Collection:LPB

Genre: Newsmagazine

Place Covered: Louisiana

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority

Date Issued: 1986-02-28

Duration: 00:23:59

Subjects: STATE BUDGET | Gambling | Tourism | Health Care | Louisiana Charity Hospital System

Contributors:

• Johnson, Ken Host
• Nachman, Karen Reporter
• Myers, Laura Reporter
• Edwards, Edwin Speaker
• Reilly, Kevin Speaker
• Baker, Richard Speaker
• Delpit, Joe Speaker
• Breaux, John Speaker
• Moore, Henson Speaker
• Skelton, Fred Speaker
• LeBlanc, Noelle Speaker
• Tinnerello, Mike Interviewee
• Ackal, Bo Interviewee
• Landrieu, Mary Interviewee
• Reilly, Kevin Interviewee
• Long, Earl K. Speaker
• Dastugue, Quentin Interviewee
• Meredith, Ruthie Interviewee
• Patton, Leatrice Interviewee
• Bankston, Cal Interviewee
• Roberts, Elliot Interviewee
• King, John Interviewee

This episode of the series “Louisiana: The State We’re In” from February 28, 1986, features three reports on the possible impact of the $500 million state budget deficit for the 1986-1987 fiscal year. First, Ken Johnson reports on the ongoing debates on balancing the state budget through either budget cuts or Governor Edwin Edwards’ proposal to legalize gambling. It includes highlights of: a debate between Governor Edwards and State Representative Kevin Reilly; a debate at Southern University between State Representative Richard Baker and State Representative Joe Delpit; a debate in Shreveport between Congressman John Breaux and Congressman Henson Moore, candidates in the 1986 United States Senate election; and a press conference with Fred Skelton, the president of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers. Next, Karen Nachman reports on the possible budget cuts facing the Louisiana Office of Tourism. Her report includes highlights of testimony by Tourism Secretary Noelle LeBlanc and interviews with State Representative Mike Tinnerello, State Representative Bo Ackal, and State Representative Mary Landrieu. Lastly, Laura Myers reports on the budget cuts facing the Charity Hospital System, including possible hospital closures and the need for $1 million in repairs at Big Charity Hospital in New Orleans. Her report includes interviews with: State Representative Kevin Reilly; State Representative Quentin Dastugue; Ruthie Meredith, patient; Leatrice Patton, patient; Cal Bankston of Earl K. Long Hospital in Baton Rouge; Elliot Roberts of Charity Hospital; and John King of the Office of Hospitals.