The Rundown: Latest on Congress' plans for another relief package; another poll gives insight into Louisiana views on coronavirus; and more
Today in The Rundown: Coronavirus-related deaths in Louisiana top 2,000; more data on how Louisiana residents have been affected by coronavirus; the latest on negotiations over the next wave of assistance, including what it could mean for states and local governments; and more news.
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The Countdown…
Days until the Governor’s stay-at-home order is lifted: 9
Days until the Louisiana legislative session must end: 27
Days until the newly-scheduled Louisiana presidential primary: 68
Days until the presidential/senatorial/congressional election: 182
Days until the Louisiana runoff election (as needed): 214
Coronavirus in Louisiana
The Numbers…
Cases: 29,996
In Hospitals: 1,512 (On ventilation: 194)
Deaths: 2,042
Tests administered (state and privately reported): 188,231
**Numbers reported as of noon May 5. For updated numbers see: The Louisiana Department of Health.
The News…
Reopening the state: A new survey out this week from LSU’s Manship School found wide-spread support for the state’s handling of its coronavirus response, with 64% saying they think the state has done a good job in recent weeks, while 62% expressed support for the response from local governments and 54% support the federal response.
But the poll also quantified the hardships the pandemic has put on Louisiana families. One-third of respondents said they have lost income from a job or business because of the coronavirus, while 7% said they have lost their health insurance and 27% said they have been unable to get medical care for other conditions during the outbreak and 13% have been unable to get prescription drugs they need. Meanwhile, 20% of the adults surveyed said they have skipped or cut the size of their meals because they didn't have food and about half said that worry or stress from coronavirus has had a negative impact on their mental health.
Other key findings:
77% of Louisiana residents surveyed said they are worried they or someone in their family will get sick from covid-19.
56% worry their local hospital will run out of necessary equipment like beds or ventilators to treat patients.
60% worry the state’s health care system will be overrun and people won’t be able to get needed medical care.
68% worry there won’t be enough personal protective equipment for health workers.
The survey was conducted online through YouGov April 15-28. The margin of error is 4%. More about the methodology and the survey's findings available here.
The poll echoes concerns found earlier this week from left-leaning Public Policy Polling on Louisiana’s response to the coronavirus and a national poll conducted for the Washington Post and University of Maryland that found concern about the continued outbreak and efforts to reopen states.
A Louisiana House panel is scheduled today to debate an effort to overrule Gov. John Bel Edwards’ stay-at-home order.
Federal aid: The next phase of coronavirus relief is beginning to take shape on Capitol Hill, with a strong push for more assistance for state and local governments whose budgets have been wrecked by the covid-19 fall-out.
U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Baton Rouge Republican up for re-election this year, is leading a bipartisan push in the Senate to try to provide relief for states that have been hit hard by coronavirus.
He penned an op-ed in the Washington Post this week making the case for such assistance, though President Donald Trump has, so far, been noncommittal to the idea.
“Without such funding, cities and municipalities will be forced to lay off workers and may therefore be unable to provide basic services to keep small- and medium-size businesses running,” Cassidy wrote in his column.
Cassidy cited the cancelation of New Orleans' Jazz Fest this year as an example of the hit that cities and states are taking during the pandemic, the drastic drop in passenger fees at the New Orleans airport and the overall hit to tourism dollars.
“This is all gone,” Cassidy wrote. “The tax revenue necessary to pay for police, fire, sanitation and airport ground crews is not there. Once these workers are laid off, there is no one to provide essential services to support employers and homeowners. The economy stops.”
Trump has commented and tweeted on his opposition to “bailing out” states that were already in poor shape.
In a tweet Tuesday, he indicated he’d be looking to restrictions on so-called “sanctuary cities” and tax changes in exchange for federal assistance.
The U.S. Senate has returned this week, largely for work on judicial nominations. The House is scheduled to return next week as both sides hope to hash out the details in the upcoming relief package.
Happening today…
Gov. John Bel Edwards hold his regular coronavirus briefing at 3:30 p.m. at the State Capitol.
Louisiana House committees
Education meets at 9 a.m. in Room 1.
Health and Welfare meets at 9 a.m. in Room 5.
Insurance meets at 9 a.m. in Room 3.
Administration of Criminal Justice meets at 1 p.m. in Room 6.
House and Governmental Affairs meets at 1 p.m. in Room 1.
Natural Resources and Environment meets at 1 p.m. in Room 4.
Senate committees
Commerce, Consumer Protection and International Affairs meets at 8:30 a.m. in Room A-B.
Insurance meets at 10:30 a.m. in Room A-B.
Senate and Governmental Affairs meets at 12:30 p.m. in Room A-B.
Tweet beat…
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