regular session, a week after the special session failed to find a resolution for a one-billion-dollar budget shortfall.  LAPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says the backbiting and harsh words that were slung around between legislators will have an impact.  They need to work together to consider over 1,000 non revenue related bills…

Cut 6 (07)  “Medicaid access”

A task force recommended to allow riverboat casinos to come on shore. Alford that led to several other gambling operators asking for changes in legislation that affects them…

Cut 7 (09)  “to speak.”

The elephant in the room is the budget shortfall. There can’t be any finance bills considered, but there are hints there will be a special session. Alford feels the regular session could end before the June 4^th deadline, which puts lawmakers under a tight schedule…

Cut 8 (07) “regular session.”

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Time is running out for the Saints and Drew Brees to come to an agreement before free agency opens Wednesday and suitors from across the NFL are allowed to bid for the Black and Gold superstar’s services. As of this morning, teams are now allowed to begin contacting Brees’ agent and begin the negotiating process. Saints analyst Mike Detillier says it’ll be a nail bitter…

Cut 9 (09) “with it.”

Brees turned 39 in January, and Detillier says that adds to the complication. He says Brees will want to max out his paycheck, while the team keeps an eye to the future…

Cut 10 (12) “free agency”

Detillier says if history holds true, the Saints will bend and pay up, because Brees holds all the leverage, and superstar quarterbacks just don’t come around very often…

Cut 11 (11) “he wants.”

Saints fans are hoping to keep Brees around for a run at this year’s Super Bowl in Atlanta.

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Governor John Bel Edwards kicked off the regular session today by laying out his legislative agenda, and tearing into lawmakers who failed to fix the fiscal cliff. The governor highlighted the plight of Louisiana’s highest performing students, who could begin to be poached by universities in other states with TOPS still up in the air. Edwards says right now Bama is beating us academically, and athletically.

Cut 12 (09) “on both.” (audience clapping)

If lawmakers fail to find a solution to the billion dollar budget gap, TOPS will be in line for a 80 percent cut.

The governor proposed an economic agenda that he says would cut back on unnecessary regulations hampering the state’s economy. He says Louisiana has some of the most burdensome occupational licensing restrictions in the nation.

Cut 13 (06) “to require.”

The governor also touched on minimum wage, equal pay, and sportsman’s licenses.

One area where Edwards did not provide specifics was in gun control and school safety. Instead, he called for the beginning of nonpolitical dialog about the topic that’s dominating state houses across the country.

Cut 14 (11) “this session.”

The governor also called for mandatory anti hazing education in universities.

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Governor John Bel Edwards kicked off the regular session today by laying out his legislative agenda, and tearing into lawmakers who failed to fix the fiscal cliff. The governor highlighted the plight of Louisiana’s highest performing students, who could begin to be poached by universities in other states with TOPS still up in the air. Edwards says right now Bama is beating us academically, and athletically.

Cut 12 (09) “on both.”

One of the many issues lawmakers will consider is gaming. A task force recommended to allow riverboat casinos to come on shore. LA Politics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says the recommendation led to several other gambling operators asking for changes in legislation that affects them…

Cut 7 (09)  “to speak.”

LSU president F. King Alexander is standing behind his decision to institute a zero tolerance policy on hazing in the Greek system. In the wake of the death of Maxwell Gruver the school commissioned a group to come up with a plan to further protect students and Greek sororities. Alexander says the culture of tradition runs deep in the Greek system and he says there is no reason for them to be hazing.

Cut 5  (06) “to have.”

Time is running out for the Saints and Drew Brees to come to an agreement before free agency opens Wednesday and suitors from across the NFL are allowed to bid for the Black and Gold superstar’s services. As of this morning, teams are now allowed to begin contacting Brees’ agent and begin the negotiating process. Saints analyst Mike Detillier says it’ll be a nail bitter.

Cut 9 (09) “with it.”

Lawmakers are back in Baton Rouge for the start of the regular session. Kelley Ray spoke with LAPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford on what we can expect…
Voicer 2 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

Tax bills are not allowed to be discussed during this regular session, which is why a special session is likely at the conclusion of the regular session to fix the fiscal cliff. Governor Edwards told legislators he knows of a student who is considering Alabama instead of LSU, because of uncertainity with TOPS funding.

LSU President F King Alexander was a guest this morning on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster. Alexander was asked about the role the greek system plays on campus in wake of the suspected hazing death of Maxwell Gruver. Alexander says the culture of tradition runs deep in the Greek system and he says there is no reason for them to be hazing…
cut 5 (06) “…to have’
LSU is implementing a zero tolerance policy towards hazing and anyone caught doing so will be kicked off campus.

NFL teams are now allowed to talk with Saints Quarterback Drew Brees representatives as he’s set to become an unrestricted free agent on Wednesday. Saints analyst Mike Detillier says if history holds true, the Saints will pay up, because Hall of Fame quarterbacks don’t come around very often…
cut 11 (11) “…he wants”

LSU president F. King Alexander is calling for a zero tolerance hazing policy. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

Lawmakers are back at the capital today to begin the regular session, and LAPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says the specter of the fiscal cliff will hang over the session, and there can’t be any finance bills considered. Alford feels the regular session could end before the June 4^th deadline, which puts lawmakers under a tight schedule…

Cut 8 (07) “regular session.”

With the onset of spring comes seasonal allergies and this year could be a very long season. Physician Dr. Peter Boggs says the allergy season started early due to record breaking warmth in February. Boggs says he has treated many patients successfully with immunotherapy, but it involves a shot and visiting your doctor. Boggs says there are treatments you can do yourself…

Cut 15 (09) “at home.”

Spring football is underway LSU with a fierce quarterback competition expected, and Head Coach Ed Orgeron says Justin McMillan is looking good.

Cut 16 (18) “good day”

Lawmakers return to the capitol today to begin the regular session, just days after the special session failed to find a resolution for a one-billion-dollar budget shortfall. LAPolitics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford says the backbiting and harsh words slung around between legislators will have an impact. Alford says they need to work together to consider over 1,000 bills for this session…
cut 6 (07) “…Medicaid services”
Teacher tenure will also be discussed in the regular session. Currently, teachers must be rated “highly efficient” for five of six years to qualify. The bill would lower the requirement to “effective: proficient”. West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman says only 20 percent of teachers in a given year qualify for “highly efficient” status. He says his bill makes the requirements for tenure more reasonable.
Cut 11 (09) “you did.”

LSU president F. King Alexander is standing behind his decision to institute a zero tolerance policy on hazing in the Greek system. In the wake of the death of Maxwell Gruver the school commissioned a group to come up with a plan. Alexander says the restrictions on alcohol are to protect students he says the Greek system is a valuable asset for the university
Cut 3 (11) “graduation rate.”

New Orleans police say they arrested a 20-year-old man who allegedly threatened to shoot several people at UNO. The threat forced the university to cancel classes up until 5 PM today. The suspect has been identified as Nicholas Heard and he lives on campus. He allegedly made threats against UNO to two other students.

The regular session kicks off today, and Governor John Bel Edwards is hoping for a more productive gathering than the recent special session. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

18 states raised their minimum wage this year, and a few major companies are following suite. Council for a better louisiana president Barry Erwin says while the national landscape is tilting in favor of higher wages, he doesn’t see it happening in Louisiana.

Cut 8 (11) “minimum wage”

Governor John Bel Edwards released his legislative agenda aimed at improving the well-being of children and seniors. One of the bills included is West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman’s proposal to reduce the requirements necessary for public school teachers to obtain tenure. Hoffman says the current requirements are unfair to educators.

Cut 10 (09) “the teachers.”

With the onset of spring comes seasonal allergies and this year could be a very long season. For those who suffer from hay fever, it spells many weeks of sniffing, sneezing, watery eyes and post nasal drainage. Physician Dr. Peter Boggs says the allergy season started early due to record breaking warmth in February.

There are differences between colds and allergies. Boggs says if you are wondering if it’s a cold or if it’s allergies, there’s an easy way to find out…

Cut 14 (08) “to treat.”

The regular session kicks off today, and Governor John Bel Edwards is hoping the legislature gets more accomplished than the special session that ended without a solution to the budget problem.

Edwards says he and House Speaker Taylor Barras had the framework for a deal in place, only to see the speaker back away from the plan early into the special session. Edwards says going forward, legislators need to place more trust in each other’s intentions.

Cut 6 (09)  “to do”

To kick off the regular session, the governor released his legislative agenda to advance the well-being of Louisiana children and seniors, that includes legislation addressing teacher tenure, and abuse of individuals with infirmities.

One of the bills included is West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman’s proposal to reduce the requirements necessary for public school teachers to obtain tenure.

Hoffman says only 20 percent of teachers in a given year qualify. He says his bill makes the requirements for tenure more reasonable.

West Virginia teachers recently won a strike for higher pay and benefits, and reports showed Louisiana teachers are paid about 2,000 dollars less per year than the regional average. Hoffman says this is the kind of legislation that will make sure Louisiana can attract and retain quality instructors.

Cut 12 (09) “the classroom”

Hoffman is also proposing a bill that would alter the way the teacher evaluation system is weighed.

The regular session begins today less than a week after the special session crashed and burned. Fiscal cliff negotiations will be put on hold while a slew of other issues take center stage. There are several gun control bills filed. But Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin doesn’t see any of the measures to restrict who can purchase an assault rifle passing.

Substantial changes to the state retirement system have been considered, but ultimately scrapped in past sessions, but Erwin says he sees support building for a fundamental overhaul of how new hired state employees receive their benefits.

Cut 9 (08)  “finish line.”

Substantial changes to the state retirement system have been considered, but ultimately scrapped in past session, but Erwin says he sees support building for a fundamental overhaul of how new hired state employees receive their benefits.

With the onset of spring comes seasonal allergies and this year could be a very long season. For those who suffer from hay fever, it spells many weeks of sniffing, sneezing, watery eyes and post nasal drainage. Physician Dr. Peter Boggs says the allergy season started early due to record breaking warmth in February. But there is still a lot of pollen to go around…

Cut 13 (10)  “pollen predominatly.”

Governor John Bel Edwards supports a bill that rolls back the standard public school teachers need to achieve for tenure. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The regular session kicks off today, and Governor John Bel Edwards is hoping the legislature gets more accomplished than the special session that ended without a clear solution to the fiscal cliff.

Legislators are not allowed to address revenue issues in this regular session, so the fiscal cliff will have to wait for another special session to be called afterwards.

Despite the tension, Edwards says he’s optimistic that the legislature will put aside their differences and come together for a productive regular session.

Cut 5  (11)  “to mine.”

The regular session begins today less than a week after the special session crashed and burned. Fiscal cliff negotiations will be put on hold while a slew of other issues take center stage. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says

18 states raised their minimum wage this year, and a few major companies are following suite. Erwin says while the national landscape is tilting in favor of higher wages, he doesn’t see it happening in Louisiana.

Cut 8 (11) “minimum wage”

With the onset of spring comes seasonal allergies and this year could be a very long season. For those who suffer from hay fever, it spells many weeks of sniffing, sneezing, watery eyes and post nasal drainage. Physician Dr. Peter Boggs says the allergy season started early due to record breaking warmth in February. For allergy sufferers, there are some treatments that can help that don’t involve over the counter medicine. Boggs says he has treated many patients successfully with immunotherapy, but it involves a shot and visiting your doctor. Boggs says there are treatments you can do yourself…

Cut 15 (09) “at home.”