August 2021 Government Updates
– Governor Edwards has reinstated the mask mandate until September 1, 2021.
– La. has finally stopped the federal unemployment subsidy payment on July 31, 2021. In exchange, The legislature raised the state unemployment to $275 a week beginning in January.
– Many new La. laws took effect on August 1st:
Ending jail time for small amounts of recreational marijuana;
Abortion pill restrictions;
Chokehold restraints by police officers;
Restaurants can sell ready to drink alcoholic beverages for delivery;
La. athletic events will start with the national anthem;
$100 annual fee on seafood businesses that sell imported seafood;
And, an African American history course is an eligible credit for TOPS
-However, The La. override session failed to overturn any vetoes
IN EDUCATION
-La. students have worked with NASA to simulate life on a space station.
-Ochsner launched a scholarship program for nursing students in exchange for employment with Ochsner after graduation.
-The Jefferson Parish Schools will require masks for all students, at least until September 1st.
-Also, our Jefferson Parish schools have partnered with Children’s Hospital through ThriveKids Student Wellness Project. This will provide pediatric care and mental health services to JP students.
IN BUSINESS
– Breeze Airways launched at Louis Armstrong Airport with 10 nonstop flights.
-The New Orleans Superdome will now be the Caesars Superdome with an estimated value at $138 million through 2041.