Latest news with #LSUManshipSchoolNewsService
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Louisiana Senate reins in tax cut and school voucher plans
BATON ROUGE, La. (LSU Manship School News Service) — The Louisiana Senate is reining in several major proposals pushed by Gov. Jeff Landry and House conservatives, rejecting additional tax cuts and scaling back spending on private school vouchers amid caution over the state's longer-term financial outlook. Despite clearing the House with little resistance, two key tax bills were effectively shelved by the Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee earlier this week. The committee declined to take up a plan to further phase down personal income taxes, and it slashed funding for a Landry plan to expand state funding for parents to send their children to private schools. The moves mark a shift in the session's power dynamics and highlight tension between the governor's office and Senate leaders as the legislative session heads toward a close on June 12. Senate leaders said they did not see any way to offset the revenue losses from further tax cuts. Some lawmakers fear that the state could face hundreds of millions in additional costs if Congress and the Trump administration follow through on proposals to cut federal Medicaid spending and shift much of the responsibility for disaster relief to the states. Two bills by Rep. Julie Emerson, R-Carencro, were at the center of the House's tax-cutting agenda. House Bill 578 would have dropped the state's portion of the sales tax rate from 5% to 4.75%, while House Bill 667 aimed to lower individual income taxes from the 3% flat rate approved in November to 2.75%. The bill also would have doubled the standard deduction for seniors. Legislative analysts estimated that the sales tax bill would have reduced general fund revenue by about $266 million in fiscal 2028. Emerson's income-tax bill would have cut another $378 million in the same year. Emerson said her goal was to eventually eliminate the state income tax altogether. She also had proposed a constitutional amendment to eliminate the Revenue Stabilization Fund and redirect corporate tax surpluses to help pay for the cuts, but legislative economists said that would have offset only a portion of the lost revenue. Senators, led by Revenue & Fiscal Affairs committee chair Sen. Franklin Foil, R-Baton Rouge, said they were not ready to move forward without more data. Referring to tax cuts in 2008 that later led to a $2 billion state funding shortfall, Foil said: 'In hindsight, we moved too quickly in enacting those tax reductions.' He added: 'I'm all for trying to reduce taxes if we have excess revenue, but we have to do it in a responsible way.' National conservative groups have poured money into lobbying for the LA GATOR program and similar school vouchers in other states to help families pay private school tuition. Landry had asked for $93.5 million, and the House had included that amount in its version of the budget for fiscal 2026, which starts July 1. But the Senate Finance Committee slashed that amount to $43.5 million. The increase would have nearly doubled the number of students receiving vouchers to about 11,300. The cut reflects a clear political divide between Landry and Senate President Cameron Henry, R-Metairie, who has said since April that the Senate would only fund LA GATOR at the same level as an older voucher program it is replacing, and he has not budged. Some lawmakers also are concerned that there are few private schools in rural areas and that the LA GATOR program could eventually lead to a reduction in funding for public schools The reduced GATOR funding would cover about 6,000 students already receiving state-funded tuition assistance. Earlier this year, State Superintendent of Education Kade Brumley opened applications for the program statewide, assuming the number of available vouchers would grow. Nearly 40,000 families applied. Henry and other senators also voiced concerns about how fast LA GATOR's costs could grow and whether private school vouchers improve student outcomes. The difference in LA GATOR funding levels between the House and the Senate bills will have to be ironed out by a conference committee with members from both parties. The Senate budget also includes several education-related amendments: ● Restores $30 million for high-dosage tutoring. ● Allocates $20 million to pay off the University of New Orleans' debts so it can merge into the LSU System. ● Keeps $198 million for teacher stipends, $2,000 for certified educators and $1,000 for support staff, by offsetting costs elsewhere. Senators also added hundreds of millions in federal funding to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for hospitals and physicians. The request still needs federal approval, but if approved, it would raise Louisiana's Medicaid funding by $500 million in the budget year starting June 1. Lawmakers are also hoping to get retroactive payments for the current fiscal year. The request comes as President Donald Trump and House Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise, push to reduce federal Medicaid spending. State leaders hope those efforts to affect the reimbursement rates they're trying to secure. Trump tax bill would add $2.4 trillion to the deficit over a decade: CBO Ascension Parish Schools investigating teacher's social media comments Judge tosses Democrats' challenge to Trump order's effect on FEC Ahead of the Storm: Outlook for 2025 hurricane season, remembering Hurricane Katrina Bill Clinton reveals why Secret Service gave him an M&M's box Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
American Press
29-05-2025
- Health
- American Press
Louisiana bill redefines IVF embryos
The Louisiana state Capitol in Baton Rouge. (Associated Press Archives) By Anna Puleo | LSU Manship School News Service The Louisiana House passed a bill Tuesday that changes how the state treats embryos created through in vitro fertilization. The bill, which passed 82-14, establishes legal protections and reshapes how IVF is regulated. The bill originated in the Senate, and an amended version was carried in the House by Rep. Paula Davis, R-Baton Rouge. It redefines IVF embryos as 'juridical persons,' a legal category that gives them more rights without going so far as to classify them as full legal 'children' or property. 'This is a pro-family, pro-life and pro-parent bill,' Davis said. 'No parent should have to cross state lines to start a family.' The laws governing IVF have been politically sensitive since an Alabama Supreme Court ruling in early 2024 raised questions about them, and lawmakers in several states have been scrambling to codify their support for the practice. Under the new Louisiana measure, Senate Bill 156, embryos are considered viable unless they fail to develop within 72 hours after fertilization. Those that do not develop in that timeframe are classified as nonviable. This definition was added through an amendment and replaces the state's previous standard of 36 hours. For embryos considered viable, the bill states that only the intended parents, not doctors or fertility clinics, can make decisions about their use. It also bans any IVF contract that includes a clause allowing embryos to be intentionally destroyed. Those agreements would now be considered legally invalid. Rep. Aimee Freeman Newell, D-New Orleans, raised concerns about how current IVF laws apply to single women, whether it is those who choose to become single parents or lose a spouse during the process. Would they still have access to treatment? Davis said SB156 is updating Louisiana's IVF laws to reflect modern realities. It removes terms like 'parental rights,' 'married couple,' and 'adoptive implantation,' and makes it clear that embryos can be donated to any individual, not just to married couples. A similar bill was brought to the floor last year but was returned to the calendar after criminal and constitutional law experts raised concerns that its language conflicted with Louisiana's criminal statutes. Lawmakers worked with Louisiana Right to Life and legal advisors to revise the language in this year's version. Davis pointed to the controversial 2024 Alabama Supreme Court decision as an example of the kind of legal uncertainty Louisiana wants to avoid. In that case, the court ruled that frozen embryos created through IVF are considered 'children' under Alabama's wrongful death law, granting them legal personhood and allowing wrongful death lawsuits to proceed. The ruling came after several frozen embryos were accidentally destroyed at a fertility clinic, sparking a lawsuit against the hospital and clinic. A trial court initially dismissed the case, saying embryos outside the womb are not children, but the Alabama Supreme Court reversed that decision. That court decision sparked national backlash. President Donald Trump, who was campaigning at the time, came out in support of IVF access soon after, urging Alabama lawmakers to 'act quickly to find an immediate solution' to keep the procedure legal. His comments reflected a broader shift, as many Republicans tried to distance themselves from the Alabama court's decision and its potential fallout. Louisiana's SB156, authored by Sen. Thomas Pressley, R-Shreveport, aims to provide clearer guidance while protecting embryos under state law, without creating conflicts with criminal statutes or overextending legal personhood. The bill now goes back to the Senate for its consideration of House amendments.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Proposed tax hike on online sports betting lowered in House
BATON ROUGE, La. (LSU Manship School News Service) – The Louisiana House advanced a bill Tuesday to raise taxes on online sports betting after adopting an amendment to lower the amount of the tax increase. As amended, House Bill 639 by Rep. Neil Riser, R-Columbia would increase the tax rate on mobile sports wagering from 15% to 21.5% That is down from the originally proposed 32.5%. The 10% tax on in-person retail betting remains unchanged. The bill, which now goes to the Senate for consideration, is part of broader efforts to raise recurring revenue as lawmakers work to close an estimated $338.9 million budget shortfall in fiscal year 2026. The bill would dedicate 25% of online wagering tax revenue to a new college sports fund, which would send some of the money directly to public college athletic departments. Another 3% would be used to support students with disabilities in higher education. Mobile sports betting, which has grown rapidly since launching in Louisiana in 2022, is one of the limited ways lawmakers are looking to raise revenue without touching other taxes. Is Louisiana the best state for gambling? See where state ranks Before the amendment lowering the proposed tax rate, state fiscal analysts estimated that the bill could nearly triple sports wagering tax collections, from about $59 million to $190 million annually by 2030. But with the scaled-back rate, the new revenue estimate is not clear. The bill also proposes increased contributions from the gaming tax to early childhood education, local governments and the state's general fund, though those figures are expected to change with the amended tax rate. Funeral arrangements set for oldest Louisiana World War II veteran Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson suspends re-election campaign LSU professor's free speech suit rejected by state's highest court Proposed tax hike on online sports betting lowered in House First tropical wave appears ahead of hurricane season. Here's what to know Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Louisiana House passes bill that would eliminate DEI programs
BATON ROUGE, La. (LSU Manship School News Service) – The Louisiana House Monday night passed a controversial bill that would prohibit diversity, equity and inclusion offices, training and hiring policies in state agencies and public colleges. The bill passed 57-32 after an emotional and deeply divided debate that largely fell along racial lines. House Bill 685, by Rep. Emily Chenevert, R-Baton Rouge, now moves to the Senate. It is part of Gov. Jeff Landry's legislative agenda. Ten Black representatives spoke in opposition to the bill, calling it divisive, unnecessary, and racially insensitive. 'This is the most racially oppressive piece of legislation I have ever had to debate since I have been in office,' said Rep. Candace Newell, D-New Orleans. The bill would ban mandatory DEI training and race- or gender-based hiring or admissions preferences. It also would eliminate public DEI offices and initiatives, including prohibiting required DEI coursework at public universities. As Trump targets DEI, Republican-led states intensify efforts to stamp it out Chenevert said the bill aims to keep Louisiana compliant with President Donald Trump's executive orders and protect the state's federal funding. The Trump administration is investigating several universities nationwide, though Louisiana universities have not been targeted so far. She stressed the bill does not ban teaching DEI concepts, only the requirement of DEI-focused coursework for graduation. She also raised concerns about fairness in sports. 'My biggest concern is that it has hurt more female athletes across this country than it has helped,' she said. 'Biological men have taken the places of biological women.' Rep. Denise Marcelle, D-Baton Rouge, called the bill 'a step backwards' and accused Chenevert of ignoring the benefits DEI programs have provided, especially for white women. 'Are you aware that more white women, like you, have benefitted from DEI than whoever you're referring to?' Marcelle said. 'If we had equal opportunity to be at the table, there would be no need for the program.' She added she was appalled a woman would bring this bill. Rep. Terry Landry, D-New Iberia, sworn in just hours before the vote, said voters he spoke to during his campaign were not focused on DEI. 'They're worried about schooling for their children, the economy, state issues,' he said. 'This bill is unnecessary.' Rep. Rodney Lyons, D-Harvey, questioned the bill's economic impact, particularly the elimination of the Department of Agriculture's Minority Affairs Program, which supports minority and veteran farmers, a large portion of the state's agricultural community. Marcelle also warned the bill could interfere with police training on race and community relations. Supporters said the legislation promotes unity and merit. 'I keep hearing diversity is what makes us strong, but it is not,' said Rep. Beryl Amedee, R-Gray, defending Chenevert. 'What makes us strong is unity… There's only one race, and it's human.' Rep. Chuck Owen, R-Rosepine, expressed his frustration with the debate. 'I see us talking past each other,' he said. 'I hear us talking past each other.' The bill requires annual compliance reports and tasks the legislative auditor with enforcement. An accompanying fiscal note projects minor cost savings, including $174,000 from cutting the Agriculture Department's DEI office. If passed by the Senate and signed into law, Louisiana would join a growing number of Republican-led states rolling back public DEI policies. Chenevert became emotional in her closing remarks, saying everyone views the issue differently. She framed her perspective from a biblical viewpoint, emphasizing that no matter our skin tone, 'we all share the same blood.' Americans are divided over DEI programs on college campuses, an AP-NORC poll finds Trump administration set to limit COVID-19 shot approvals to the elderly, highest-risk New Orleans jail worker accused of helping inmates escape is arrested Trump pitch fails to move GOP holdouts on agenda megabill Louisiana House passes bill that would eliminate DEI programs Hannah Kobayashi speaks out after disappearance, father's death Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Proposed insurance bill advances in committee despite pushback
BATON ROUGE, La. (LSU Manship School News Service) — A sweeping insurance bill advanced through the Senate Insurance Committee on Wednesday, though tensions flared over a controversial part that would expand the authority of Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple. While most lawmakers and insurance representatives praised the bill's consumer protections and transparency measures, such as requiring insurers to disclose previous premiums in sending out renewal notices, some warned that granting Temple more power to reject rate hikes could backfire. But supporters of the bill, House Bill 148, argued that bolder changes are necessary to rein in Louisiana's sky-high insurance premiums and restore public trust in the system. As political leaders try to slow the increases in auto insurance premiums, Gov. Jeff Landry has called on the Legislature to give Temple the power to reject premiums before they go into effect. Temple said he does not need this power and has cautioned against taking steps that might prompt insurers to leave the state. Louisiana lawmakers push for reform amid auto insurance crisis The increase in auto insurance rates is one of the biggest issues this legislative session, and analysts say Landry could be hurt politically if the problem does not ease. The bill originated in the House, and most of the debate at the Senate hearing on Wednesday was over amendments added by House members. The amendments would eliminate the longstanding legal distinction between competitive and non-competitive markets, giving the commissioner broad authority to block rates deemed 'excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory.' Temple, who supports much of the original bill, said the amendment granting him more power to block rate hikes misses the mark. 'Premiums are high because losses are high,' said Temple, who was elected on his own and is not appointed by the governor. 'If we think that we need to take a look at how we regulate insurance rates, then let's take a serious dive into it,' Temple said. 'Let's not just pick, you know, portions of one state or another, or something we saw on social media. I mean, let's truly dive into this.' Sen. Royce Duplessis, D-New Orleans, pushed back, suggesting Louisiana's insurance crisis demands strong action. 'It's been repeatedly acknowledged that we're in a monumental crisis,' Duplessis said to Temple. 'But you don't believe that we need to do anything outside of legal reform to address this monumental crisis.' Sen. Regina Barrow, D-Baton Rouge, echoed frustrations shared by many Louisiana residents, pointing to her own experience with rising premiums and demanding accountability from regulators. 'I just got my renewal not long ago from my home, and it was almost doubled,' she said. 'My car insurance went up a little. It wasn't as bad, but it did go up. Everything has gone up. But I want to ask you, over the past year and a half or so, what can you point to that has had a direct correlation to having an impact on lowering the rate, because I don't see it.' Independent insurance agents lined up to support Temple. Danette Castello, representing the Professional Insurance Agents of Louisiana group and a local agency in Zachary, said the amendment would discourage insurers from entering the market. 'Giving the authority to one person to subjectively decide whether or not a rate is justified is a nightmare waiting to happen,' Castello said. Rep. Chad Brown, D-Plaquemine, who authored the amendment, defended it at the Senate committee hearing by pointing out that many Southern states already have similar standards. 'This law, in one way or another, exists in the majority of Southern states that surround us,' Brown said. 'Is it driving them from those states?' Despite the discussion, committee members agreed to move the bill forward, with Chairman Sen. Kirk Talbot, R-River Ridge, noting there are five weeks left in the session to continue refining the legislation. 'I love the original part of the bill,' Talbot said. 'The amended part gives me heartburn, but we'll work together on it.' His comments suggested there may be further debate on the Senate floor. The proposal comes amid a broader, contentious push in the Legislature to address high car insurance rates. Trial lawyers and business groups have clashed over whether lawsuits or a lack of regulatory enforcement are to blame, with both sides claiming partial victories in recent committee votes. Temple has supported many pro-industry bills, but he has also publicly opposed separate legislation that would let him block rate hikes without actuarial data. Gov. Landry supports this move and has threatened to hold Temple responsible if rates do not fall. Americans purchasing more older homes than ever before Teen arrested after Baton Rouge shooting leaves 1 hurt Proposed insurance bill advances in committee despite pushback Louisiana bill that would mandate anti-hazing course for college organizations advances Why flags are flying at half-staff Thursday Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
