1 00:00:04,270 --> 00:00:05,739 For Governor Edwin Edwards, 2 00:00:05,739 --> 00:00:07,841 putting 59000 people 3 00:00:07,841 --> 00:00:09,342 who use community mental health 4 00:00:09,342 --> 00:00:09,909 centers on 5 00:00:09,909 --> 00:00:11,845 the street is intolerable. 6 00:00:11,845 --> 00:00:13,480 And funding for the Department 7 00:00:13,480 --> 00:00:15,181 of Environmental Quality 8 00:00:15,181 --> 00:00:17,250 should come from raising fees. 9 00:00:17,250 --> 00:00:18,351 But if it doesn't, 10 00:00:18,351 --> 00:00:19,386 that department may 11 00:00:19,386 --> 00:00:21,121 be taking a back seat. 12 00:00:21,121 --> 00:00:22,322 Tonight, the governor 13 00:00:22,322 --> 00:00:23,723 discusses the budget. 14 00:00:23,723 --> 00:00:24,824 And also tonight, 15 00:00:24,824 --> 00:00:26,526 the issue of drunk driving. 16 00:00:26,526 --> 00:00:28,228 More than 25000 people 17 00:00:28,228 --> 00:00:29,662 die each year in alcohol 18 00:00:29,662 --> 00:00:30,764 related accidents. 19 00:00:30,764 --> 00:00:31,698 And Louisiana 20 00:00:31,698 --> 00:00:32,732 has one of the worst 21 00:00:32,732 --> 00:00:34,134 records in the country 22 00:00:34,134 --> 00:00:35,201 today at the Capitol. 23 00:00:35,201 --> 00:00:36,136 Some lawmakers 24 00:00:36,136 --> 00:00:38,304 looked at the issue. 25 00:01:14,441 --> 00:01:15,175 Good evening. 26 00:01:15,175 --> 00:01:16,342 Thanks for joining us. 27 00:01:16,342 --> 00:01:17,410 I'm Laura Myers. 28 00:01:17,410 --> 00:01:18,578 And I'm Karen Nachman. 29 00:01:18,578 --> 00:01:19,779 Welcome to Tuesday's 30 00:01:19,779 --> 00:01:21,681 legislative report. 31 00:01:21,681 --> 00:01:23,450 Our top stories tonight, 32 00:01:23,450 --> 00:01:24,918 Governor Edwards discusses 33 00:01:24,918 --> 00:01:26,853 budget cuts facing the House. 34 00:01:26,853 --> 00:01:27,821 He says those cuts 35 00:01:27,821 --> 00:01:29,089 include closing 40 36 00:01:29,089 --> 00:01:31,024 for National Guard armories 37 00:01:31,024 --> 00:01:31,958 and losing more than 38 00:01:31,958 --> 00:01:33,059 three million dollars 39 00:01:33,059 --> 00:01:34,027 of federal funding 40 00:01:34,027 --> 00:01:35,395 for state parks . 41 00:01:35,395 --> 00:01:36,296 The federal government 42 00:01:36,296 --> 00:01:37,730 has ordered a 90 percent 43 00:01:37,730 --> 00:01:39,432 cleanup of asbestos. 44 00:01:39,432 --> 00:01:40,233 That's to prevent 45 00:01:40,233 --> 00:01:41,734 deaths and accidents. 46 00:01:41,734 --> 00:01:43,236 Tonight, a related measure 47 00:01:43,236 --> 00:01:44,370 dealing with asbestos 48 00:01:44,370 --> 00:01:46,539 cleanup passes the House floor 49 00:01:46,539 --> 00:01:47,774 and crime victims 50 00:01:47,774 --> 00:01:48,975 would have to be notified 51 00:01:48,975 --> 00:01:50,310 if a convicted criminal 52 00:01:50,310 --> 00:01:51,778 is about to be pardoned. 53 00:01:51,778 --> 00:01:52,612 That bill gets 54 00:01:52,612 --> 00:01:54,380 committee approval. 55 00:01:54,380 --> 00:01:55,949 And in our headlines tonight, 56 00:01:55,949 --> 00:01:57,016 the Louisiana House 57 00:01:57,016 --> 00:01:57,951 has gone on record 58 00:01:57,951 --> 00:01:59,352 as favoring an interstate 59 00:01:59,352 --> 00:02:00,420 sporting conference 60 00:02:00,420 --> 00:02:01,754 so that small universities 61 00:02:01,754 --> 00:02:02,589 in Louisiana can 62 00:02:02,589 --> 00:02:03,790 play each other. 63 00:02:03,790 --> 00:02:05,091 Also today, a committee 64 00:02:05,091 --> 00:02:05,959 approved a bill that 65 00:02:05,959 --> 00:02:07,093 increases the penalty 66 00:02:07,093 --> 00:02:08,394 for the crime of indecent 67 00:02:08,394 --> 00:02:10,029 behavior with juveniles. 68 00:02:10,029 --> 00:02:11,731 And also a state education 69 00:02:11,731 --> 00:02:12,899 official says the U.S. 70 00:02:12,899 --> 00:02:13,933 attorney's office 71 00:02:13,933 --> 00:02:14,734 has demanded 72 00:02:14,734 --> 00:02:16,236 copies of all records 73 00:02:16,236 --> 00:02:17,570 showing how the state spent 74 00:02:17,570 --> 00:02:18,438 federal money for 75 00:02:18,438 --> 00:02:20,073 handicapped students. 76 00:02:20,073 --> 00:02:21,174 Governor Edwards held 77 00:02:21,174 --> 00:02:22,142 a second breakfast 78 00:02:22,142 --> 00:02:23,409 meeting today to discuss 79 00:02:23,409 --> 00:02:24,711 the proposed budget cuts 80 00:02:24,711 --> 00:02:26,045 with House members. 81 00:02:26,045 --> 00:02:27,013 Those House members 82 00:02:27,013 --> 00:02:28,047 probably won't begin 83 00:02:28,047 --> 00:02:29,182 debating the budget bill 84 00:02:29,182 --> 00:02:30,884 until early next week. 85 00:02:30,884 --> 00:02:32,051 The governor is predicting 86 00:02:32,051 --> 00:02:33,586 a growing move now toward 87 00:02:33,586 --> 00:02:35,255 passing a state lottery. 88 00:02:35,255 --> 00:02:36,623 He says the proposed cuts 89 00:02:36,623 --> 00:02:37,690 could force the closing 90 00:02:37,690 --> 00:02:38,892 of the Superdome. 91 00:02:38,892 --> 00:02:40,226 And he predicts casino 92 00:02:40,226 --> 00:02:42,128 gambling will be legalized 93 00:02:42,128 --> 00:02:43,997 sometime during his lifetime. 94 00:02:45,431 --> 00:02:46,733 This morning, lawmakers 95 00:02:46,733 --> 00:02:47,867 packed a breakfast room 96 00:02:47,867 --> 00:02:49,335 at the governor's mansion. 97 00:02:49,335 --> 00:02:50,670 Some of them told the governor 98 00:02:50,670 --> 00:02:52,505 it's time for him to step in 99 00:02:52,505 --> 00:02:53,973 and help rescue programs 100 00:02:53,973 --> 00:02:55,608 and entire departments 101 00:02:55,608 --> 00:02:56,476 that have been cut 102 00:02:56,476 --> 00:02:57,911 from the state's budget. 103 00:02:57,911 --> 00:02:59,179 Those cuts possibly 104 00:02:59,179 --> 00:03:00,413 could go into effect 105 00:03:00,413 --> 00:03:01,781 on July 1st. 106 00:03:01,781 --> 00:03:03,283 The governor told lawmakers 107 00:03:03,283 --> 00:03:04,684 instead of ending this session 108 00:03:04,684 --> 00:03:05,885 before that date, 109 00:03:05,885 --> 00:03:07,120 he wants them to work 110 00:03:07,120 --> 00:03:08,588 until a compromise budget 111 00:03:08,588 --> 00:03:10,290 plan is finished. 112 00:03:10,290 --> 00:03:10,990 The governor did 113 00:03:10,990 --> 00:03:11,991 share with this group 114 00:03:11,991 --> 00:03:13,459 the reactions from yesterday, 115 00:03:13,459 --> 00:03:14,127 which he shared 116 00:03:14,127 --> 00:03:15,528 very accurately. 117 00:03:15,528 --> 00:03:17,964 And then he did take. 118 00:03:17,997 --> 00:03:18,731 If you want to call 119 00:03:18,731 --> 00:03:19,799 the straw poll 120 00:03:19,799 --> 00:03:21,568 without any one sided card 121 00:03:21,568 --> 00:03:23,169 as to their preferences 122 00:03:23,169 --> 00:03:24,270 on attempting to either 123 00:03:24,270 --> 00:03:26,139 concur in the bill as it is, 124 00:03:26,139 --> 00:03:26,573 or raise 125 00:03:26,573 --> 00:03:28,141 some additional revenues 126 00:03:28,141 --> 00:03:28,675 or raise 127 00:03:28,675 --> 00:03:30,176 some additional revenues 128 00:03:30,176 --> 00:03:31,511 and let the people of the state 129 00:03:31,511 --> 00:03:33,179 decide on the lottery 130 00:03:33,179 --> 00:03:34,347 in September. 131 00:03:34,347 --> 00:03:35,081 We're looking at 132 00:03:35,081 --> 00:03:35,982 removing the sales 133 00:03:35,982 --> 00:03:38,151 tax exemptions to some of those 134 00:03:38,151 --> 00:03:39,018 to try to restore 135 00:03:39,018 --> 00:03:41,287 some of the most serious cuts 136 00:03:41,287 --> 00:03:43,623 and then implementing a lottery 137 00:03:43,623 --> 00:03:45,158 so that we can have some money 138 00:03:45,158 --> 00:03:46,159 later on in the year. 139 00:03:46,159 --> 00:03:47,060 We have to avoid off 140 00:03:47,060 --> 00:03:47,827 additional cuts at 141 00:03:47,827 --> 00:03:48,461 the price of oil 142 00:03:48,461 --> 00:03:49,829 continues to fall. 143 00:03:49,829 --> 00:03:50,830 So that 70 million 144 00:03:50,830 --> 00:03:51,364 that the lottery 145 00:03:51,364 --> 00:03:52,498 will raise even up to 146 00:03:52,498 --> 00:03:53,233 of for next year 147 00:03:53,233 --> 00:03:55,101 will go ahead with use. 148 00:03:55,101 --> 00:03:55,935 Governor Edwards 149 00:03:55,935 --> 00:03:57,837 also today repeated predictions 150 00:03:57,837 --> 00:03:59,172 of how state budget cuts 151 00:03:59,172 --> 00:04:00,940 will affect state services. 152 00:04:00,940 --> 00:04:01,841 Among those 153 00:04:01,841 --> 00:04:03,376 additional bank failures, 154 00:04:03,376 --> 00:04:04,310 especially banks 155 00:04:04,310 --> 00:04:05,979 with agricultural loans. 156 00:04:05,979 --> 00:04:07,647 He says the Saints could end up 157 00:04:07,647 --> 00:04:09,082 moving out of state 158 00:04:09,082 --> 00:04:10,850 and nearly 60 thousand 159 00:04:10,850 --> 00:04:12,118 mental health patients 160 00:04:12,118 --> 00:04:13,686 could be turned out of clinics 161 00:04:13,686 --> 00:04:14,821 and out of treatment 162 00:04:14,821 --> 00:04:16,823 and put on the streets 163 00:04:16,823 --> 00:04:17,657 where things are going. 164 00:04:17,657 --> 00:04:18,658 At one point during 165 00:04:18,658 --> 00:04:19,692 his news conference, 166 00:04:19,692 --> 00:04:21,194 Governor Edwards was flanked 167 00:04:21,194 --> 00:04:22,629 by former characters 168 00:04:22,629 --> 00:04:24,764 of the 1984 World's Fair. 169 00:04:25,064 --> 00:04:26,399 They're now ambassadors 170 00:04:26,399 --> 00:04:27,200 of goodwill, 171 00:04:27,200 --> 00:04:28,668 traveling the country 172 00:04:28,668 --> 00:04:29,902 to spread good news 173 00:04:29,902 --> 00:04:31,337 about Louisiana. 174 00:04:31,337 --> 00:04:32,372 But as the governor 175 00:04:32,372 --> 00:04:33,406 had said earlier, 176 00:04:33,406 --> 00:04:34,874 nearly 600 million 177 00:04:34,874 --> 00:04:36,509 dollars in budget cuts 178 00:04:36,509 --> 00:04:37,810 brings a little good news 179 00:04:37,810 --> 00:04:39,579 to those who live in state. 180 00:04:39,579 --> 00:04:40,546 And the cuts 181 00:04:40,546 --> 00:04:41,347 bring little good 182 00:04:41,347 --> 00:04:42,315 news to the state's 183 00:04:42,315 --> 00:04:44,050 largest tourist attraction. 184 00:04:44,050 --> 00:04:45,818 The city of New Orleans, 185 00:04:45,818 --> 00:04:47,287 New Orleans, would be impacted 186 00:04:47,287 --> 00:04:48,588 very seriously by the cuts. 187 00:04:48,588 --> 00:04:50,356 The exhibition hall 188 00:04:50,356 --> 00:04:51,457 is some three million 189 00:04:51,457 --> 00:04:52,292 dollars in debt, 190 00:04:52,292 --> 00:04:53,559 and apparently by January 191 00:04:53,559 --> 00:04:54,961 the 1st has to raise the money. 192 00:04:54,961 --> 00:04:56,663 Otherwise it will close. 193 00:04:56,663 --> 00:04:58,064 The dome is in jeopardy. 194 00:04:58,064 --> 00:04:59,432 The cabildo is in jeopardy. 195 00:04:59,432 --> 00:05:00,733 The museum is in jeopardy. 196 00:05:00,733 --> 00:05:02,068 The regional transportation 197 00:05:02,068 --> 00:05:03,970 system is in jeopardy. 198 00:05:03,970 --> 00:05:04,971 Charity Hospital 199 00:05:04,971 --> 00:05:06,172 and satellite functions 200 00:05:06,172 --> 00:05:07,340 are going to be 201 00:05:07,340 --> 00:05:08,775 seriously impacted, 202 00:05:08,775 --> 00:05:09,776 says the governor, 203 00:05:09,776 --> 00:05:11,110 as realization of the 204 00:05:11,110 --> 00:05:13,246 severity of the cuts sinks in. 205 00:05:13,246 --> 00:05:14,414 He thinks there may be 206 00:05:14,414 --> 00:05:15,381 a growing movement 207 00:05:15,381 --> 00:05:16,582 in the legislature 208 00:05:16,582 --> 00:05:18,518 to pass a statewide lottery. 209 00:05:18,518 --> 00:05:20,620 We cannot balance the budget 210 00:05:20,620 --> 00:05:22,422 by simply making cuts. 211 00:05:22,422 --> 00:05:23,589 If we do that, we do 212 00:05:23,589 --> 00:05:25,825 seriously impact institutions 213 00:05:25,825 --> 00:05:26,492 and the functions 214 00:05:26,492 --> 00:05:27,627 of state government. 215 00:05:27,627 --> 00:05:28,461 I think now that 216 00:05:28,461 --> 00:05:30,496 realization is upon us all. 217 00:05:30,496 --> 00:05:31,698 I will be working 218 00:05:31,698 --> 00:05:33,199 with the members of the House 219 00:05:33,199 --> 00:05:34,100 and the Senate to try 220 00:05:34,100 --> 00:05:35,168 to resolve the problem. 221 00:05:35,168 --> 00:05:35,968 I will have to make 222 00:05:35,968 --> 00:05:36,769 some concessions, 223 00:05:36,769 --> 00:05:38,404 which I'm willing to do. 224 00:05:38,404 --> 00:05:40,740 I will have to change 225 00:05:40,740 --> 00:05:41,774 my attitude, 226 00:05:41,774 --> 00:05:43,309 which I am willing to do. 227 00:05:43,309 --> 00:05:44,777 Apparently now an adequate 228 00:05:44,777 --> 00:05:46,212 number of the House 229 00:05:46,212 --> 00:05:48,014 and the Senate are disposed 230 00:05:48,014 --> 00:05:49,349 to do the same thing. 231 00:05:49,349 --> 00:05:50,183 And the governor 232 00:05:50,183 --> 00:05:51,250 says he's offered 233 00:05:51,250 --> 00:05:52,752 House members a solution 234 00:05:52,752 --> 00:05:54,654 until the budget is balanced. 235 00:05:54,654 --> 00:05:56,055 He wants them to suspend 236 00:05:56,055 --> 00:05:57,824 their own legislative pay 237 00:05:57,824 --> 00:05:59,058 if they have to work past 238 00:05:59,058 --> 00:06:01,194 60 days of the 85 days 239 00:06:01,194 --> 00:06:02,462 session as mandated 240 00:06:02,462 --> 00:06:04,030 by the Constitution. 241 00:06:04,030 --> 00:06:05,164 And he says 242 00:06:05,164 --> 00:06:06,132 he doesn't want a 243 00:06:06,132 --> 00:06:07,533 special session. 244 00:06:07,533 --> 00:06:09,102 My judgment at this time, 245 00:06:09,102 --> 00:06:10,403 if you ask for my judgment 246 00:06:10,403 --> 00:06:11,838 and I will defer to the speaker 247 00:06:11,838 --> 00:06:12,438 and the president 248 00:06:12,438 --> 00:06:13,506 or the Senate . 249 00:06:13,506 --> 00:06:14,507 Is that we probably 250 00:06:14,507 --> 00:06:16,008 will not adjourn early, 251 00:06:16,008 --> 00:06:16,642 that it would be 252 00:06:16,642 --> 00:06:17,877 better business for us 253 00:06:17,877 --> 00:06:19,846 to stay here and do our jobs 254 00:06:19,846 --> 00:06:21,114 and then go home 255 00:06:21,114 --> 00:06:22,014 after the session, 256 00:06:22,014 --> 00:06:23,850 then have to face coming back 257 00:06:23,850 --> 00:06:25,151 while the Senate has set 258 00:06:25,151 --> 00:06:26,586 priorities to be funded 259 00:06:26,586 --> 00:06:28,020 if revenues are raised. 260 00:06:28,020 --> 00:06:29,422 Governor Edwards said he's 261 00:06:29,422 --> 00:06:30,590 willing to compromise 262 00:06:30,590 --> 00:06:32,592 with lawmakers, but he adds 263 00:06:32,725 --> 00:06:34,660 he doesn't necessarily agree 264 00:06:34,660 --> 00:06:36,996 with the proposed priorities. 265 00:06:36,996 --> 00:06:39,065 I have not yet concluded 266 00:06:39,766 --> 00:06:41,134 how I would like to prior 267 00:06:41,134 --> 00:06:43,669 to prior to rise the cuts, 268 00:06:43,669 --> 00:06:45,037 if we begin to move 269 00:06:45,037 --> 00:06:47,340 to try to avoid some of them. 270 00:06:47,340 --> 00:06:48,274 We will see casino 271 00:06:48,274 --> 00:06:49,208 gambling in New Orleans. 272 00:06:49,208 --> 00:06:50,143 We will see it because 273 00:06:50,143 --> 00:06:51,310 it is the only short 274 00:06:51,310 --> 00:06:53,179 and long range 275 00:06:53,179 --> 00:06:55,581 solution to our problems and 276 00:06:55,581 --> 00:06:57,817 because it has the support 277 00:06:57,817 --> 00:06:58,584 of the majority of the 278 00:06:58,584 --> 00:06:59,752 people of this state. 279 00:06:59,752 --> 00:07:01,020 And ultimately 280 00:07:01,020 --> 00:07:01,788 the people end up 281 00:07:01,788 --> 00:07:02,722 getting what they want 282 00:07:02,722 --> 00:07:04,557 and need. 283 00:07:04,557 --> 00:07:06,359 The Senate Judiciary Committee 284 00:07:06,359 --> 00:07:07,126 today gave their 285 00:07:07,126 --> 00:07:08,027 approval to a bill 286 00:07:08,027 --> 00:07:08,928 by Representative 287 00:07:08,928 --> 00:07:10,897 Bert and report that requires 288 00:07:10,897 --> 00:07:11,731 the pardon board 289 00:07:11,731 --> 00:07:12,765 to give written notice 290 00:07:12,765 --> 00:07:14,300 of a hearing to the victim 291 00:07:14,300 --> 00:07:16,335 and the spouse or next of kin 292 00:07:16,502 --> 00:07:17,470 if the offender is 293 00:07:17,470 --> 00:07:18,805 applying for pardon. 294 00:07:18,805 --> 00:07:20,506 The bill requires 295 00:07:20,506 --> 00:07:21,808 the pardon board to notify 296 00:07:21,808 --> 00:07:23,576 the next of kin 297 00:07:23,576 --> 00:07:25,645 of a deceased person 298 00:07:25,645 --> 00:07:26,946 when the applicant goes 299 00:07:26,946 --> 00:07:28,080 before the pardon board 300 00:07:28,080 --> 00:07:29,515 for for a pardon. 301 00:07:29,515 --> 00:07:31,250 Also, it includes psychological 302 00:07:31,250 --> 00:07:32,718 and physical abuse. 303 00:07:32,718 --> 00:07:33,386 And that, of course, 304 00:07:33,386 --> 00:07:34,387 is for rape cases 305 00:07:34,387 --> 00:07:36,756 and abuse of individuals. 306 00:07:36,756 --> 00:07:37,457 And we felt that 307 00:07:37,457 --> 00:07:39,091 it was necessary to do this, 308 00:07:39,091 --> 00:07:40,059 because right now, 309 00:07:40,059 --> 00:07:40,893 local government, 310 00:07:40,893 --> 00:07:43,296 local law enforcement personnel 311 00:07:44,163 --> 00:07:46,165 notify the next of kin. 312 00:07:46,165 --> 00:07:47,300 We felt that in some 313 00:07:47,300 --> 00:07:48,801 cases there has been dramatic 314 00:07:49,769 --> 00:07:51,103 effects of these people 315 00:07:51,103 --> 00:07:52,205 not being notified. 316 00:07:52,205 --> 00:07:53,239 And first thing they know, 317 00:07:53,239 --> 00:07:54,106 they see the Premiere 318 00:07:54,106 --> 00:07:55,041 on the street. 319 00:07:55,041 --> 00:07:56,509 So the pardon board would now 320 00:07:56,509 --> 00:07:57,343 would be required 321 00:07:57,343 --> 00:07:59,312 to notify the next of kin. 322 00:07:59,312 --> 00:08:00,446 A state education 323 00:08:00,446 --> 00:08:01,514 official says the U.S. 324 00:08:01,514 --> 00:08:03,015 attorney's office has demanded 325 00:08:03,015 --> 00:08:04,250 copies of all records 326 00:08:04,250 --> 00:08:05,151 showing how the state 327 00:08:05,151 --> 00:08:06,319 spent federal money 328 00:08:06,319 --> 00:08:07,954 for handicapped students. 329 00:08:07,954 --> 00:08:09,455 Deputy Superintendent Joe 330 00:08:09,455 --> 00:08:10,056 Kyle says 331 00:08:10,056 --> 00:08:11,624 the subpoena came today, 332 00:08:11,624 --> 00:08:12,892 one day after reports 333 00:08:12,892 --> 00:08:13,793 of federal audits 334 00:08:13,793 --> 00:08:15,027 were made public 335 00:08:15,027 --> 00:08:16,562 that stated 13 programs 336 00:08:16,562 --> 00:08:17,363 did little for the 337 00:08:17,363 --> 00:08:18,331 handicapped students 338 00:08:18,331 --> 00:08:19,899 they were supposed to help. 339 00:08:19,899 --> 00:08:20,933 Federal auditors said 340 00:08:20,933 --> 00:08:22,301 education superintendent 341 00:08:22,301 --> 00:08:23,736 Tom Closson and others 342 00:08:23,736 --> 00:08:25,071 repeatedly violated 343 00:08:25,071 --> 00:08:26,272 review procedures 344 00:08:26,272 --> 00:08:27,573 authorizing the spending 345 00:08:27,573 --> 00:08:28,774 of the federal money. 346 00:08:28,774 --> 00:08:29,876 And the audit recommends 347 00:08:29,876 --> 00:08:30,710 that the nine hundred 348 00:08:30,710 --> 00:08:31,944 and twelve thousand dollars 349 00:08:31,944 --> 00:08:32,912 that was wasted 350 00:08:32,912 --> 00:08:35,181 be repaid by the state 351 00:08:35,181 --> 00:08:36,282 before adopting a 352 00:08:36,282 --> 00:08:37,550 one point one billion 353 00:08:37,550 --> 00:08:39,352 dollar capital outlay bill. 354 00:08:39,352 --> 00:08:40,386 The House last night 355 00:08:40,386 --> 00:08:41,254 stripped several 356 00:08:41,254 --> 00:08:42,188 million dollars in 357 00:08:42,188 --> 00:08:43,689 construction projects. 358 00:08:43,689 --> 00:08:44,924 Those projects include 359 00:08:44,924 --> 00:08:46,292 an office of highways 360 00:08:46,292 --> 00:08:47,360 and a wildlife and 361 00:08:47,360 --> 00:08:48,694 fisheries building. 362 00:08:48,694 --> 00:08:50,396 However, most of the projects 363 00:08:50,396 --> 00:08:51,464 included in this bill 364 00:08:51,464 --> 00:08:52,598 will not be funded 365 00:08:52,598 --> 00:08:54,333 during the next fiscal year. 366 00:08:54,333 --> 00:08:56,002 And before that bill passed, 367 00:08:56,002 --> 00:08:57,303 the House voted to exempt 368 00:08:57,303 --> 00:08:58,504 state construction work 369 00:08:58,504 --> 00:09:00,273 from the prevailing wage law. 370 00:09:00,273 --> 00:09:01,807 But before the capital outlay 371 00:09:01,807 --> 00:09:03,342 bill hits the Senate floor. 372 00:09:03,342 --> 00:09:04,210 The state's labor 373 00:09:04,210 --> 00:09:05,311 union leader predicts 374 00:09:05,311 --> 00:09:07,580 it has no chance of passage. 375 00:09:07,580 --> 00:09:08,648 Basically, how much money 376 00:09:08,648 --> 00:09:10,249 do you think it could save over 377 00:09:10,249 --> 00:09:11,384 the next year? 378 00:09:11,384 --> 00:09:13,119 Well, the fiscal note 379 00:09:13,119 --> 00:09:14,086 when we tried to repeal 380 00:09:14,086 --> 00:09:14,720 was twenty seven 381 00:09:14,720 --> 00:09:15,288 million dollars. 382 00:09:15,288 --> 00:09:16,522 I put the quick, quick 383 00:09:16,522 --> 00:09:17,390 pencil to it yesterday 384 00:09:17,390 --> 00:09:17,924 and came up with 385 00:09:17,924 --> 00:09:18,691 30 million dollars. 386 00:09:18,691 --> 00:09:19,792 So it looks like 387 00:09:19,792 --> 00:09:21,394 about 30 million dollars. 388 00:09:21,394 --> 00:09:22,128 They really thought 389 00:09:22,128 --> 00:09:23,529 it was a joke. 390 00:09:23,529 --> 00:09:25,231 Well, it's a joke in a sense, 391 00:09:25,231 --> 00:09:26,399 but it takes a little time 392 00:09:26,399 --> 00:09:26,999 to take it off. 393 00:09:26,999 --> 00:09:28,100 But it'll come off the bill, 394 00:09:28,100 --> 00:09:29,168 there's no question about it. 395 00:09:29,168 --> 00:09:30,036 It could 396 00:09:30,036 --> 00:09:31,203 well jeopardize the bill 397 00:09:31,203 --> 00:09:31,871 if it stayed on. 398 00:09:31,871 --> 00:09:32,305 So it's not going 399 00:09:32,305 --> 00:09:33,172 to stay on the 400 00:09:33,172 --> 00:09:34,340 lawsuits totaling. 401 00:09:34,340 --> 00:09:35,207 Twenty two million 402 00:09:35,207 --> 00:09:36,442 dollars have been filed 403 00:09:36,442 --> 00:09:37,643 this week in Shreveport's 404 00:09:37,643 --> 00:09:38,678 federal court. 405 00:09:38,678 --> 00:09:40,046 They've been filed mostly 406 00:09:40,046 --> 00:09:41,480 by Louisiana pipefitters 407 00:09:41,480 --> 00:09:42,982 and sheet metal workers. 408 00:09:42,982 --> 00:09:43,849 They've been filed 409 00:09:43,849 --> 00:09:44,684 against companies 410 00:09:44,684 --> 00:09:45,685 that manufacture, 411 00:09:45,685 --> 00:09:47,453 sell or distribute products 412 00:09:47,453 --> 00:09:48,921 containing asbestos. 413 00:09:48,921 --> 00:09:50,022 Each lawsuit asks 414 00:09:50,022 --> 00:09:50,790 for nine hundred 415 00:09:50,790 --> 00:09:52,758 thousand dollars in damages, 416 00:09:52,758 --> 00:09:54,026 and the federal government 417 00:09:54,026 --> 00:09:55,328 has ordered a reduction 418 00:09:55,328 --> 00:09:56,495 in workers' exposure 419 00:09:56,495 --> 00:09:57,697 to asbestos. 420 00:09:57,697 --> 00:09:58,698 Federal officials 421 00:09:58,698 --> 00:10:00,766 want to reduce by 90 percent. 422 00:10:01,000 --> 00:10:02,301 The thousands of deaths 423 00:10:02,301 --> 00:10:03,035 and illnesses 424 00:10:03,035 --> 00:10:04,604 blamed on asbestos. 425 00:10:04,604 --> 00:10:04,971 Today, 426 00:10:04,971 --> 00:10:06,138 a bill on the House floor 427 00:10:06,138 --> 00:10:07,340 to limit liability 428 00:10:07,340 --> 00:10:09,108 of architects or engineers 429 00:10:09,108 --> 00:10:10,176 handling asbestos 430 00:10:10,176 --> 00:10:12,078 removal moved a step closer 431 00:10:12,078 --> 00:10:13,579 to final passage. 432 00:10:13,579 --> 00:10:14,046 Bill now 433 00:10:14,046 --> 00:10:16,415 extends that protection 434 00:10:16,415 --> 00:10:17,750 so long as as conformity 435 00:10:17,750 --> 00:10:18,951 with government codes 436 00:10:18,951 --> 00:10:20,419 and government conduct 437 00:10:20,419 --> 00:10:23,823 to engineers and to architects. 438 00:10:24,490 --> 00:10:25,358 Most of the people 439 00:10:25,358 --> 00:10:26,659 who are engaged in cleanup, 440 00:10:26,659 --> 00:10:28,628 however best us are 441 00:10:28,628 --> 00:10:29,662 caused by problems 442 00:10:29,662 --> 00:10:31,197 many years ago, are actual 443 00:10:31,197 --> 00:10:32,999 school personnel. 444 00:10:32,999 --> 00:10:33,733 This would extend 445 00:10:33,733 --> 00:10:35,034 that liability 446 00:10:35,034 --> 00:10:36,569 limitation liability 447 00:10:36,569 --> 00:10:38,104 to those school personnel 448 00:10:38,104 --> 00:10:39,338 when they are mitigating 449 00:10:39,338 --> 00:10:40,673 or cleaning up asbestos. 450 00:10:40,673 --> 00:10:42,375 If we don't do this. 451 00:10:42,375 --> 00:10:43,409 Professional engineers 452 00:10:43,409 --> 00:10:44,076 and architects are 453 00:10:44,076 --> 00:10:44,977 not going to be very 454 00:10:45,945 --> 00:10:47,480 eager to help clean up 455 00:10:47,480 --> 00:10:48,981 asbestos and hazardous waste. 456 00:10:48,981 --> 00:10:49,649 So that's the purpose of 457 00:10:49,649 --> 00:10:50,282 the bill, is to try 458 00:10:50,282 --> 00:10:51,317 to give them some relief 459 00:10:51,317 --> 00:10:52,184 and some encouragement 460 00:10:52,184 --> 00:10:53,786 to clean up. 461 00:10:53,786 --> 00:10:55,087 The House Transportation 462 00:10:55,087 --> 00:10:55,921 Committee this morning 463 00:10:55,921 --> 00:10:57,289 took up the issue of driving 464 00:10:57,289 --> 00:10:58,524 while intoxicated. 465 00:10:58,524 --> 00:11:00,192 A bill by Representative Armand 466 00:11:00,192 --> 00:11:01,527 Brinke House of Sunset 467 00:11:01,527 --> 00:11:03,562 would exempt a DWI violation 468 00:11:03,562 --> 00:11:05,331 from a person's arrest record 469 00:11:05,331 --> 00:11:06,065 for the first or 470 00:11:06,065 --> 00:11:07,166 second violation 471 00:11:07,166 --> 00:11:09,301 under certain circumstances. 472 00:11:09,301 --> 00:11:10,436 What the bill does 473 00:11:10,436 --> 00:11:11,103 is this under the 474 00:11:11,103 --> 00:11:13,139 three conditions, either of. 475 00:11:13,272 --> 00:11:14,373 Three conditions 476 00:11:14,373 --> 00:11:16,008 or any of them. 477 00:11:16,809 --> 00:11:18,577 It would not be remaining 478 00:11:18,577 --> 00:11:20,012 on the civil 479 00:11:20,012 --> 00:11:20,846 side of the record, 480 00:11:20,846 --> 00:11:22,081 keeping with respect 481 00:11:22,081 --> 00:11:23,549 to the civil sanction, 482 00:11:23,549 --> 00:11:25,051 D.W.I was an issue 483 00:11:25,051 --> 00:11:26,519 in another committee today. 484 00:11:26,519 --> 00:11:27,687 The Senate Judiciary 485 00:11:27,687 --> 00:11:28,721 B took up a bill 486 00:11:28,721 --> 00:11:30,122 that provides for the issuance 487 00:11:30,122 --> 00:11:31,424 of a special restricted 488 00:11:31,424 --> 00:11:32,058 license. 489 00:11:32,058 --> 00:11:32,992 In some cases, 490 00:11:32,992 --> 00:11:34,160 of drunk driving. 491 00:11:34,160 --> 00:11:35,728 Presently, the law is 492 00:11:35,728 --> 00:11:37,496 that when a person refuses 493 00:11:37,496 --> 00:11:39,165 to take a blood test or a 494 00:11:40,366 --> 00:11:42,668 test that would indicate 495 00:11:42,668 --> 00:11:44,570 how much alcohol 496 00:11:44,570 --> 00:11:46,439 they had consumed. 497 00:11:46,439 --> 00:11:47,840 Their license is suspended 498 00:11:47,840 --> 00:11:49,942 for 90 to 120 days. 499 00:11:50,242 --> 00:11:51,110 This legislation 500 00:11:51,110 --> 00:11:52,511 merely removes the 501 00:11:52,511 --> 00:11:54,246 the limitation, 502 00:11:54,246 --> 00:11:55,281 gives more discretion 503 00:11:55,281 --> 00:11:57,283 for the judge that an hour 504 00:11:57,283 --> 00:11:58,150 will be marked on 505 00:11:58,150 --> 00:11:59,318 the driver's license, 506 00:11:59,318 --> 00:12:00,252 indicating that it 507 00:12:00,252 --> 00:12:01,420 has been suspended 508 00:12:01,420 --> 00:12:02,154 for the entire 509 00:12:02,154 --> 00:12:03,823 time of the term. 510 00:12:03,823 --> 00:12:05,391 And that same committee took up 511 00:12:05,391 --> 00:12:06,425 still another issue 512 00:12:06,425 --> 00:12:07,727 dealing with alcohol. 513 00:12:07,727 --> 00:12:08,461 Senator John 514 00:12:08,461 --> 00:12:09,562 Johnson of New Orleans 515 00:12:09,562 --> 00:12:10,629 introduced a bill 516 00:12:10,629 --> 00:12:11,664 that requires anyone 517 00:12:11,664 --> 00:12:12,798 applying for a permit 518 00:12:12,798 --> 00:12:14,600 to sell alcoholic beverages 519 00:12:14,600 --> 00:12:15,835 to notify their senator 520 00:12:15,835 --> 00:12:17,169 and representatives. 521 00:12:17,169 --> 00:12:18,270 According to Johnson, 522 00:12:18,270 --> 00:12:19,538 this bill would alleviate 523 00:12:19,538 --> 00:12:21,674 a lot of problems. 524 00:12:21,674 --> 00:12:22,775 There are several districts 525 00:12:22,775 --> 00:12:25,010 around around the state 526 00:12:25,010 --> 00:12:27,379 where people go out 527 00:12:27,379 --> 00:12:29,749 to develop bars and restaurants 528 00:12:29,749 --> 00:12:31,016 and those kind of things. 529 00:12:31,016 --> 00:12:31,851 And in some cases 530 00:12:31,851 --> 00:12:32,585 say they're right 531 00:12:32,585 --> 00:12:33,319 across the street 532 00:12:33,319 --> 00:12:34,920 from a church or whatever 533 00:12:34,920 --> 00:12:35,955 the case may be. 534 00:12:35,955 --> 00:12:37,223 And ministers, 535 00:12:37,223 --> 00:12:38,357 I've had quite a few ministers 536 00:12:38,357 --> 00:12:41,293 to come to me and try to ask me 537 00:12:41,293 --> 00:12:42,261 what can I do in order 538 00:12:42,261 --> 00:12:43,496 to help them with the problem 539 00:12:43,496 --> 00:12:44,029 that they're confronted 540 00:12:44,029 --> 00:12:44,964 with, with 541 00:12:45,364 --> 00:12:46,065 the bill would do 542 00:12:46,065 --> 00:12:48,033 is to force notification 543 00:12:48,033 --> 00:12:49,702 of those liquor permits 544 00:12:49,702 --> 00:12:50,603 to the senators 545 00:12:50,603 --> 00:12:51,704 and the representatives 546 00:12:51,704 --> 00:12:52,938 so that we can have 547 00:12:52,938 --> 00:12:54,306 some kind of an impact 548 00:12:54,306 --> 00:12:56,242 in trying to assess 549 00:12:56,242 --> 00:12:57,143 the ministers 550 00:12:57,143 --> 00:12:58,010 or the church members 551 00:12:58,010 --> 00:12:58,944 to keep ballroom's 552 00:12:58,944 --> 00:12:59,812 right across the street 553 00:12:59,812 --> 00:13:01,514 from from their churches. 554 00:13:01,514 --> 00:13:02,782 While there's been renewed 555 00:13:02,782 --> 00:13:04,116 talk of a lottery today, 556 00:13:04,116 --> 00:13:04,984 there could also 557 00:13:04,984 --> 00:13:05,985 be hope for cable 558 00:13:05,985 --> 00:13:07,286 television bingo 559 00:13:07,286 --> 00:13:08,320 in the state's largest 560 00:13:08,320 --> 00:13:09,722 city, New Orleans. 561 00:13:09,722 --> 00:13:10,790 That bill lies on 562 00:13:10,790 --> 00:13:11,724 the Senate calendar, 563 00:13:11,724 --> 00:13:12,892 waiting to be discussed 564 00:13:12,892 --> 00:13:13,793 on the Senate floor 565 00:13:13,793 --> 00:13:14,894 by its author. 566 00:13:14,894 --> 00:13:15,561 Senator Tom 567 00:13:15,561 --> 00:13:16,896 Casey of New Orleans 568 00:13:16,896 --> 00:13:18,631 says it's a good idea for cable 569 00:13:18,631 --> 00:13:19,999 television to raise money, 570 00:13:19,999 --> 00:13:21,500 possibly for charities. 571 00:13:22,568 --> 00:13:24,670 The system is that individuals 572 00:13:24,670 --> 00:13:26,071 would buy cards for 573 00:13:26,071 --> 00:13:28,874 15 dollars per card. 574 00:13:28,874 --> 00:13:29,775 The card would be 575 00:13:29,775 --> 00:13:31,911 good for a week. 576 00:13:31,911 --> 00:13:34,713 The TV bingo would be run 577 00:13:34,780 --> 00:13:36,182 no more than five days 578 00:13:36,182 --> 00:13:37,817 a week and two hours 579 00:13:37,817 --> 00:13:39,518 per day, usually 580 00:13:39,518 --> 00:13:40,452 after 10 at 581 00:13:40,452 --> 00:13:41,821 10, 30 in the evening, 582 00:13:41,821 --> 00:13:43,989 so that it would not interfere 583 00:13:43,989 --> 00:13:46,258 with other regular bingo games 584 00:13:46,258 --> 00:13:48,561 that were being conducted 585 00:13:48,561 --> 00:13:51,096 at the American Legion homes 586 00:13:51,096 --> 00:13:52,965 and places like that 587 00:13:52,965 --> 00:13:54,800 for charitable purposes 588 00:13:54,800 --> 00:13:57,069 or nonprofit organizations. 589 00:13:57,069 --> 00:13:58,504 Many Capitol observers 590 00:13:58,504 --> 00:14:00,039 today are crediting a strong 591 00:14:00,039 --> 00:14:01,974 trial lawyers lobbying effort 592 00:14:01,974 --> 00:14:02,675 with killing 593 00:14:02,675 --> 00:14:03,676 most of the proposed 594 00:14:03,676 --> 00:14:05,377 liability law reforms. 595 00:14:05,377 --> 00:14:06,545 Today, a final bill. 596 00:14:06,545 --> 00:14:07,513 House Bill 14. 597 00:14:07,513 --> 00:14:09,181 Fifty five by Lafayette 598 00:14:09,181 --> 00:14:10,749 Representative Ron Gomez 599 00:14:10,749 --> 00:14:11,750 has been deferred 600 00:14:11,750 --> 00:14:12,985 in a Senate committee. 601 00:14:12,985 --> 00:14:14,320 That bill would have changed 602 00:14:14,320 --> 00:14:15,554 judicial interest. 603 00:14:15,554 --> 00:14:16,422 That's the interest 604 00:14:16,422 --> 00:14:17,623 on lawsuit damages 605 00:14:17,623 --> 00:14:19,158 actually accumulating 606 00:14:19,158 --> 00:14:20,759 from the time a damage suit 607 00:14:20,759 --> 00:14:22,228 is actually filed. 608 00:14:22,228 --> 00:14:23,128 It would have been changed 609 00:14:23,128 --> 00:14:25,130 from 12 percent to prime rate, 610 00:14:25,331 --> 00:14:27,132 which is now about 10 percent 611 00:14:27,132 --> 00:14:28,968 to plus one percent. 612 00:14:28,968 --> 00:14:30,469 Today, the liability reform 613 00:14:30,469 --> 00:14:31,303 package is lead 614 00:14:31,303 --> 00:14:32,471 author discussed 615 00:14:32,471 --> 00:14:33,672 why reform attempts 616 00:14:33,672 --> 00:14:34,940 have died a slow death 617 00:14:34,940 --> 00:14:37,142 this legislative session. 618 00:14:37,142 --> 00:14:38,577 Well, the littleI 619 00:14:38,577 --> 00:14:39,812 the Trial Lawyers Association 620 00:14:39,812 --> 00:14:41,213 did an outstanding job 621 00:14:41,213 --> 00:14:44,049 of turning the entire question 622 00:14:44,049 --> 00:14:45,317 on the insurance industry. 623 00:14:46,285 --> 00:14:48,153 Never was it addressed 624 00:14:48,153 --> 00:14:50,289 as to why self-insured, 625 00:14:50,289 --> 00:14:52,124 such as the state of Louisiana, 626 00:14:52,124 --> 00:14:53,459 are now paying five times 627 00:14:53,459 --> 00:14:54,460 as much in litigation 628 00:14:54,460 --> 00:14:55,895 and awards as they were five 629 00:14:55,895 --> 00:14:57,363 or six years ago. 630 00:14:57,363 --> 00:14:57,529 Now, 631 00:14:57,529 --> 00:14:58,597 there's no insurance companies 632 00:14:58,597 --> 00:14:59,665 involved in those type 633 00:14:59,665 --> 00:15:00,065 of things. 634 00:15:00,065 --> 00:15:00,966 It's health insurance, 635 00:15:00,966 --> 00:15:03,202 nor are they the municipalities 636 00:15:03,202 --> 00:15:05,170 or governmental agencies. 637 00:15:05,170 --> 00:15:05,871 So 638 00:15:06,171 --> 00:15:07,673 we probably bit off too much. 639 00:15:07,673 --> 00:15:08,340 We probably came at 640 00:15:08,340 --> 00:15:09,241 too big a package 641 00:15:09,241 --> 00:15:11,510 to complicated a package. 642 00:15:11,510 --> 00:15:12,511 We probably should have stayed 643 00:15:12,511 --> 00:15:13,946 within the confines of strict 644 00:15:13,946 --> 00:15:14,947 liability, comparative 645 00:15:14,947 --> 00:15:15,681 negligence, things 646 00:15:15,681 --> 00:15:16,282 that are easily 647 00:15:16,282 --> 00:15:17,850 understood by the public 648 00:15:17,850 --> 00:15:19,451 and that do truly affect 649 00:15:19,451 --> 00:15:20,552 and could truly affect 650 00:15:20,552 --> 00:15:21,754 rate setting. 651 00:15:21,820 --> 00:15:22,821 This morning, the Senate 652 00:15:22,821 --> 00:15:24,490 Judiciary Committee took up 653 00:15:24,490 --> 00:15:25,391 the sensitive issue 654 00:15:25,391 --> 00:15:26,392 of modern science 655 00:15:26,392 --> 00:15:27,660 versus religion. 656 00:15:27,660 --> 00:15:28,494 A bill sponsored 657 00:15:28,494 --> 00:15:29,194 by the Christian 658 00:15:29,194 --> 00:15:30,262 scientists today 659 00:15:30,262 --> 00:15:31,530 expanded on the cruelty 660 00:15:31,530 --> 00:15:32,831 to a juvenile statute 661 00:15:32,831 --> 00:15:34,466 by redefining what a child 662 00:15:34,466 --> 00:15:36,201 in need of care is. 663 00:15:36,201 --> 00:15:38,170 They literally work with them 664 00:15:38,170 --> 00:15:39,471 to do a lot of reading, 665 00:15:39,471 --> 00:15:41,774 a lot of careful prayer, 666 00:15:42,174 --> 00:15:43,208 a lot of examining 667 00:15:43,208 --> 00:15:44,176 of their thought, 668 00:15:44,176 --> 00:15:45,744 which their thought processes 669 00:15:45,744 --> 00:15:46,812 we feel are involved in. 670 00:15:47,980 --> 00:15:49,048 And the original 671 00:15:49,048 --> 00:15:50,149 problem to begin with. 672 00:15:50,149 --> 00:15:51,650 And they straighten that out 673 00:15:51,650 --> 00:15:53,819 and do just what 674 00:15:54,086 --> 00:15:54,887 it sounds flippant, 675 00:15:54,887 --> 00:15:55,454 but they would do 676 00:15:55,454 --> 00:15:56,622 just what the master 677 00:15:56,622 --> 00:15:57,389 Christian Christ 678 00:15:57,389 --> 00:15:58,791 Jesus would do to a patient 679 00:15:58,791 --> 00:16:00,626 if he were called today, 680 00:16:00,626 --> 00:16:01,460 if he were alive 681 00:16:01,460 --> 00:16:02,227 and able to do that. 682 00:16:02,227 --> 00:16:03,362 Today, we follow in 683 00:16:03,362 --> 00:16:04,463 the footsteps of Christ 684 00:16:04,463 --> 00:16:05,397 Jesus as carefully 685 00:16:05,397 --> 00:16:06,832 and as thoroughly as we can. 686 00:16:06,832 --> 00:16:08,033 But the bill as it stood, 687 00:16:08,033 --> 00:16:09,335 could put federal funds 688 00:16:09,335 --> 00:16:10,936 for child abuse in jeopardy 689 00:16:10,936 --> 00:16:11,937 without an amendment 690 00:16:11,937 --> 00:16:13,072 that would give a judge. 691 00:16:13,072 --> 00:16:14,206 Final authority over 692 00:16:14,206 --> 00:16:15,808 whether a child is truly in 693 00:16:15,808 --> 00:16:17,209 need of medical care. 694 00:16:17,209 --> 00:16:17,643 Frankly, 695 00:16:17,643 --> 00:16:18,644 we didn't see a problem 696 00:16:18,644 --> 00:16:19,345 if the laws 697 00:16:19,345 --> 00:16:20,346 we were opposing it, 698 00:16:20,346 --> 00:16:22,414 but we feel that we have 699 00:16:22,881 --> 00:16:23,816 can live with this. 700 00:16:23,816 --> 00:16:24,984 We are concerned about 701 00:16:24,984 --> 00:16:26,118 the Georgia ability 702 00:16:26,118 --> 00:16:27,419 and in certain cases 703 00:16:27,419 --> 00:16:28,721 to alter medical services. 704 00:16:28,721 --> 00:16:29,421 And I believe that 705 00:16:29,421 --> 00:16:30,289 the amendment does, 706 00:16:30,289 --> 00:16:31,890 and I would submit them. 707 00:16:31,890 --> 00:16:33,559 And in that same committee 708 00:16:33,559 --> 00:16:34,893 today, a bill was passed 709 00:16:34,893 --> 00:16:35,661 that strengthens 710 00:16:35,661 --> 00:16:36,862 the penalties for injuring 711 00:16:36,862 --> 00:16:38,464 or killing a police dog. 712 00:16:38,464 --> 00:16:39,298 The legislation, 713 00:16:39,298 --> 00:16:40,399 as amended, increases 714 00:16:40,399 --> 00:16:40,933 the penalty 715 00:16:40,933 --> 00:16:42,368 to six months in jail 716 00:16:42,368 --> 00:16:43,702 and or a fine up 717 00:16:43,702 --> 00:16:45,804 to twenty five hundred dollars. 718 00:16:45,804 --> 00:16:46,839 It is common knowledge 719 00:16:46,839 --> 00:16:48,374 in the criminal community 720 00:16:48,374 --> 00:16:49,641 that, you know, you 721 00:16:49,641 --> 00:16:50,976 can kill a police dog 722 00:16:50,976 --> 00:16:52,511 and it well, practically 723 00:16:52,511 --> 00:16:54,046 nothing will happen to you. 724 00:16:54,046 --> 00:16:55,447 But officers have related 725 00:16:55,447 --> 00:16:57,349 information to us that way. 726 00:16:57,349 --> 00:16:58,951 Their training range is located 727 00:16:58,951 --> 00:17:00,586 next to the parish prison. 728 00:17:00,586 --> 00:17:01,587 And these type of things 729 00:17:01,587 --> 00:17:02,721 are conveyed to these officers 730 00:17:02,721 --> 00:17:04,223 while they're training a dog. 731 00:17:04,223 --> 00:17:04,990 You might train them. 732 00:17:04,990 --> 00:17:05,691 Yeah, but when you get on 733 00:17:05,691 --> 00:17:06,625 the street, we don't kill it. 734 00:17:08,961 --> 00:17:10,963 Criminals have no 735 00:17:11,296 --> 00:17:12,197 they don't give a second 736 00:17:12,197 --> 00:17:13,265 thought to fire. 737 00:17:13,265 --> 00:17:13,565 And yet 738 00:17:13,565 --> 00:17:15,367 a policeman are his dog. 739 00:17:15,367 --> 00:17:16,502 This the 740 00:17:16,502 --> 00:17:18,170 the threat to the officer 741 00:17:18,170 --> 00:17:20,472 and the animal to the team. 742 00:17:20,472 --> 00:17:21,240 This is one thing 743 00:17:21,240 --> 00:17:22,474 that we're trying to deter. 744 00:17:22,474 --> 00:17:23,075 Joining us 745 00:17:23,075 --> 00:17:24,109 in our studio tonight 746 00:17:24,109 --> 00:17:25,511 are Representatives Donald Ray 747 00:17:25,511 --> 00:17:26,945 Kinnard of Baton Rouge 748 00:17:26,945 --> 00:17:27,780 and Representative 749 00:17:27,780 --> 00:17:29,615 Bud Brady of ALOG. 750 00:17:29,615 --> 00:17:29,948 Mr. 751 00:17:29,948 --> 00:17:30,416 Cannon. 752 00:17:30,416 --> 00:17:32,351 At this point, why is the House 753 00:17:32,351 --> 00:17:34,386 so reluctant to raise revenues? 754 00:17:34,787 --> 00:17:36,455 Well, I think the reason 755 00:17:36,455 --> 00:17:37,089 they're reluctant 756 00:17:37,089 --> 00:17:38,223 this particular time is 757 00:17:38,223 --> 00:17:39,358 we have just 758 00:17:39,358 --> 00:17:40,459 we have just finished 759 00:17:40,459 --> 00:17:41,360 cutting out some 760 00:17:41,360 --> 00:17:42,561 600 million dollars 761 00:17:42,561 --> 00:17:44,363 out of the appropriation bill. 762 00:17:44,363 --> 00:17:45,964 And I think that it would be 763 00:17:45,964 --> 00:17:47,900 I guess you would say 764 00:17:47,900 --> 00:17:48,967 it would be ill advised 765 00:17:48,967 --> 00:17:49,968 for us to turn right 766 00:17:49,968 --> 00:17:52,738 around and raise. 767 00:17:52,738 --> 00:17:54,873 I guess you'd say taxes once it 768 00:17:54,873 --> 00:17:56,108 we have cut out the six hundred 769 00:17:56,108 --> 00:17:56,809 million dollars 770 00:17:56,809 --> 00:17:58,177 that the consensus 771 00:17:58,177 --> 00:17:59,445 this morning in our breakfast 772 00:17:59,445 --> 00:18:00,412 was that, you know, 773 00:18:00,412 --> 00:18:01,747 since we've cut so much money 774 00:18:01,747 --> 00:18:02,748 out of the budget, 775 00:18:02,748 --> 00:18:04,550 is we just to sit back 776 00:18:04,550 --> 00:18:05,918 and see what type of impact 777 00:18:05,918 --> 00:18:07,052 that's going to have 778 00:18:07,052 --> 00:18:08,420 before we decide 779 00:18:08,420 --> 00:18:10,155 to raise additional 780 00:18:10,155 --> 00:18:12,024 revenues or additional fees. 781 00:18:13,025 --> 00:18:13,292 Mr. 782 00:18:13,292 --> 00:18:14,126 Brady, is there 783 00:18:14,126 --> 00:18:15,561 now a growing consensus 784 00:18:15,561 --> 00:18:17,963 for a statewide lottery? 785 00:18:17,996 --> 00:18:18,397 I don't know. 786 00:18:18,397 --> 00:18:19,131 Statewide, 787 00:18:19,131 --> 00:18:19,932 I think there's been 788 00:18:19,932 --> 00:18:23,001 a little change at home, but 789 00:18:23,001 --> 00:18:25,537 it's around 50 50 at home. 790 00:18:25,537 --> 00:18:26,805 And at this time, I'm committed 791 00:18:26,805 --> 00:18:27,606 that I cannot vote 792 00:18:27,606 --> 00:18:28,474 for a lottery or 793 00:18:28,474 --> 00:18:29,274 casino gambling. 794 00:18:29,274 --> 00:18:30,375 And that was discussed 795 00:18:30,375 --> 00:18:30,876 yesterday. 796 00:18:30,876 --> 00:18:31,610 The governor discussed 797 00:18:31,610 --> 00:18:33,178 both of them with us. 798 00:18:33,178 --> 00:18:34,646 But I've committed myself 799 00:18:34,646 --> 00:18:36,014 not to vote for him this year. 800 00:18:36,014 --> 00:18:37,549 And I personally don't 801 00:18:37,549 --> 00:18:38,317 do not say that 802 00:18:38,317 --> 00:18:40,185 either one will pass. 803 00:18:41,153 --> 00:18:41,787 Mr. Cannon? 804 00:18:41,787 --> 00:18:42,287 Well, 805 00:18:42,287 --> 00:18:43,222 I would like to make 806 00:18:43,222 --> 00:18:44,623 a comment this morning 807 00:18:44,623 --> 00:18:46,058 that was discussed thoroughly. 808 00:18:46,058 --> 00:18:47,659 And and the governor 809 00:18:47,659 --> 00:18:48,660 admitted this morning 810 00:18:48,660 --> 00:18:50,729 that he probably made 811 00:18:50,729 --> 00:18:51,763 a tactical error 812 00:18:51,763 --> 00:18:53,398 whenever he pushed both casino 813 00:18:53,398 --> 00:18:55,100 gambling and the lottery. 814 00:18:55,100 --> 00:18:56,068 He felt 815 00:18:56,068 --> 00:18:57,569 as if he had only pushed 816 00:18:57,569 --> 00:18:59,171 the lottery that passed, 817 00:18:59,171 --> 00:18:59,838 but it would have had a 818 00:18:59,838 --> 00:19:01,406 better chance of passing. So 819 00:19:02,474 --> 00:19:04,243 after I guess you would say 820 00:19:04,243 --> 00:19:04,910 after a good bit of 821 00:19:04,910 --> 00:19:06,211 discussion this morning, 822 00:19:06,211 --> 00:19:06,912 I think that you 823 00:19:06,912 --> 00:19:08,947 might see a move 824 00:19:10,249 --> 00:19:10,883 in the House 825 00:19:10,883 --> 00:19:11,984 and Senate to maybe 826 00:19:11,984 --> 00:19:13,051 restore the passage 827 00:19:13,051 --> 00:19:13,986 of the lottery. 828 00:19:13,986 --> 00:19:15,921 I, like Representative Brady, 829 00:19:15,921 --> 00:19:16,788 would have a difficult 830 00:19:16,788 --> 00:19:18,290 time voting for it, 831 00:19:18,290 --> 00:19:20,192 but it would be, 832 00:19:20,192 --> 00:19:21,693 I guess you would say, easier 833 00:19:21,693 --> 00:19:22,494 to vote for a lottery 834 00:19:22,494 --> 00:19:23,328 than it would be to vote 835 00:19:23,328 --> 00:19:24,363 for casino gambling. 836 00:19:24,363 --> 00:19:26,431 And I think the move 837 00:19:26,431 --> 00:19:28,000 will be in the next few days 838 00:19:28,000 --> 00:19:29,134 and probably 839 00:19:29,668 --> 00:19:31,236 revise 840 00:19:32,237 --> 00:19:33,105 everyone's thinking 841 00:19:33,105 --> 00:19:33,906 and try to come back 842 00:19:33,906 --> 00:19:36,475 and pass a lottery. 843 00:19:36,475 --> 00:19:38,610 I agree that we will either 844 00:19:38,610 --> 00:19:40,679 go in to extend this session 845 00:19:40,679 --> 00:19:41,413 or go through the 846 00:19:41,413 --> 00:19:41,980 regular session. 847 00:19:41,980 --> 00:19:42,648 We have to adjourn 848 00:19:42,648 --> 00:19:44,583 by midnight July the 14th. 849 00:19:44,583 --> 00:19:45,317 The plans were going out 850 00:19:45,317 --> 00:19:46,151 June 26. 851 00:19:46,151 --> 00:19:46,852 Now, understand that 852 00:19:46,852 --> 00:19:48,921 that probably been changing. 853 00:19:48,921 --> 00:19:49,988 I think that that will 854 00:19:49,988 --> 00:19:51,223 be facing once again 855 00:19:51,223 --> 00:19:52,024 a lottery either 856 00:19:52,024 --> 00:19:52,758 now or during 857 00:19:52,758 --> 00:19:53,525 a special session. 858 00:19:53,525 --> 00:19:55,294 The governor told us yesterday 859 00:19:55,294 --> 00:19:56,595 that if we passed it 860 00:19:56,595 --> 00:19:57,162 and if it was on the 861 00:19:57,162 --> 00:19:58,130 ballot in September 862 00:19:58,130 --> 00:19:59,665 27th at the state 863 00:19:59,665 --> 00:20:00,632 would be receiving 864 00:20:00,632 --> 00:20:02,201 income by December 1st. 865 00:20:03,468 --> 00:20:04,403 I hate to disagree with the 866 00:20:04,403 --> 00:20:05,304 governor, but I think 867 00:20:05,304 --> 00:20:05,771 it's going to take 868 00:20:05,771 --> 00:20:07,005 at least a year to set 869 00:20:07,005 --> 00:20:08,340 the mechanism up. 870 00:20:08,340 --> 00:20:09,541 So really, 871 00:20:09,541 --> 00:20:10,209 I don't think 872 00:20:10,209 --> 00:20:11,176 the issue of the lottery 873 00:20:11,176 --> 00:20:12,077 will solve anything 874 00:20:12,077 --> 00:20:13,312 at the present time. 875 00:20:13,312 --> 00:20:14,479 Now, the state 876 00:20:14,479 --> 00:20:15,981 we have passed enough revenue 877 00:20:15,981 --> 00:20:18,383 enhancements, our tax increases 878 00:20:18,383 --> 00:20:19,785 to offset Category 879 00:20:19,785 --> 00:20:21,353 A, which is minimum foundation 880 00:20:21,353 --> 00:20:22,921 cuts, and 87 881 00:20:22,921 --> 00:20:23,655 percent of the cuts 882 00:20:23,655 --> 00:20:25,657 for your public broadcasting. 883 00:20:25,657 --> 00:20:26,692 Now, you have 13 884 00:20:26,692 --> 00:20:28,527 percent cuts in subject. 885 00:20:28,527 --> 00:20:29,194 We haven't gotten 886 00:20:29,194 --> 00:20:30,028 quite that far. 887 00:20:30,028 --> 00:20:31,463 We're almost there right now. 888 00:20:31,463 --> 00:20:32,464 I talked drifts in around 889 00:20:32,464 --> 00:20:34,233 moving forward before the show, 890 00:20:34,233 --> 00:20:35,667 and he's hopeful 891 00:20:35,667 --> 00:20:37,302 that by the end of the week 892 00:20:37,302 --> 00:20:38,437 that we would have gone 893 00:20:38,437 --> 00:20:40,872 that far to have cut that. 894 00:20:40,872 --> 00:20:41,974 And if we go into a 895 00:20:41,974 --> 00:20:43,008 conference committee, 896 00:20:44,743 --> 00:20:46,211 which I probably 897 00:20:46,211 --> 00:20:46,979 will vote tomorrow 898 00:20:46,979 --> 00:20:48,080 to do that, I'm not sure you 899 00:20:48,080 --> 00:20:48,680 probably the vote 900 00:20:48,680 --> 00:20:49,047 to put it in 901 00:20:49,047 --> 00:20:50,215 conference committee. 902 00:20:50,215 --> 00:20:51,149 The first thing that's going 903 00:20:51,149 --> 00:20:52,050 to be tried on the House 904 00:20:52,050 --> 00:20:54,086 side will be to rearrange 905 00:20:54,086 --> 00:20:55,687 a lot of these categories. 906 00:20:55,687 --> 00:20:57,856 But I've talked to people 907 00:20:57,856 --> 00:20:59,191 that may be on the committee 908 00:20:59,191 --> 00:21:00,125 and they feel like that 909 00:21:00,125 --> 00:21:00,626 they're going to 910 00:21:00,626 --> 00:21:01,460 look after first 911 00:21:01,460 --> 00:21:02,261 to restore the cuts 912 00:21:02,261 --> 00:21:03,161 for minimum foundation 913 00:21:03,161 --> 00:21:04,730 and all of the cuts 914 00:21:04,730 --> 00:21:07,099 for public broadcasting. 915 00:21:07,099 --> 00:21:07,399 Mr. 916 00:21:07,399 --> 00:21:09,067 Kennard, why still is there 917 00:21:09,067 --> 00:21:10,102 such a reluctance 918 00:21:10,102 --> 00:21:11,370 to raise taxes 919 00:21:11,370 --> 00:21:13,038 like a property tax? Luisito. 920 00:21:13,038 --> 00:21:13,972 Anna still has one of the 921 00:21:13,972 --> 00:21:17,109 lowest taxes in the country. 922 00:21:17,109 --> 00:21:18,710 I think it's more 923 00:21:18,710 --> 00:21:20,078 or less traditional. 924 00:21:20,078 --> 00:21:22,281 I think that people just 925 00:21:22,281 --> 00:21:23,815 they really resist. 926 00:21:23,815 --> 00:21:25,317 That's a sacred cow. 927 00:21:25,317 --> 00:21:25,784 I know. 928 00:21:25,784 --> 00:21:28,253 And one of my civic association 929 00:21:28,420 --> 00:21:30,022 and meetings that I attended 930 00:21:30,022 --> 00:21:31,056 prior to the session, 931 00:21:31,056 --> 00:21:32,224 they had one hundred people 932 00:21:32,224 --> 00:21:33,558 at that meeting. 933 00:21:33,558 --> 00:21:35,027 And I proposed or 934 00:21:35,027 --> 00:21:36,561 I ask them what they thought 935 00:21:36,561 --> 00:21:37,796 about raising 936 00:21:37,796 --> 00:21:39,231 their property taxes. 937 00:21:39,231 --> 00:21:40,432 They were unanimous. 938 00:21:40,432 --> 00:21:41,600 One hundred people 939 00:21:41,600 --> 00:21:42,367 said, no, 940 00:21:42,367 --> 00:21:43,335 they did not want their 941 00:21:43,335 --> 00:21:44,770 property taxes raised. 942 00:21:44,770 --> 00:21:45,871 I think I think it's 943 00:21:45,871 --> 00:21:47,973 a psychological barrier 944 00:21:48,173 --> 00:21:49,274 that we have to overcome 945 00:21:49,274 --> 00:21:50,242 in this state. 946 00:21:50,242 --> 00:21:52,244 And even though we are in such 947 00:21:52,244 --> 00:21:53,845 a fiscal crisis right now, 948 00:21:54,980 --> 00:21:56,748 you know, maybe people will 949 00:21:56,748 --> 00:21:58,950 step back and and, 950 00:21:59,084 --> 00:22:00,118 you know, reevaluate 951 00:22:00,118 --> 00:22:01,119 their thinking. 952 00:22:01,119 --> 00:22:02,721 But basically, the reason 953 00:22:02,721 --> 00:22:04,056 that they do not want 954 00:22:04,056 --> 00:22:04,923 the property taxes. 955 00:22:04,923 --> 00:22:05,624 Right, I guess, is 956 00:22:05,624 --> 00:22:06,958 because they haven't 957 00:22:06,958 --> 00:22:08,160 they've never paid property 958 00:22:08,160 --> 00:22:09,661 taxes in this state. 959 00:22:09,661 --> 00:22:11,296 I know I get calls from people 960 00:22:11,296 --> 00:22:12,564 that live in my district 961 00:22:12,564 --> 00:22:14,766 that came here from Minnesota 962 00:22:14,766 --> 00:22:16,301 and New York, Flautre, 963 00:22:16,301 --> 00:22:19,004 and they poor that they don't 964 00:22:19,004 --> 00:22:20,372 have to pay, 965 00:22:20,372 --> 00:22:21,173 that they pay hardly 966 00:22:21,173 --> 00:22:22,140 any property taxes. 967 00:22:22,140 --> 00:22:23,875 So I guess you would think 968 00:22:23,875 --> 00:22:24,643 I guess you would say 969 00:22:24,643 --> 00:22:27,145 it's just the thinking. 970 00:22:27,145 --> 00:22:27,813 I don't want to say 971 00:22:27,813 --> 00:22:28,947 the mentality, but 972 00:22:28,947 --> 00:22:30,615 but the thinking people have, 973 00:22:30,615 --> 00:22:32,150 you know, in Louisiana 974 00:22:32,150 --> 00:22:33,051 that they're not supposed 975 00:22:33,051 --> 00:22:34,252 to buy property taxes 976 00:22:34,252 --> 00:22:36,388 and they resist to 977 00:22:36,388 --> 00:22:37,956 do paying any additional taxes 978 00:22:37,956 --> 00:22:38,957 when it comes to property. 979 00:22:39,925 --> 00:22:40,225 Mr. 980 00:22:40,225 --> 00:22:41,193 Brady, as the Governor 981 00:22:41,193 --> 00:22:42,060 Edwards begins to 982 00:22:42,060 --> 00:22:42,861 get more involved 983 00:22:42,861 --> 00:22:44,529 in the budget process, 984 00:22:44,529 --> 00:22:45,797 is it almost like the beginning 985 00:22:45,797 --> 00:22:48,500 of a new legislative session? 986 00:22:48,500 --> 00:22:49,568 Oh, not really. 987 00:22:49,568 --> 00:22:50,502 I think we have worked 988 00:22:50,502 --> 00:22:51,837 long and hard hours. 989 00:22:51,837 --> 00:22:54,172 And if he can suggest something 990 00:22:55,374 --> 00:22:57,275 to me that would be positive, 991 00:22:57,275 --> 00:22:59,544 I think it would be good. 992 00:22:59,544 --> 00:23:00,512 Right now, we're 993 00:23:00,512 --> 00:23:01,813 all in doubt as what he may 994 00:23:01,813 --> 00:23:02,981 suggest for us to do. 995 00:23:02,981 --> 00:23:04,082 But as of today, 996 00:23:04,082 --> 00:23:05,083 we're still operating 997 00:23:05,083 --> 00:23:06,518 very independently, 998 00:23:06,518 --> 00:23:07,419 and I think we will 999 00:23:07,419 --> 00:23:08,920 continue to do so. 1000 00:23:08,920 --> 00:23:09,888 And if he keeps on 1001 00:23:09,888 --> 00:23:12,090 insisting on the gambling, 1002 00:23:12,090 --> 00:23:13,492 we may go into the 1003 00:23:13,492 --> 00:23:14,559 first crisis ever 1004 00:23:14,559 --> 00:23:15,394 in the history of the state 1005 00:23:15,394 --> 00:23:16,194 and not have a budget 1006 00:23:16,194 --> 00:23:17,963 by July the 1st. 1007 00:23:17,963 --> 00:23:18,997 Mr. Cannard, Mr. 1008 00:23:18,997 --> 00:23:19,965 Brady, thank you for 1009 00:23:19,965 --> 00:23:21,099 being our guest this evening. 1010 00:23:22,834 --> 00:23:23,769 The House has given 1011 00:23:23,769 --> 00:23:25,170 final approval to a bill 1012 00:23:25,170 --> 00:23:26,304 requiring consent 1013 00:23:26,304 --> 00:23:27,672 of both parties before 1014 00:23:27,672 --> 00:23:29,574 recording a conversation. 1015 00:23:29,574 --> 00:23:30,509 That bill has been 1016 00:23:30,509 --> 00:23:31,276 lobbied heavily 1017 00:23:31,276 --> 00:23:32,043 by the governor's 1018 00:23:32,043 --> 00:23:33,645 brother, Marion Edwards. 1019 00:23:33,645 --> 00:23:34,946 Marion Edwards recently 1020 00:23:34,946 --> 00:23:36,548 lost a lawsuit against U.S. 1021 00:23:36,548 --> 00:23:38,083 attorneys Dan Bardwell 1022 00:23:38,083 --> 00:23:39,551 involving an automobile 1023 00:23:39,551 --> 00:23:40,786 telephone conversation 1024 00:23:40,786 --> 00:23:42,788 recorded by a third party. 1025 00:23:42,788 --> 00:23:44,055 A companion bill 1026 00:23:44,055 --> 00:23:45,457 also makes it illegal 1027 00:23:45,457 --> 00:23:46,391 to manufacture 1028 00:23:46,391 --> 00:23:47,993 eavesdropping equipment. 1029 00:23:47,993 --> 00:23:49,661 Haoma representative hunt down 1030 00:23:49,661 --> 00:23:51,997 or lead its final passage. 1031 00:23:51,997 --> 00:23:53,899 The purpose is to outlaw 1032 00:23:53,899 --> 00:23:56,802 the illegal sale, manufacture, 1033 00:23:56,802 --> 00:23:58,103 assembly or offering 1034 00:23:58,103 --> 00:24:00,238 for sale of 1035 00:24:00,238 --> 00:24:02,073 our importation 1036 00:24:02,073 --> 00:24:03,542 of eavesdropping 1037 00:24:03,542 --> 00:24:05,710 devices excluded 1038 00:24:05,710 --> 00:24:07,646 police officers and people 1039 00:24:07,646 --> 00:24:09,014 like that from this bill. 1040 00:24:09,014 --> 00:24:10,148 Yes, sir. 1041 00:24:10,148 --> 00:24:11,650 So that they can still do it. 1042 00:24:11,650 --> 00:24:13,285 How can you accidentally 1043 00:24:13,285 --> 00:24:15,520 eavesdrop on somebody? 1044 00:24:15,520 --> 00:24:17,489 Well, can you do that? 1045 00:24:17,489 --> 00:24:18,690 You accidentally might 1046 00:24:18,690 --> 00:24:20,025 stumble on to them. 1047 00:24:20,025 --> 00:24:21,393 But if you listen, 1048 00:24:21,393 --> 00:24:22,694 then you're not accidental. 1049 00:24:22,694 --> 00:24:23,295 If you're for 1050 00:24:23,295 --> 00:24:24,930 illegal eavesdropping 1051 00:24:24,930 --> 00:24:26,298 and the sale of illegal 1052 00:24:26,298 --> 00:24:27,532 eavesdropping equipment, 1053 00:24:27,532 --> 00:24:29,201 your vote against the bill 1054 00:24:29,201 --> 00:24:30,502 if you for good government 1055 00:24:30,502 --> 00:24:31,603 and let's keep everybody 1056 00:24:31,603 --> 00:24:32,704 honest, let's keep 1057 00:24:32,704 --> 00:24:33,705 your conversations 1058 00:24:33,705 --> 00:24:35,474 private and confidential 1059 00:24:35,474 --> 00:24:36,942 without the fear of someone 1060 00:24:36,942 --> 00:24:38,109 trying to listen in 1061 00:24:38,109 --> 00:24:39,177 on your communication, 1062 00:24:39,177 --> 00:24:40,812 you vote for the bill. 1063 00:24:40,812 --> 00:24:42,547 State Senator Ju-Ju Monville 1064 00:24:42,547 --> 00:24:44,416 Aventuras is tossing his hat 1065 00:24:44,416 --> 00:24:46,518 into a heated US Senate race. 1066 00:24:46,518 --> 00:24:47,085 Jim Monville 1067 00:24:47,085 --> 00:24:48,153 announced his intention 1068 00:24:48,153 --> 00:24:49,254 to run last night 1069 00:24:49,254 --> 00:24:50,622 on the Senate floor 1070 00:24:50,622 --> 00:24:51,523 as a Democrat. 1071 00:24:51,523 --> 00:24:52,424 Jim Monville enters 1072 00:24:52,424 --> 00:24:53,558 that heated race 1073 00:24:53,558 --> 00:24:54,259 against fellow 1074 00:24:54,259 --> 00:24:55,427 Democrats Congressman 1075 00:24:55,427 --> 00:24:57,128 John Breaux and Insurance 1076 00:24:57,128 --> 00:24:58,830 Commissioner Sherman Benaud. 1077 00:24:58,830 --> 00:24:59,731 Congressman Hansen 1078 00:24:59,731 --> 00:25:00,432 Moore is running 1079 00:25:00,432 --> 00:25:02,934 for that seat as a Republican. 1080 00:25:02,934 --> 00:25:03,969 Well, I just think that I add 1081 00:25:03,969 --> 00:25:05,237 a dimension to this campaign 1082 00:25:05,237 --> 00:25:06,671 that's not been expressed. 1083 00:25:06,671 --> 00:25:07,939 I feel like both Moore 1084 00:25:07,939 --> 00:25:09,574 and Breaux are similar, 1085 00:25:09,574 --> 00:25:10,275 somewhat similar. 1086 00:25:10,275 --> 00:25:10,976 They've got very, 1087 00:25:10,976 --> 00:25:11,877 very conservative 1088 00:25:11,877 --> 00:25:13,211 in their voting record. 1089 00:25:13,211 --> 00:25:13,812 And I don't think 1090 00:25:13,812 --> 00:25:14,546 that the population 1091 00:25:14,546 --> 00:25:15,814 of Louisiana is totally 1092 00:25:15,814 --> 00:25:17,048 that conservative. 1093 00:25:17,048 --> 00:25:19,050 I think that they have failed 1094 00:25:19,050 --> 00:25:20,719 to represent to the people 1095 00:25:20,719 --> 00:25:22,621 the true issues of the campaign 1096 00:25:22,621 --> 00:25:23,755 for 17 years. 1097 00:25:23,755 --> 00:25:24,689 Warren Burger was the 1098 00:25:24,689 --> 00:25:26,124 nation's chief justice, 1099 00:25:26,124 --> 00:25:27,025 but he's decided 1100 00:25:27,025 --> 00:25:28,159 to leave the job. 1101 00:25:28,159 --> 00:25:29,194 President Reagan says 1102 00:25:29,194 --> 00:25:30,328 Berger is stepping down 1103 00:25:30,328 --> 00:25:31,596 from the Supreme Court 1104 00:25:31,596 --> 00:25:32,998 to head the 1987 1105 00:25:32,998 --> 00:25:33,999 observance of the 1106 00:25:33,999 --> 00:25:35,133 US Constitution's 1107 00:25:35,133 --> 00:25:36,768 two hundredth anniversary. 1108 00:25:36,768 --> 00:25:37,669 Reagan has chosen 1109 00:25:37,669 --> 00:25:39,070 Justice William Rehnquist 1110 00:25:39,070 --> 00:25:40,972 to be the new chief justice. 1111 00:25:40,972 --> 00:25:42,140 And the head of Louisiana's 1112 00:25:42,140 --> 00:25:42,774 Big Charity 1113 00:25:42,774 --> 00:25:44,109 Hospital in New Orleans 1114 00:25:44,109 --> 00:25:44,943 says the hospital 1115 00:25:44,943 --> 00:25:45,710 may have to cut its 1116 00:25:45,710 --> 00:25:47,012 operation in half. 1117 00:25:47,012 --> 00:25:48,280 If proposed state budget 1118 00:25:48,280 --> 00:25:49,681 cuts are adopted, 1119 00:25:49,681 --> 00:25:50,882 Director Elliott Roberts 1120 00:25:50,882 --> 00:25:51,917 says the Senate's proposed 1121 00:25:51,917 --> 00:25:53,084 budget leaves 12 1122 00:25:53,084 --> 00:25:53,985 million dollars from 1123 00:25:53,985 --> 00:25:55,153 charities funding, 1124 00:25:55,153 --> 00:25:56,521 and that could mean the closure 1125 00:25:56,521 --> 00:25:57,756 of four hundred beds 1126 00:25:57,756 --> 00:25:58,657 and turning away 1127 00:25:58,657 --> 00:26:00,659 as many as 1000 people a day. 1128 00:26:00,959 --> 00:26:01,860 And Roberts calls 1129 00:26:01,860 --> 00:26:04,062 that an impossible situation. 1130 00:26:04,796 --> 00:26:06,264 And a few final notes. 1131 00:26:06,264 --> 00:26:07,299 The House today killed 1132 00:26:07,299 --> 00:26:08,233 a Senate resolution 1133 00:26:08,233 --> 00:26:09,234 to suspend the blue 1134 00:26:09,234 --> 00:26:10,335 laws immediately 1135 00:26:10,335 --> 00:26:11,403 before the effective 1136 00:26:11,403 --> 00:26:12,237 date of the repeal, 1137 00:26:12,237 --> 00:26:14,105 which is December 1st. 1138 00:26:14,105 --> 00:26:14,973 Over in the Senate, 1139 00:26:14,973 --> 00:26:15,874 a bill that restricts 1140 00:26:15,874 --> 00:26:17,275 visitation between a child 1141 00:26:17,275 --> 00:26:18,510 and the parent who subjects 1142 00:26:18,510 --> 00:26:19,811 that child to abuse 1143 00:26:19,811 --> 00:26:21,079 won unanimous approval 1144 00:26:21,079 --> 00:26:22,347 from the House today. 1145 00:26:22,347 --> 00:26:23,315 The bill by Senator 1146 00:26:23,315 --> 00:26:24,583 William Jefferson passed 1147 00:26:24,583 --> 00:26:26,184 ninety seven to zero. 1148 00:26:26,184 --> 00:26:27,586 And finally, a House 1149 00:26:27,586 --> 00:26:28,954 committee today approved a bill 1150 00:26:28,954 --> 00:26:29,888 that could generate some 1151 00:26:29,888 --> 00:26:30,855 two million dollars 1152 00:26:30,855 --> 00:26:31,790 for the state. 1153 00:26:31,790 --> 00:26:33,158 The bill by Senator Don 1154 00:26:33,158 --> 00:26:34,559 Kelly calls for a two dollars 1155 00:26:34,559 --> 00:26:36,027 handling fee to be imposed 1156 00:26:36,027 --> 00:26:37,228 on license tags. 1157 00:26:37,228 --> 00:26:38,296 Whether you walk in 1158 00:26:38,296 --> 00:26:39,731 or have it mailed to you. 1159 00:26:39,731 --> 00:26:40,765 The money generated 1160 00:26:40,765 --> 00:26:42,067 would go to keep the driver's 1161 00:26:42,067 --> 00:26:42,801 license bureaus 1162 00:26:42,801 --> 00:26:44,603 in the state open. 1163 00:26:44,603 --> 00:26:45,737 That's our show for tonight. 1164 00:26:45,737 --> 00:26:46,705 Hope you enjoyed it. 1165 00:26:46,705 --> 00:26:47,539 We'll be back again 1166 00:26:47,539 --> 00:26:48,206 tomorrow night 1167 00:26:48,206 --> 00:26:49,240 with another edition 1168 00:26:49,240 --> 00:26:50,542 of Legislative Report.