Wallis Watkins

Producer & Contributing Reporter

Wallis Watkins is a Baton Rouge native. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy from Louisiana State University in 2013. Soon after, she joined WRKF as an intern and is now reporting on politics for Capitol Access and science and health for Louisiana's Lab.

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Updated Science Standards Approved For Louisiana's Public Schools

By • Mar 13, 2017
Creative Commons CC0

Thirty years ago, the United States Supreme Court ruled against Louisiana requiring teaching of both evolution and creationism in public schools. But debate over the role of the two theories in education continues. 


Governor Edwards Vows to Protect Coastal Funding

By • Mar 2, 2017
Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority

At a recent America’s Wetland Foundation Coastal Summit, Governor John Bel Edwards looked ahead to the Legislature’s next regular session, which starts April 10th. During that session, the Legislature will vote on the state’s newest Coastal Master Plan. 


Not All Warm, But Deal Continues To Take Shape

By • Feb 21, 2017
Louisiana House of Represenatives Broadcast Archive

As the Special Session must end Wednesday at midnight, the House and Senate appear on their way to implementing a deal. 


How House Measure on State Debt Could Impact Transportation Department

By • Feb 20, 2017
Wallis Watkins

Louisiana's backlog of needed roadwork is $13 billion. But now the House is looking to tap the Transportation Trust Fund in order to help pay down state debt. 

House Considering Two Budget Bills, But Not The Governor's

By • Feb 17, 2017
Sue Lincoln

The full House will consider two plans for resolving the $304-million budget shortfall Friday, and neither of them is the Governor's proposal. 


New Budget Proposal Moves On To House Floor

By • Feb 16, 2017
Louisiana House Broadcast Archives

The House Appropriations Committee took up its part of the budget fix Wednesday afternoon, making changes to the Governor’s plan to resolve the $304 million deficit for this fiscal year. 


Rainy Day Resolution Advances, But Amount Still Up In The Air

By • Feb 15, 2017
Sue Lincoln

The Senate Finance Committee met Tuesday afternoon, getting right to work on advancing authorization to use one-third of the Budget Stabilization Fund, also referred to as the Rainy Day Fund. 


Six Months Post-Flood, Survivors Are Confused And Waiting For Answers

By • Feb 13, 2017

It’s been nearly six months since the historic flooding in southeast Louisiana. Since then, Congress has authorized $1.6 billion for the state to help people repair homes and businesses. But that’s well short of the estimated $8 billion in damage done. Wallis Watkins spoke with some flood survivors trying to navigate the recovery process.

Gov. Edwards To Washington: We Need $2 Billion More For Flood Relief

By • Feb 8, 2017

Governor John Bel Edwards is traveling to Washington, D.C. - his sixth trip since the August flooding in Louisiana. He’ll be meeting with lawmakers to request an additional $2 billion in flood relief.

So far, Congress has approved two installments of funding for the state at a total of $1.6 billion. But Governor Edwards says that is still short of what’s needed.

Last week, the Governor sent letters to both the Louisiana Congressional Delegation and President Trump describing the unmet needs of homeowners, renters and businesses.

Legislators Differ About Use Of Rainy Day Fund

By • Feb 8, 2017
Wallis Watkins

Governor John Bel Edwards has released his plan for cutting $304 million from this fiscal year’s budget.

The Governor has called for $119 million of that deficit to be filled with money from the Rainy Day Fund. Addressing the Louisiana Municipal Association Tuesday, he explained that money is there to help stabilize the budget. 


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