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A recent poll of Louisiana voters finds that 45 percent say that the state is on the wrong track and getting worse. Yet, turnout for the last gubernatorial race was significantly lower than the 2018 national midterms. In October, voters will be choosing not only the governor, but state legislators…nearly forty percent whose seats were term-limited this year. So, how can Louisianans be encouraged to be more active in the political process? How will new lawmakers gain much-needed institutional knowledge? What influence do lobbyists have in legislative affairs? And what are the state’s most pressing issues and how should they be addressed?
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Louisiana leads the country in the rate of young people murdered through gun violence. Black youth are 14 times more likely to die at the hands of a gun than white teens. Additionally, the state has the second highest rate of children, aged 17 and younger, who are unintentionally shot. Why are Louisiana’s younger residents so vulnerable to gun violence? How does exposure to this violence affect their physical and mental well-being? What is the state doing to help confront the issue and where do gaps remain?
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Teacher pay raises. A boost to the minimum wage. Legalizing sports betting. Advancing or abolishing Louisiana’s death penalty? These were some of the major issues considered over the course of the legislature’s 2019 Regular Session that began in April. For the first four months of the year, Louisiana Public Square thoroughly examined these topics through thoughtful conversation among stakeholders on both sides. This month, Louisiana Public Square takes a look back at the issues that made headlines and how each fared at the state capitol.
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Many scientists argue we are nearing a tipping point to save the coast, which demands “connecting the dots,” significant investment and a change in priorities. Louisiana Public Square, in partnership with public radio station WWNO, brings together coastal stakeholders, NGOs, researchers and industry leaders to explore strategies that reduce coastal land loss and protect lives. This program is made possible in part through funding from WNET and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
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Louisiana Public Square brings together proponents and opponents of capital punishment to explore the debate.
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Last May, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a law prohibiting sports betting in all states but Nevada. Efforts in the legislature to allow sports gaming in Louisiana failed in 2018. This session will see a renewed push by lawmakers to allow sports betting with some supporting dedicating proceeds to early childhood education. What are the pros and cons of legalizing sports gaming? How would it be implemented in Louisiana? How much revenue could state government hope to see? And what are the challenges of dedicating another revenue stream? Louisiana Public Square looks for answers to these questions and more on “What are the Odds? Sports Betting in Louisiana” airing Wednesday, March 27 at 7pm on LPB and in New Orleans on WLAE.
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Louisiana has the third highest poverty rate in the country. This year Governor John Bel Edwards will attempt once again to raise the minimum wage for Louisiana workers. His goal is $8.50 an hour phased in over two years. But is raising the minimum wage the answer to helping Louisiana residents get out of poverty? Or does the solution involve something more? Large numbers of high wage jobs go unfilled because employers can’t find qualified applicants. Nearly 55% of Louisiana adults lack a college degree or postsecondary credential. What is the state doing to train and further educate its citizens to obtain the skills to get a well-paying job? What programs are working and what challenges remain? Louisiana Public Square looks for answers on “Beyond the Minimum Wage” Wednesday, February 27 at 7 p.m. on LPB HD.
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Louisiana public school teachers returning to the classroom in January, may see a pay increase on the horizon. Governor John Bel Edwards says his top priority for the 2019 legislative session is funding a teacher pay raise. Educators in the South earn an average of $50,955 annually, In Louisiana, the average is $49,745. But, some teacher advocates already are complaining that the Governor’s proposed $1,000 bump in pay is too low. So, what is an adequate raise? How will a salary increase and teacher retirement costs be funded? Should support staff be included in the mix? And what can local communities expect in exchange for higher teacher pay? Louisiana Public Square looks for answers to these questions and more on “The Value of Teachers” Wednesday, January 23 at 7pm on LPB and in New Orleans on WLAE. (Program recording Wednesday, January 16.) The panelists are: - Sen. Conrad Appel, R-Metairie; Senate Education Committee - Michael Faulk, Louisiana Association of School Superintendents - Debbie Meaux, Louisiana Association of Educators - Donald Songy, Senior Policy Advisor to Governor John Bel Edwards Beth Courtney, LPB CEO, and Barry Erwin, president of the Council for A Better Louisiana, will host.
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