Collection:LPB

Genre: Newsmagazine

Place Covered: Louisiana

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority

Date Issued: 1980-07-04

Duration: 00:28:55

Subjects: Professional Practices Commission | Filmed panel discussions | Journalists | Louisiana Legislative Session, 1980 | Louisiana. Legislature | State legislators | Politics | LEGISLATION | Treen, David C., 1928-2009 | Education | TEACHERS | Edwards, Edwin W. | Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, Inc. | PREVAILING WAGES | Construction industry | Freeman, Robert L., 1934- | Brilab scandal | SCANDALS | MARCELLO, CARLOS | Political corruption | Roemer, Charles, E., II, 1923-2012

Contributors:

• George, Beth Host
• Fourrier, Clay Photographer
• L'Herisson, Sandra Photographer
• Womack, Ellison Photographer
• Blome, Ron Editor
• Blome, Ron Producer
• George, Beth Producer
• Fuglaar, Bill Director
• Courtney, Bob Panelist
• Hill, John Panelist
• Branch, Sandy Panelist
• Treen, Dave Speaker

This episode of the series “Louisiana: The State We’re In” from July 4, 1980, features Beth George leading a panel discussion with three capitol reporters: Bob Courtney of WBRZ-TV in Baton Rouge; Sandy Branch of the Lafayette Daily Advertiser; and John Hill of Gannett News Service.  They discuss: the 1980 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature, including Governor Dave Treen’s relationship with the legislature, Treen taking the initiative to push the establishment of the Professional Practices Commission for teachers, the criticism Treen has received from former Governor Edwin Edwards and the Public Affairs Research Council (PAR), Treen’s hesitance to tackle issues that he is not assured of winning, such as the repeal of the prevailing wage law related to the construction industry, and the overall performance of the legislature; the continuing tension between Governor Treen and Lieutenant Governor Bobby Freeman; and the Brilab investigation, an FBI undercover operation aimed at exposing an insurance kickback scheme, including the continuation of the grand jury hearings, concerns over leaks to the media, the indictment of former Commissioner of Administration Charles Roemer, and the national attention brought to the case because of the indictment of reputed New Orleans crime boss Carlos Marcello.  This discussion was preceded by footage of Governor Treen at a press conference urging teachers to support the Professionals Practices Commission.