Louisiana Public Square

07/13 - Preventable: HIV / AIDS in Louisiana (Encore Presentation)

2013-06-04T14:44:14+00:00

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Baton Rouge and New Orleans rank 2nd and 3rd among America’s largest metropolitan areas for the rate of new HIV diagnoses. For AIDS cases, Baton Rouge and New Orleans rank 1st and 5th. Nearly one-third of new cases for both diseases are among women, and more than three-quarters of new diagnoses are among blacks.

So how is Louisiana confronting this health issue? Who is most at-risk? Do new testing methods exacerbate the problem? Is the solution just more funding and education? Where is the line drawn between individual responsibility and government intervention? Louisiana Public Square searches for answers to these issues and more on an encore presentation of “Preventable: HIV/AIDS in Louisiana” Wednesday, July 24 at 7 p.m. on LPB HD.

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06/13 - STEM Status: Science, Technology, Engineering & Math in Louisiana

2013-05-06T14:31:21+00:00

Occupations in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) are projected to grow by nearly 10% over the next five years. Experts estimate Louisiana alone will have 69,000 STEM job vacancies by 2018. But who will fill these positions?

Nationwide, more than 300,000 jobs are currently being left vacant because employers can’t find individuals skilled enough in STEM. In Louisiana, 40% of eighth-graders report never designing a science project. Only 3% of high-school seniors take advance college placement tests in science. While male students have shown a recent increased interest in STEM, Louisiana females’ interest has been decreasing since 2008.

So, how can Louisiana better equip its citizens for future STEM positions? Are Louisiana’s educators adequately prepared to teach STEM courses? And how can students be encouraged to pursue STEM careers? Louisiana Public Square looks for answers to these questions and more on “STEM Status: Science, Technology, Engineering & Math in Louisiana” airing Wednesday, June 26 at 7 p.m. on LPB HD.

This program is made possible in part through a grant from Dow Chemical Company.

YOU ARE INVITED TO THE TAPING! JUNE 20. Click for details!

05/13 - Medicaid Expansion: Take it or Leave it?

2013-04-10T20:06:24+00:00

The Supreme Court decision that ruled the Affordable Care Act constitutional allows for states to choose whether or not to participate in expanding Medicaid benefits to subsidize healthcare coverage for lower-income residents.

Governor Bobby Jindal has chosen to opt Louisiana out of the Medicaid expansion, saying the process would cost the state up to $1.7 billion over the next ten years and move over 100,000 people from private insurance into a government-run health care system. He says that the Obama administration should allow more flexibility for states to design their own programs.

Supporters of the Medicaid expansion say the expansion offers a path to health care access for up to 400,000 uninsured residents, improving people’s health while helping Louisiana’s health care delivery system. They also note that Louisiana taxpayers will pay for the federal Medicaid expansion whether the state participates or not.

Louisiana Public Square brings together both sides to debate the pro’s and con’s of the issue on “Medicaid Expansion: Take it or Leave it?” airing Wednesday, May 22nd at 7 p.m. on LPB HD.

Funding for this program was made possible in part by AARP, a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization leading social change and delivering value to people age 50 and over through advocacy, information and service.

04/13 - Louisiana Coastal Concerns: BP & Beyond

2013-03-07T16:35:52+00:00

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill dumped nearly five million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, with Louisiana’s coast receiving the greatest percentage of direct ecological damage. Three years later, a civil trial is taking place to determine the financial liability of BP and three other companies for the impact to the five Gulf states.

Eighty percent of penalties paid by the responsible parties will go toward gulf coast restoration. But will it be money well-spent? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently predicted that Louisiana’s southeastern coast is likely to be under at least 4.3 feet of water by the end of the century. What does that mean for projects in Louisiana’s Comprehensive Master Plan for a Sustainable Coast? What are viable strategies for addressing the state’s coastal erosion in light of sea level rise, subsidence, hurricanes and oil spills? Louisiana Public Square explores these issues and more on “Louisiana Coastal Concerns: BP and Beyond” Wednesday, April 24th at 7 p.m. on LPB HD. (Taping Tuesday, April 23rd.)

03/13 - Tax Reform 2013

2013-02-01T21:56:33+00:00

To create a more attractive business climate for the state, Governor Jindal is proposing that Louisiana eliminate its personal and corporate income taxes. The governor’s plan would raise revenue through higher sales taxes and fewer exemptions. What would these changes mean for Louisiana’s low and middle income families? How will the plan impact the competitiveness of retailers, both in-state and online? Would current incentives, like the media and film tax exemption, be spared?

Louisiana Public Square brings together a panel of experts to explore the governor’s primary legislative agenda on “Louisiana Tax Reform 2013” Wednesday, March 27th at 7 p.m. on LPB HD.

02/13 - Preventable: HIV/AIDS in Louisiana

2013-01-07T16:28:09+00:00

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Baton Rouge and New Orleans rank 2nd and 3rd among America’s largest metropolitan areas for the rate of new HIV diagnoses. For AIDS cases, Baton Rouge and New Orleans rank 1st and 5th. Nearly one-third of new cases for both diseases are among women and more than three-quarters of new diagnoses are among blacks.

So how is Louisiana confronting this health issue? Who is most at-risk? Do new testing methods exacerbate the problem? Is the solution just more funding and education? Where is the line drawn between individual responsibility and government intervention? Watch “Preventable: HIV/AIDS in Louisiana” on Louisiana Public Square, airing Wednesday, February 27th at 7 p.m. on LPB HD. (Taping, Thursday, Feb 21st.)

01/13 - Newtown: A Louisiana Perspective

2013-01-03T15:22:29+00:00

When a lone shooter took the lives of 20 children and 6 adults at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, his actions started a national conversation about the issues of gun control and treatment of the mentally ill. President Obama has vowed to make reducing gun violence a “central issue” of his second term and has created a task force to help prevent a future Newtown-style massacre. Members of Congress have begun a dialogue about mental health and privacy issues.

Where does Louisiana stand in this national discussion on guns and mental health? Louisiana voters recently passed a state constitutional amendment making its citizens’ right to bear arms, the strongest in the nation. How will national gun control proposals affect the 45% of Louisianans who own guns?

Budget cuts have hit mental health care services and facilities statewide. Will reduced funding of mental health services put a vulnerable population at further risk of harming themselves or others?

Louisiana Public Square explores the answers to these questions and more.

Watch What Next After Newtown on PBS. See more from After Newtown.

12/12 - Bullying in Louisiana (ENCORE PRESENTATION)

2012-11-29T05:38:39+00:00

Over the last year, Louisiana has seen three high profile suicides linked to bullying at school. A new anti-bullying state law took effect this school year, but is the statute too broad in its definition of bullying or not inclusive enough? How can students, parents and teachers stand up to this aggressive behavior?

“Louisiana Public Square” goes on the road to New Roads to investigate the answers to these questions and more, on an encore presentation of “Bullying in Louisiana” Wednesday, December 28 at 7 p.m. on LPB HD..

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11/12 - Confronting Louisiana’s Dropout Dilemma

2012-10-30T19:27:06+00:00

Nearly 15% of students who enter Louisiana high schools drop out, and only 72% graduate on time. How can educators help the state reach its goal of an 80% graduation rate by 2014? What programs are successfully combating the problem and how can they be replicated? Louisiana Public Square brings together Louisiana educators for a special teachers’ forum on the state’s dropout dilemma. Teachers, joined by policymakers and innovators, give their opinions on how to effectively lower the dropout rate in the state. Watch “Confronting Louisiana’s Dropout Dilemma”, airing Wednesday, November 28 at 7p.m. on LPB HD.

Funding for this project was provided the American Graduate Program and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. For more information on the dropout problem in the state, visit http://www.lpb.org/dropout.

10/12 - Louisiana’s Youth Vote 2012

2012-09-12T13:42:32+00:00

In 2008, voter turnout in Louisiana among 18-29 year olds increased 4 percent from the previous presidential election, two percentage points higher than the national average. But research shows that young voters are significantly less engaged in this year’s election than at a comparable point in 2008 and now lag far behind older voters in interest in the campaign and intention to vote. So, how energized are the state’s young voters about this year’s presidential race? What issues matter most to this demographic? And where does this voting bloc stand on the two political parties’ platforms? Watch Louisiana Public Square as it explores these questions and more on “Louisiana’s Youth Vote 2012” airing Wednesday, October 24, at 7 p.m. on LPB HD.

Watch Louisiana's Youth Vote 2012 on PBS. See more from Louisiana Public Square.

09/12 - Tax Break or Tax Broken: Louisiana’s Tax Exemptions

2012-09-05T15:44:05+00:00

Each year, Louisiana grants more than $4 billion in tax refunds, credits, incentives, exclusions, and deductions to corporations and individuals. Some entities receive tax rebates even if they don’t have a tax liability. So, what is the return on investment of Louisiana’s tax breaks? How can they be better tracked? And how do they affect state income estimates? As the 14-member Revenue Study Commission begins its review of the state’s 468 tax exemptions, Louisiana Public Square explores the issue on “Tax Break or Tax Broken: Louisiana’s Tax Exemptions” Wednesday, September 26th at 7 p.m. on LPB HD.

08/12 - Bullying in Louisiana

2012-09-05T15:02:33+00:00

National statistics indicate that nearly 1 in 3 students is involved in bullying. Louisiana has recently seen three high profile suicides linked to bullying at school. So, who is most at risk of being bullied? What is considered cyber bullying? And how can students, parents and teachers stand up against this aggressive behavior?

A new anti-bullying state law goes into effect this coming school year, but is the statute too broad in its definition of bullying or not inclusive enough? Explore the answers to these questions and more as “Louisiana Public Square” goes on the road to investigate “Bullying in Louisiana” Wednesday, August 22nd at 7 p.m. on LPB HD.

07/12 - H2Woe: Louisiana’s Water Worries

2012-06-13T14:02:33+00:00

Each day over 8.5 billion gallons are withdrawn from the state’s surface and groundwater supplies. Industrial and agricultural activity, drought, and saltwater intrusion threaten aquifer levels and water quality. Regional and interstate water needs are growing yet deteriorating supply, treatment and distribution systems cannot meet future demands. What can be done to combat Louisiana’s looming water problems? Who owns and controls the state’s water supply? How do corporate and governmental policies affect the most precious resource of all: water? Wednesday, July 25 at 7PM and Sunday, July 29 at noon.

06/12 - Weighty Matters: Louisiana’s Obesity Problem (Encore Presentation)

2012-05-15T15:47:04+00:00

Louisiana’s obesity rate has risen 14.5 percent over the last 15 years, making it the 5th most overweight state. For the percentage of obese children, Louisiana rises to 4th place, with nearly 21 percent of ten to seventeen-year olds facing this condition. What factors in Louisiana’s lifestyle – and history - contribute to its weight problems? How does obesity impact other Louisiana health conditions and costs? And where should the line be drawn between personal responsibility and legislative intervention? Watch an encore presentation of “Weighty Matters: Louisiana’s Obesity Problem” Wednesday, June 27th at 7 p.m. on LPB HD.
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05/12 - Louisiana’s Legislature: Where Are the Women?

2012-04-17T16:29:10+00:00

Why have the number of female Legislators decreased in recent years, and what gets left out of the deliberative process when nearly all of the lawmakers are men? Does the fairer sex provide points of view innately different than those of their male counterparts – especially in the areas of child welfare, family policy and juvenile justice? Join Louisiana Public Square as it examines “Louisiana’s Legislature: Where Are the Women?” airing May 23rd at 7 p.m. on LPB HD.

04/12 - Education Reform 2012

2012-03-06T21:45:46+00:00

Much of Governor Jindal’s education reform package has passed this legislative session, including creating America’s largest school voucher program, tying teacher pay to test scores and granting more authority to principals and superintendents. While debate still continues on some proposals, Louisiana Public Square takes time to explore what the changes mean for parents, students, teachers and taxpayers on its April edition, “Education Reform 2012” airing Wednesday, April 25 at 7 p.m. on LPB HD. (Taping Tuesday, April 24th at LPB.)

03/12 - Redefining State Retirement

2012-02-09T16:18:02+00:00

The State of Louisiana is the largest employer in the state. Last year, employer contributions for public pensions cost Louisiana taxpayers $1.78 billion. This amount is projected to grow annually in order to fund the more than $18 billion deficit in the state retirement system. Governor Jindal has put forth several proposals to transform the system to regain solvency. But how will the changes affect current state employees and new hires? How can the system be revamped while keeping the promise to those who have provided years of public service? Watch “Redefining State Retirement” on “Louisiana Public Square” airing Wednesday, March 28th at 7 p.m. on LPB.

02/12 - Weighty Matters: Louisiana’s Obesity Problem

2012-01-11T19:35:16+00:00

Louisiana’s obesity rate has risen 14.5 percent over the last 15 years, making it the 5th most overweight state. For the percentage of obese children, Louisiana rises to 4th place, with nearly 21 percent of ten to seventeen-year olds facing this condition. What factors in Louisiana’s lifestyle – and history - contribute to its weight problems? How does obesity impact other Louisiana health conditions and costs? And where should the line be drawn between personal responsibility and legislative intervention? Watch “Weighty Matters: Louisiana’s Obesity Problem” Wednesday, February 22nd at 7 p.m. on LPB HD.

01/12 - Civic Engagement in Louisiana

2011-12-07T17:19:55+00:00

Louisiana citizens’ spirit of civic involvement places the state 12th nationally for voter registration, but Louisiana falls to 37th in voter participation. While the “Occupy Wall Street” movement has made its presence known in Louisiana, their events around the state have been met with minimal attendance. And although one out of every two Louisiana adults gave of their time to their communities last year, Volunteering in America, ranked Louisiana 47th among the 50 states for volunteerism. So, how civic-minded are Louisiana’s citizens and how can they become more involved? Join Louisiana Public Square as it examines “Civic Engagement in Louisiana” airing Wednesday, January 25th at 7 p.m. on LPB HD. (Taping, Tuesday, January 24th at 7 p.m.)

12/11 - Athletics vs. Academics: College Sports in Louisiana

2011-11-03T15:51:53+00:00

As the Bowl Games gear up, “Louisiana Public Square” explores college athletics in December. How do Louisiana universities strike a balance between educational missions and the non-academic nature of college sports? What oversight do student athletes get and should they be paid? Do college sports pull scarce resources from academic programs or attract alumni support? Watch “Athletics vs. Academics: College Sports In Louisiana” Wednesday, December 28th at 7 pm on LPB HD.

11/11 - Entitlement Cuts & Louisiana’s Seniors

2011-11-01T13:56:10+00:00

While the Super Committee was unable to agree upon ways to trim an additional $1.5 trillion dollars from the federal budget, the door has been opened and discussion continues on how to best rein in the rising costs of entitlement programs. The head of the Congressional Budget Office has said that without addressing spending on these programs, it will be "extremely difficult to put the budget on a sustainable path." In Louisiana alone, more than 100 thousand seniors receive Medicaid benefits, 99% of seniors are enrolled in Medicare and 89% receive Social Security. What could program cuts mean to the state’s elderly and what other options are available for stabilizing costs? Watch “Entitlement Cuts & Louisiana’s Seniors” on “Louisiana Public Square” Wednesday, November 23rd at 7 p.m. on LPB HD.

Funding for this program was made possible in part by AARP, a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization leading social change and delivering value to people age 50 and over through advocacy, information and service.

10/11 - Dropout Dilemma: Louisiana’s Education Crisis

2011-09-06T19:05:38+00:00

Nearly 15,000 Louisiana students drop out of school each year. And despite recent improvements, Louisiana still ranks third from the bottom, nationally, for its high school graduation rate. So, why do so many Louisiana students give up on their education? And what can the state and local communities do to successfully combat the problem? “Louisiana Public Square” travels to Shreveport in October to partner with Red River Radio and explore “Dropout Dilemma: Louisiana’s Education Crisis” on Wednesday, October 26th at 7 p.m. on LPB HD.

Update 07/17/2012: From FRONTLINE's "Middle School Moment": --Bob Balfanz from Johns Hopkins University found that "The data showed that if a 6th grade child in a high poverty attends school less than 80 percent of the time, or fails math or English or receives an unsatisfactory behavior grade in a core course that absent effective intervention there is a 75 percent chance that they will drop out of high school.

Funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting through the National Center for Media Engagement.

09/11 - Extreme Premiums: Louisiana Property Insurance Rates

2011-08-28T19:49:44+00:00

Louisiana homeowners face the third highest insurance rates in the country. Louisiana drivers pay the second highest auto insurance premiums in the nation. Why are our rates so high and what, if anything, can be done to reduce them? Explore “Extreme Premiums: Louisiana Insurance Rates” on Louisiana Public Square, Wednesday, September 28th at 7 p.m.

08/11 - Debt Ceiling Deal: Controlling the Budget 2011

2011-08-01T19:47:39+00:00

With just hours to spare, Congress passed and President Obama signed the “Budget Control Act of 2011” allowing the country to extend its debt ceiling and avert a potentially catastrophic default. Where will the $1.5 trillion in spending cuts fall? What role did the bill play in downgrading the U.S. bond rating? And what does the compromise bill and downgrade mean for the average consumer? Watch "Debt Ceiling Deal: Controlling the Budget 2011"on Louisiana Public Square, Wednesday, August 24th at 7:00 PM CT.

07/11 - Beyond The Spill: A GulfWatch Special

2011-06-28T18:21:13+00:00

LPB has partnered with nine other public broadcasting stations to form GulfWatch – a consortium of Gulf Coast television and radio stations whose mission is to provide continuing coverage of issues affecting the region. From the ongoing recovery from the BP oil spill, to the extreme weather and flooding this spring, GulfWatch members have been sharing stories online for the past 12 months. In July, GulfWatch reporters from Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida will explore the challenges facing their regions a year after the capping of the BP oil leak. Join these journalists, citizens and a panel of experts as they share updates on the environmental, economic and health issues along the coast. Airs Wednesday, July 27 at 7PM on LPB.

There is no survey for this month’s topic.

Funded by a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

06/11 - Immigration Reform in Louisiana (Re-broadcast)

2011-05-30T13:06:31+00:00

Six bills have already been filed this legislative session to address verification of U.S. citizenship for Louisiana workers as well as create penalties for employers and “persons not lawfully present in the United States.” So, how big a problem is illegal immigration in our state and should we draft legislation similar to Arizona’s controversial bill? Watch an encore broadcast of “Immigration Reform in Louisiana” on Louisiana Public Square, Wednesday, June 22nd at 7 p.m. on LPB HD. (This program originally aired October 27th 2010.)

Full Program Video, Extras, and Background Information: Click Here!

05/11 - Lights, Camera, Louisiana!

2011-05-01T13:59:46+00:00

Battle: Los Angeles - Photo by RICHARD CARTWRIGHT/Columbia Pictures

Thanks to special tax incentives, Louisiana has become one of the most popular locations in the country for film and television production. More than 300 movies and TV shows have been shot in the state over the last ten years, generating a reported $1.5 billion in economic activity. But some analysts say the benefits of film tax credits are overstated and they often don’t even pay for themselves. Explore who profits from filmmaking in the state on “Lights, Camera, Louisiana!” Wednesday, May 25th at 7 p.m. on Louisiana Public Square.

04/11 - Budget Battle 2011

2011-04-01T19:15:10+00:00

For the third year in a row, Louisiana is facing cuts to its budget. The Governor and the Legislature must reconcile a $1.6 billion gap in revenue during the regular session that began April 25th. Will more one-time funds be raided or can some protected funds be unlocked? Should healthcare and higher education brace for more spending cuts? And are plans for raising additional revenue even part of the equation? Watch “Budget Battle 2011” on “Louisiana Public Square” airing Wednesday, April 27th at 7 p.m. on LPB HD.

03/11 - How Green is Louisiana?

2011-03-09T22:59:41+00:00

Vowing to push for more investment in clean and renewable energy, President Obama said in his State of the Union Address that “This is our generation’s Sputnik moment.” So, where is Louisiana in this technological journey? Are clean energy breakthroughs translating into clean energy jobs? What are state and local governments doing to move us toward a greener path? And how are Louisiana citizens “living green”? Explore “How Green is Louisiana?” on “Louisiana Public Square” airing March 30th at 7 p.m. on LPB HD.

02/11 - Redistricting Louisiana

2011-02-01T18:20:02+00:00

Lackluster population growth has caused Louisiana to lose one of its seven seats in Congress. In March, the state legislature will meet for a special session to determine how to redraw congressional and other election districts. How will Louisiana’s loss in D.C. affect its political clout and share in federal aid? Should there be one coastal congressional district in south Louisiana or one merged district for the northern part of the state? And will proposed changes create polarization or a district that truly represents you? Join “Louisiana Public Square” as it explores these issues and more on “Redistricting Louisiana” on Wednesday, February 23rd at 7 p.m. on LPB HD.