Dave Shepherd

In a small surprise, the state Legislature has backed off its attempts to force Medicaid recipients to have jobs in exchange for receiving health coverage, and to pay co-pays anytime they see a doctor - both of which were major issues earlier this year in a special session. But that doesn’t mean lawmakers have given up on harassing low-income people who need health care.

Number of the Day

73 - Percentage of state prison guards who quit within their first year on the job. Gov. John Bel Edwards wants $7 million included in next year’s budget for a salary hike in an attempt to reduce the attrition (Source: The Associated Press)