– 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.
FEBRUARY 2021 Government Highlights
VOTE: SATURDAY, MARCH 20, 2021
Water and Sewerage tax renewal vote on Saturday, March 20, 2021. Early voting is March 6 – 13, 2021. For more information, visit GeauxVote.com
State Legislator race, District 82.
Jefferson Parish Clean and Safe Pledge for all area businesses to agree to:
- Follow CDC Cleaning Protocols
- Wear Masks or Face Coverings
- Provide Hand Sanitizer
- Practice Social Distancing
- Train Staff How to Be Clean & Safe
- Abide by all Orders and Directives Issued by Governmental and Public Health Officials
You can download your decal after you fill out the form at www.visitjeffersonparish.com
- Tax credit for your 2020 tax return…Filers can choose to use their 2019 income rather than their 2020 income.
- Education Superintendent, Cade Brumley, wants to launch “Fast Forward” to allow juniors and seniors to spend time earning an associate degree or take part in an apprenticeship while in high school. The money will follow the student; not the institution.
- NASA based at Stennis Space Center tested for the most powerful rocket in the world.
- S&P upgraded the La. Highway Bond rating for state highway improvements.
- City Park will host a drive-thru “Floats in the Oaks” to see floats from different Mardi Gras krewes.
- French Quarter Fest and Jazz Fest have been postponed to the fall.
- Copeland Tower (or the old Landmark Hotel) will be converted to a Senior Community called Vitality Living.