TRANSCRIPT
You’re listening to Red River Radio News.
Good morning, I’m Jeff Ferrell.
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INTRO:
A large majority of public school students in Louisiana get free meals at school.
But As the Gulf States Newsroom’s Aubri Juhasz reports, some of those students could lose access to free meals because fewer families are receiving federal food assistance through SNAP:
SOT:
“Kids on SNAP and a few other programs automatically qualify for free school meals. Carolyn Vega, with the nonprofit No Kid Hungry, says even if a family stops getting SNAP, their kids could still be eligible. But they may have to apply. “Kids are inevitably gonna slip through the cracks because families don't get the application; they don't understand it.” Or they’re afraid to fill it out because of their immigration status, she says. If at least 25 percent of kids qualify through programs like SNAP, schools can get federal help to offer EVERYONE free meals. But the lower the percentage, the more schools pay. Vega says that’s why as SNAP enrollment falls more schools could opt out
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INTRO:
In Texas, a state senator is asking how families can receive money from the new school voucher plan even if their children attend private schools that don't take part in the program.
Democratic Senator José Menéndez raised the issue at a recent Senate hearing:
SOT:
“It concerned me that it felt like you were providing a loophole for someone that was going to a non-approved private school.”
TAG:
The Texas Comptroller's office confirms that is allowed.
Families can receive up to $2,000 for a child annually through the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program by selecting the category of: “homeschool/other” on their application.
The money can only be used for approved educational expenses – like tutoring, therapy, and activities like karate and piano lessons.
Lawmakers are expected to consider doubling the funding for the $1 billion voucher program - during the next regular legislative session in January.
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INTRO:
In southern Arkansas, economic development takes center stage, with the opening of a new factory.
Little Rock Public Radio’s Maggie Ryan has more:
SOT:
“A new rocket motor production facility is now open in southern Arkansas. Officials presided over the opening of the Quill Arsenal of Freedom in East Camden on Tuesday. The facility is owned by Florida defense company L3 Harris, which has an existing facility in the city. It’s part of a $216 million agreement the company signed with the U.S. Department of Defense in 2023 to boost production of engines for missiles.”
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INTRO:
Insurance watchdog group “Real Reform Louisiana” is decrying a new report from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
The report shows the property and casualty insurance industry earned $150-billion in profits last year.
The group’s Executive Director, Ben Riggs, says insurers should have to justify their costs to regulators before rates go up:
SOT:
“Commissioner Temple and the legislature have made it easier for this to happen. They’ve made it easier for insurance companies to raise their rates without prior approval.”
TAG:
A spokesperson for the Louisiana Department of Insurance says relying on national profit data does not reflect the reality of Louisiana’s insurance market; the cost of insurance is directly related to the losses insurers pay in claims. Louisiana experiences some of the highest losses in the country.
<**** FORECAST****>
The National Weather Service in Shreveport is calling for:
- Clear, sunny skies today with a high near 84.
- For the Weekend: it’s more of the same, with a high Saturday near 84, then 80 Sunday and Monday.
- But between the dry air and extended drought conditions, an elevated fire danger remains active until 7-o’clock tonight b/c a spark or open flame can accidentally start a fire.
- NWS: Dry air will continue to remain in place every day this week. This combined with dry fuels and drought conditions will promote an environment prone to wildfire ignitions.
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