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Louisiana House committee passes budget that closes $200 million shortfall without raising taxes
BATON ROUGE — The House Appropriations Committee advanced a $49.4 billion state budget Monday that funds $2,000 teacher stipends for next year, closes a nearly $200 million shortfall and balances the books without raising taxes. To bridge the budget gap, lawmakers pieced together a solution using a mix of cuts, delayed spending and the discovery of unspent or underutilized funds tucked away in various agencies. This included clawing back excess appropriations, redirecting one-time revenues and freezing certain state expenditures. Some of the savings came from blocking state vehicle purchases and combing Medicaid rolls to remove people who have moved out of state. The committee's approach not only avoided tax hikes but also safeguarded critical areas like education and healthcare. The effort won praise from both sides of the aisle, with Republicans applauding the fiscal discipline and Democrats recognizing the protection of key public services and the funding of teacher stipends. At the heart of the plan is House Bill 1, the state's main operating budget authored by Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland, R-Winnfield. The bill, originally submitted by Gov. Jeff Landry as a standstill plan, was overhauled to address the shortfall and fund the $2,000 stipends for teachers and $1,000 for school support staff, including charter school employees, The stipends that were in jeopardy after Louisiana voters rejected a constitutional amendment in March that would have secured a permanent funding source for the stipends. 'In tough times, families tighten their belts,' McFarland said in a news release. "We made sure the state government did the same — responsibly, and without asking more from taxpayers.' Protecting teacher raises: Louisiana legislative panel funds teacher pay raises in surprise move Income tax plan advances Louisiana House passes bill that could further cut income tax, with constitutional amendment TOPS funding TOPS tweaks trouble cofounder Taylor: 'Let's not throw the baby out with the bath water' The final package included a series of cost-saving measures. Lawmakers blocked $91 million in vehicle and equipment purchases for state agencies, cut $26.3 million in Medicaid spending by removing ineligible recipients and saved $20 million through a statewide hiring freeze ordered by Landry. They also used state reserves to pay down $148 million in retirement debt for the State Police system, generating $25.5 million in interest savings, and eliminated 'high-dosage' tutoring programs, freeing up an additional $30 million. 'We balanced the budget, protected taxpayers, and made government more accountable. And we're just getting started,' said House Speaker Phillip DeVillier, R-Eunice. 'These cuts lay the groundwork for long-term reform and financial stability.' The committee also kept intact Landry's request for $94 million in funding for the new Louisiana GATOR program, an education savings account initiative that allows families to use public funds for private school tuition and other non-public education expenses. The program is a key part of Landry's school choice agenda and is expected to launch in phases. It is controversial among some education advocates and rural lawmakers, who say it could eventually drain money from public schools. McFarland acknowledged the teacher stipends are being funded with one-time dollars and that a long-term solution remains elusive. 'Until then, this is what we had to do, but I don't want to have to do it again,' McFarland said. Democrats praised the bipartisan work needed to achieve this bill. "I want to thank the chairman and administration and everyone who has worked on getting these amendments done, particularly for teacher stipends,' Rep. Denise Marcelle, D-Baton Rouge, said. 'Thank you for looking under tables and around the corners.' Rep. Jason Hughes, D-New Orleans, the vice chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, noted that early childhood education funding remains untouched and pointed to new investments in public safety. Gov. Landry's hiring freeze is expected to save $20 million annually and is seen as a way to preserve healthcare and education spending without deeper cuts. 'The public should know this budget represents no cuts in services,' Hughes said. 'We found surpluses elsewhere. But this is just one step in a very lengthy process.' The budget increases spending by $7 million for domestic violence shelters under the Department of Children and Family Services. The budget also reduces dedications from the State General Fund and officially ends remote work for state employees. If HB1 passes the House as expected, it will move to the Senate Finance Committee for further deliberation. The committee also advanced other key budget bills. House Bill 460 allocates $148.8 million in surplus funds to pay down State Police retirement debt, saving $25.5 million in interest compared to the original plan to spread the money across four systems. House Bill 461 sends 25% of the 2023–2024 surplus to the Budget Stabilization Fund and authorizes emergency spending. House Bill 463 funds ancillary agencies without tapping the State General Fund, while House Bill 647 finances the judiciary. Additional allocations in the budget include $7 million for domestic violence shelters under the Department of Children and Family Services. The budget also reduces dedications from the State General Fund and officially ends remote work for state employees. This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Louisiana House Appropriations Committee passes budget, closes shortfall
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Medicaid cuts in Republican bill emerge as an early flash point for the 2026 elections
WASHINGTON — Early battle lines are forming over a centerpiece of the sprawling domestic policy bill that House Republicans narrowly passed, with Medicaid spending cuts emerging as a flash point that could define the 2026 midterm elections. Democrats are fine-tuning their message as they blast the legislation, which now heads to the GOP-led Senate, as a tax cut for the wealthy that would be funded by cutting health care, after Republicans broadly promised they wouldn't cut Medicaid. A recent memo from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee vows to make the GOP's 'tax scam' and Medicaid cuts 'the defining contrast of the 2026 election cycle' in its efforts to win the House majority next year. The DCCC is advising Democratic candidates to criticize the Republican bill as a Trojan horse designed to throw millions off of Medicaid — not address waste — with new red tape, said a separate source with knowledge of the private conversations. And Republicans are trying to frame the fight on their terms. The National Republican Congressional Committee is advising members to tout the bill as 'strengthening Medicaid' by limiting the program to those who need it — 'not fraudsters, able-bodied adults who refuse to work, or illegal immigrants.' Underneath the clash is a wonky debate about what, exactly, constitutes a Medicaid 'cut.' Republicans insist they aren't directly cutting benefits for low-income and disabled people, so their bill shouldn't be defined as a cut. Democrats and outside critics say it would strip away coverage for millions of people, including those who need the program the most, who would fall through the cracks if they can't meet the new bureaucratic requirements to keep proving their eligibility. The bulk of the cost savings would come from strict new rules to maintain eligibility for Medicaid, which would require adult recipients to prove they're working or engaging in 'community service' for at least 80 hours per month, with limited exceptions that include pregnant women. That rule would kick in at the end of 2026. Other new rules would involve verifying addresses, proving lawful immigration status and screening eligibility more frequently, once every six months, instead of once a year. The bill would impose about $700 billion in cuts to Medicaid relative to current law, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, and rescind health coverage for about 8.6 million people. (The estimate was based on the work requirement's beginning in 2029, before it was moved up in the revised bill, meaning the uninsured number could be larger.) Still, Republicans are seeking to steer the debate toward the work requirements, which surveys say voters generally support for able-bodied adults, and selling the bill as an attempt to return Medicaid to those who need it the most. Asked to respond to the GOP argument on the bill's work requirements, DCCC spokesperson Viet Shelton said in an email: 'House Republicans got caught lying about their vote to rip health care away from millions of people and are now scrambling to change the subject. Their tax scam bill was specifically designed to be the largest cut to Medicaid in history and Republicans are now stuck in a doomloop debating how many and how quickly people will get kicked off their health insurance — not if.' The politics of the escalating fight could prompt Senate Republicans to make changes to the bill. Some have already expressed discomfort with the changes proposed for Medicaid, though they broadly favor work requirements and don't count them as 'cuts.' President Donald Trump has similarly said he doesn't want to cut Medicaid, yet he championed the House legislation. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee released a digital ad last week describing the GOP Medicaid policies as 'devastating.' A recent national survey by KFF, a nonpartisan health research group, highlights the nuances of the issue. Overall, the poll found that 62% of U.S. adults support new legislation 'requiring nearly all adults to work or be looking for work in order to get health insurance through Medicaid' — including 6 in 10 independents. But the KFF poll found the support to be soft. It plummets to 32% when respondents hear the argument that most Medicaid recipients are already working or are unable to work. When respondents hear the argument that such new rules would raise administrative costs without significantly affecting the share of Medicaid recipients who are working, support drops to 40%. There are other headwinds for Republicans. Overall, the KFF poll found that Medicaid funding cuts are unpopular: 82% of respondents said they wanted Medicaid spending to increase or stay about the same, while just 17% said they want it to decrease. Even among Republican respondents, just 33% said Medicaid spending should be reduced. The survey found that 3 in 4 U.S. adults said the legislation was about reducing government spending, while just one-fourth of them said it was about improving how Medicaid works. Still, the GOP focus has tripped up at least one Democratic candidate. Manny Rutinel, who is eying the seat of freshman Rep. Gabe Evans, R-Colo., declined three times in an interview on NBC affiliate KUSA of Denver to say whether he favors work requirements for able-bodied adults. 'It was painful to watch,' said a national Democratic strategist, who spoke candidly on condition of anonymity. The strategist said the onus is on Democrats to elevate the voices of regular people in their districts who would be harmed by the new rules and to make the case that 'people who need Medicaid are going to lose it because of what Republicans are doing.' As top Democrats echo their successful message from the 2018 election cycle, whereas Republicans tried to repeal the Affordable Care Act and enacted the Trump tax cuts, some in the party warn that the dynamics are different this time. The Republican 'message today is about requiring able-bodied Americans to work, preventing fraud and ensuring noncitizens are not covered,' said Ashley Schapitl, a former Democratic Senate communications aide. 'While Medicaid cuts poll horribly, these individual policies poll well. Democrats can still win the argument, but members need a sharp message and discipline around the issues of work requirements and immigration, not to feel complacent around rerunning the exact 2017 playbook.' House Majority Forward, a political group focused on electing Democrats, launched a six-figure ad campaign Wednesday in 26 Republican-held districts, accusing those lawmakers of voting to raise prices for ordinary people through Medicaid cuts. An ad running in Pennsylvania's 8th District says freshman GOP Rep. Rob Bresnahan 'just cast the deciding vote to raise the cost of your groceries and cut your health care including Medicaid — to pay for tax cuts for the ultra-rich.' A similar script is used against other incumbents, all of whom were pivotal in the 215-214 vote to pass the legislation last week and send it to the Senate. Republicans, notably, are focusing a new ad campaign of their own on touting the bill's tax cuts, not its spending cuts. The NRCC announced new ads Friday targeting 25 Democratic incumbents in competitive districts, saying they voted 'for the largest U.S. tax hike in generations' by opposing the bill that extends the expiring 2017 Trump tax cuts. The ad obliquely refers to citizenship verification for benefits, saying that under the status quo, 'illegals get freebies, you get the bill.' The ad doesn't mention Medicaid. This article was originally published on
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Cue the Confetti! BABY born's New Birthday Collection Adds Color-Changing, Mess-Free Fun
The 30-Year Nurture Play Legacy Brand Offers Memory-Building Magic for Birthdays Year-Round Baby born Birthday Baby Doll - Ava, Anabelle, Harper Baby born Birthday Baby Doll - Anabelle LOS ANGELES, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MGA Entertainment (MGA), the largest privately held toy and entertainment company in the U.S., is introducing the new BABY born® Birthday Baby Doll collection – the perfect birthday gift for kids. Available now, the Birthday Baby Doll features a magical color-change effect on the face – when kids dip the included 'cake' in ice-cold water or put it in the freezer then swipe it on the lips and cheeks, colorful 'frosting' appears for imaginative birthday play. Perfect for children ages three and up. The BABY born Birthday Baby Doll is party-ready in a festive pink mesh dress with flocked dots and white shoes. The doll's special feature allows children to feed her cake and watch her face transform from clean to messy, just like a real baby! Put the cake slice in the freezer for 30 minutes or soak in ice-cold water, then press it to the doll's lips and cheeks to reveal a delightful color change, adding an extra layer of birthday fun! 'BABY born has been a trusted brand for more than 30 years around the world, known for encouraging nurturing play and empathy in children,' said Josh Hackbarth, Chief Marketing Officer of MGA Entertainment. 'BABY born has always had interactive features within our collection, from crying real tears to taking 'first' steps, taking pretend play to a whole new level. The new Birthday Baby Doll adds a new feature to the play pattern centered around the magic of birthday celebrations.' After the birthday fun winds down, children can gently wipe the doll's face clean using the included cloth napkin and warm water. After a joyful day of birthday celebrations, the doll can be laid down for a nap. Her eyes gently close, adding a sweet, nurturing touch to the play experience. Available in three styles — Annabell, Ava, and Harper — the dolls feature a range of skin tones and eye colors allowing children to choose the one that best reflects their own style and preferences. With rooted hair styled in cute top knots, the doll is a delightful companion for all kinds of imaginative play. The BABY born Birthday Baby Doll is available at all major retailers in the U.S. including Target, Walmart, and Amazon, as well as global retailers and the MGA Shop. The set includes a baby doll, party dress, undergarment, shoes, toy cake and cake slice, cloth napkin, party hat, and cake stand. To stay up to date with the latest news and content from BABY born, visit the brand's official website and social media platforms: Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. About MGA Entertainment MGA Entertainment is the largest privately held toy and entertainment company in the U.S., known for its commitment to creativity, quality, and innovation. Headquartered in Los Angeles with offices globally, the company creates innovative, proprietary, and licensed consumer products and entertainment properties, including toys, games, dolls, apparel, consumer electronics, home décor, stationery, sporting goods, movies, and television series. The MGA family includes award-winning brands such as L.O.L. Surprise!™, Little Tikes®, Rainbow High™, Bratz®, MGA's Miniverse™, Yummiland™, CarTuned™, Wonder Factory™, BABY born®, and Zapf Creation®. For more information, please visit or check out at LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook. Attachments Baby born Birthday Baby Doll - Ava, Anabelle, Harper Baby born Birthday Baby Doll - Anabelle CONTACT: Amanda Magalski Finn Partners for MGA Entertainment MGA@ MGA Newsroom MGA Entertainment 818.221.4431 news@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
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Europe Heavy-Duty Autonomous Vehicle Industry Report 2024-2025 & 2033 - Growing Deployment of Level 2+ and Level 4 Autonomous Systems Driving Growth
The market for heavy-duty autonomous vehicles in Europe is expanding rapidly as a result of the convergence of sophisticated AI, machine learning, and strong sensor suites, which allow for dependable Level 2+ through Level 4 autonomy in trucks, buses, and off-road equipment. As OEMs and fleet operators look to solve severe driver shortages, growing labour costs, and strict EU emissions and safety regulations, the market, which is currently valued in the tens of billions, is expected to grow at a high double-digit CAGR over the next ten years. European Heavy-Duty Autonomous Vehicle Market Dublin, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Europe Heavy-Duty Autonomous Vehicle Market: Focus on Application, Propulsion, Vehicle Type, Level of Autonomy, Sensor Type, and Country - Analysis and Forecast, 2024 - 2033" report has been added to Europe heavy-duty autonomous vehicle market was estimated $44.64 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $555.43 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 32.33% during the forecast period 2024-2033. The impending Euro 7 emissions regulations and Vision Zero safety measures are important regulatory forces that are pressuring stakeholders to embrace autonomous systems that offer reduced fuel usage, less downtime, and improved operational safety. LiDAR-radar-vision sensor fusion, AI-powered predictive analytics, 5G-enabled V2X connectivity, and digital twin simulation are examples of rapidly developing technological enablers that support use cases ranging from remote-controlled mining and agriculture operations to coordinated platooning on localisation of autonomy software for various European road regulations and weather situations is being accelerated by strategic partnerships amongst Tier 1 suppliers, international OEMs, and specialised tech firms. In the meantime, standardised cybersecurity frameworks and teleoperation fallback capabilities are developing to address safety and liability issues. In the areas of logistics, public transportation, construction, and agriculture, Europe's heavy-duty vehicle landscape is expected to become greener, smarter, and significantly more efficient as electrification and hydrogen fuel technologies combine with autonomous. How can this report add value to an organization?This report adds value to an organization by providing in-depth insights into the Europe heavy-duty autonomous vehicle (HDAV) market, enabling data-driven decision-making and strategic growth planning. It highlights key market trends, technological innovations, and competitive dynamics, helping businesses identify emerging opportunities and potential challenges. The report's detailed segmentation by application, propulsion type, vehicle type, level of autonomy, and region allows organizations to target specific markets and optimize their business strategies. Additionally, its coverage of regulatory frameworks, sustainability initiatives, and cybersecurity concerns ensures companies stay compliant with evolving autonomous vehicle policies and safety standards. By leveraging this report, organizations can enhance operational efficiency, make informed investment decisions in automation and AI-driven logistics, and gain a competitive edge in the rapidly transforming heavy-duty transportation sector, ensuring long-term growth and industry leadership. Europe Heavy-Duty Autonomous Vehicles Market Dynamics Trends Growing deployment of Level 2+ and Level 4 autonomous systems in heavy trucks and off-road machinery Convergence of autonomy with vehicle electrification and hydrogen fuel technologies Advanced sensor fusion (LiDAR, radar, vision) paired with AI-driven predictive analytics Emergence of digital-twin platforms for real-time simulation and fleet optimization Development of teleoperation and remote-driving fallback capabilities 5G-enabled V2X connectivity for coordinated platooning and traffic management Strategic collaborations between OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers and technology startups Drivers Stringent EU emissions targets and safety mandates (e.g., Euro 7, Vision Zero) Acute driver shortages and rising labor costs across transport and logistics Pressure to cut operating expenses via fuel savings, downtime reduction and optimized utilization Corporate ESG commitments accelerating adoption of green autonomous fleets Maturation of AI, machine-learning algorithms and ruggedized sensor hardware Expansion of high-bandwidth connectivity infrastructure (5G, edge computing) Challenges High upfront capital expenditure and uncertain total-cost-of-ownership models Technology reliability and validation under diverse European geographies and weather Incomplete 5G/charging infrastructure interoperability across member states Cybersecurity vulnerabilities in connected and autonomous systems Regulatory fragmentation among EU countries delaying harmonized approvals Public acceptance and liability frameworks for on-road autonomous operations Key Market Players and Competition Synopsis AB Volvo BMW Group Renault Trucks Traton Group 2getthere B.V. ZF Friedrichshafen AG Schaeffler AG HOLON GmbH Daimler Truck AG Navya ARMA EasyMile Einride Oxa Autonomy Limited Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 116 Forecast Period 2024 - 2033 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $44.64 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2033 $555.43 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 32.3% Regions Covered Europe Key Topics Covered: Executive SummaryScope and Definition1 Markets1.1 Trends: Current and Future Impact Assessment1.1.1 Growing Heavy-Duty Vehicle Driver Shortage1.1.2 Rising Role of Autonomous Vehicles in the Era of Logistics 4.01.2 Supply Chain Overview1.2.1 Value Chain Analysis1.2.2 Pricing Forecast1.3 Regulatory Landscape1.4 Advance Driver Assistance System (ADAS)1.4.1 Overview1.4.2 ADAS Feature1.5 Ecosystem of Autonomous Driving1.6 Stakeholder Analysis1.6.1 Use Case1.6.2 End User and Buying Criteria1.7 Impact Analysis for Key Global Events1.8 Market Dynamics Overview1.8.1 Business Drivers1.8.1.1 Escalating Transportation Costs1.8.1.2 Advancing Technological Innovations1.8.2 Business Challenges1.8.2.1 Heightened Risk of Cyberattacks1.8.2.2 High Initial Development and Deployment Costs1.8.3 Business Opportunities1.8.3.1 Emerging Business Models Revolutionizing the Heavy-Duty Autonomous Vehicle Market1.8.3.2 Delivering Higher Levels of Automation2 Regions2.1 Regional Summary2.2 Europe2.2.1 Regional Overview2.2.2 Driving Factors for Market Growth2.2.3 Factors Challenging the Market2.2.4 Application2.2.5 Product2.2.6 Europe (Country Level Analysis)2.2.6.1 Germany2.2.6.1.1 Application2.2.6.1.2 Product2.2.6.2 France2.2.6.2.1 Application2.2.6.2.2 Product2.2.6.3 U.K.2.2.6.3.1 Application2.2.6.3.2 Product2.2.6.4 Italy2.2.6.4.1 Application2.2.6.4.2 Product2.2.6.5 Rest-of-Europe2.2.6.5.1 Application2.2.6.5.2 Product3 Markets - Competitive Benchmarking & Company Profiles3.1 Next Frontiers3.2 Geographic Assessment3.3 Company Profiles3.3.1 Overview3.3.2 Top Products/Product Portfolio3.3.3 Top Competitors3.3.4 Target Customers3.3.5 Key Personnel3.3.6 Analyst View3.3.7 Market Share, 20234 Research Methodology For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment European Heavy-Duty Autonomous Vehicle Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
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JPMorgan hires former HSBC dealmaker Kamal Jabre to drive EMEA growth
(Reuters) - JPMorgan has named HSBC's former global head of mergers and acquisitions, Kamal Jabre, as its new M&A Vice Chair to drive expansion across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), according to a memo seen by Reuters on Thursday. Alongside Jabre, the bank also named insider Marc Pandraud, who joined JPMorgan from Deutsche Bank in 2016, as M&A Vice Chair. The two will collaborate closely with JPMorgan's local industry, country and M&A teams to expand its franchise in EMEA, the memo added. A spokesperson from HSBC confirmed Jabre's departure in an emailed statement to Reuters. Jabre moved to HSBC from Morgan Stanley in 2018. HSBC in January laid out plans to wind down its M&A and some equities businesses in Europe and the Americas, as part of a strategy to scale back its global footprint and shift focus to Asia and the Middle East. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
