Collection:LPB

Genre: Panel

Place Covered: Louisiana

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority

Date Issued: 2008-03-26

Duration: 00:56:26

Subjects: Politics | Government | Louisiana. Legislature | Louisiana Legislative Session, 2008 | STATE BUDGET

Contributors:

• Courtney, Beth Host
• Freeman, Craig Host
• Brandt, Jim Interviewee
• Edwards, Tia Interviewee
• Chaisson, Joel Interviewee
• Bertrand, Gary Speaker
• Overhultz, Gerard Speaker
• Farhat, George Speaker
• Hathaway, Robert Speaker
• Johnson, Juanita Speaker
• Burton, Clen Speaker
• Dixon, Carolyn Speaker
• Slaven, Chris Speaker
• Abraham, Andi Speaker
• Antoine, Jared Speaker
• Barnes II, Walton Speaker
• LeBlanc, Steve Speaker
• Gauff, Ray Speaker
• Broome, Sharon Weston Panelist
• Erwin, Barry Panelist
• Cassidy, Bill Panelist
• Lambert, Eddie J. Panelist

This episode of the series “Louisiana Public Square” from March 26, 2008, features Craig Freeman leading a discussion between the audience members and panelists on the policy priorities for the 2008 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature. A background report on the topic precedes the discussion. It includes interviews with: Jim Brandt, head of the Public Affairs Research Council (PAR); Tia Edwards, Deputy Secretary at the Louisiana Department of Labor; and Senate President Joel Chaisson, II. The audience members then discuss their views on the effects of first-time state legislators on this legislative session and what they believe is the most pertinent policy priority. A panel of experts then joins the audience to answer their questions. The panelists are: State Senator Sharon Weston Broome; Barry Erwin, President of Council for a Better Louisiana (CABL); State Senator Bill Cassidy, MD; and State Representative Eddie Lambert. They discuss: economic development and job creation, the effects of charter schools on K-12 education, and improvements to accessible and affordable health care. This program was preserved through a 2022-2023 Public Broadcasting Preservation Fellowship. Hosts: Beth Courtney and Craig Freeman