Originally published: . Volume 12, No. 4. Source pages: 3.
Tom Hannie
Dr. Nelson,
I just wanted to drop you a brief note to let you know that I, along with numerous others I suspect, truly enjoyed your editorial piece remembering Tom Hannie.
I knew Tom as an acquaintance through the Baton Rouge Freethinkers. One of the highlights of every meeting was hearing Tom's input, even when it had absolutely nothing to do with that meeting's particular subject. I knew enough to understand that he rarely said anything without merit, and it was genuinely gratifying to hear him enthusiastically tell me, upon completion of presenting findings of my thesis research related to international security and religious faith, that I should present to the group whenever I want. However, he never acted on my continually trying to get him to give us an expanded presentation…on anything. I suspect by that point he was enjoying retirement too much and was more than content adding commentary here and there. LOL. No exaggeration here, but the ENTIRE time I was reading your editorial on Tom, I could not help but smile. Though I knew him nowhere close to as well as you knew him, as I read your piece I found myself easily recognizing various aspects of his personality and character that he so wonderfully exhibited. He truly was a man for all to emulate. Thank you for your wonderful editorial, and honoring Tom so appropriately.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 12, No. 4. Source pages: 3.
Julie, I was sad to read about Tom’s passing.
I worked with him in Darlyne’s office when I first moved here from New York. He was such a straight- shooter that I thought he must’ve been from Yankee territory like me!
We ate at Serops once and boy did he love Lebanese food! I think he may have had Lebanese roots? He was one of the most critical and independent thinkers I’ve ever met. As one of the first colleagues I had in LA, that felt like a particular godsend (I was still getting used to people calling me ma’am). He was such a special man. My thoughts go out to his family.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 12, No. 3. Source pages: 2.
I met Tom Hannie in 1978 when I was a graduate student and he led the legislative efforts in Louisiana to remove the requirement that psychologists must consult with physicians.
Some years later, I picked up the phone and found Tom on the other end, reading me the riot act about some delinquency he caught in one of my reports. I listened (of course he was right–Tom was always right), admitted my mistake, and pledged never to sin again.
“I’m satisfied with how you've handled this,” he said (I think he expected me to be defensive), and from that moment on we were friends.
It would have been easy to be intimidated by Tom Hannie. He was big and tall, with a baritone voice, and he exuded confidence. Clearly a dominant male, who seemed fearless, he was also gregarious, tolerant, and fun-loving. His lack of pretense was evident in his dress––he would wear baggy, leisure shirts and sandals. Tom was oddly free of narcissism.
Tom's intellectual ability was off the chart. He had a razor-sharp, analytical mind, and more than likely a photographic memory. (He gambled and was so good at it he was barred from casinos.) Suzie Andrews said that Tom had forgotten more psychology than the rest of us have known, and she is right. Tom gravitated to forensic psychology because it gave him some small challenge and because he enjoyed the crucible of facts debated and condensed down until all that was left was the essence of the truth.
His politics were abstract. Tom was a card carrying member of the Americans United for the Separation of Church and State and the Baton Rouge Freethinkers.
So, it was in 2009, during the political fragmenting of our profession, that Tom and I found ourselves, together, in the rarefied air of The First Amendment.
He took a particular interest in the Times. He sometimes helped me report on news, and actually wore "a wire" to a government meeting. He insisted that I read H.L. Mencken, the 1930s journalist whose pyrotechnic use of language and irreverent style outraged hypocrites and politicians of that day. Tom laughed with me when I had to add "opinion" to the editorial page banner so readers would understand it wasn't "news." He applauded my efforts in unbiased reporting and entered all our contests. And, he said once––"There is nothing like the Psychology Times," high praise from someone like Tom.
Tom understood the process–that free speech and debate lead to truth, and that the tensions caused must be tolerated in order to burn away biases, irrelevancies, and false beliefs. He knew that free speech leads to freedom of thought, and free thought, to speech.
Tom also knew, as Thomas Paine said, "When men yield up the privilege of thinking, the last shadow of liberty quits the horizon."
Tom Hannie supplied me with an oxygen hose when the lack of clean air became suffocating. Always with Tom I could take a deep breath of liberty. He cannot be replaced – not ever – and I don’t know what I’m going to do without him.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 12, No. 3. Source pages: 3.
On February 12, Moody's Investors Service revised Louisiana's outlook from stable to positive, noting that the state has made "significant" progress in restoring financial reserves and generating budgetary surpluses.
Gov. Edwards said, "Since taking office my administration has prioritized fixing the state's dark financial outlook and that work is paying off for the people of Louisiana. Through better fiscal management, including increasing revenues and making necessary budget cuts, we have turned deficits into surpluses and we are positioned to continue our economic recovery from this COVID pandemic. We are better placed to bounce back from our current challenges because of our fiscally responsible approach to budgeting."
According to Moody's analysis: "Louisiana's positive outlook reflects the significant progress the state has made restoring its financial reserves and liquidity in recent years by aligning revenue and spending in a postenergy boom era, rebuilding borrowable funds and generating budgetary surpluses in consecutive years. We expect that the state, through careful fiscal management and with the help of federal stimulus aid, will be able to sustain its progress despite the impacts of the coronavirus."
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 12, No. 3. Source pages: 3.
There is a new round of the Payroll Protection Program (PPP). A 14- day period, beginning February 24, was ordered by the Biden administration, during which only businesses with fewer than 20 employees can apply for a PPP loan.
Round 3 funding of $284 billion expands on the original PPP goals of providing loans to businesses for payroll and other costs to help those businesses remain viable and allow their workers to pay their bills.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA), signed into law by President Trump on Dec. 27, 2020, includes new funding for the PPP, but expired Aug. 8, 2020.
The PPP originally included $349 billion in funding. Those funds were used within two weeks, resulting in another round of funding totaling $320 billion. After Round 2 loans ended in August, there has been no additional funding until now.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 12, No. 3. Source pages: 5.
On Feb. 25 Gov. John Bel Edwards' Climate Initiatives Task Force published its "action proposal template" to solicit ideas from the public on ways Louisiana can reduce greenhouse gas emissions statewide. All members of the public are invited to submit action ideas that apply to individual emissions sources, entire segments of the economy, or to cross-cutting or society-wide aspects of mitigating the greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change.
Action ideas submitted by experts and stakeholders affiliated with the Climate Initiatives Task Force, Sector Committees, Advisory Groups, or members of the public will be reviewed and evaluated for possible inclusion in the State's Final Climate Report due in February 2022. The solicitation window will be open from February 24 through April 30, 2021.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 12, No. 3. Source pages: 5.
On February 26, Gov. Edwards announced his appointments to several Louisiana boards and commissions.
Patient's Compensation Fund Oversight Board: Robert R. Newsome M.D. of LaPlace has been appointed to the Patient's Compensation Fund Oversight Board. Newsome is a radiologist at the Baton Rouge Radiology Group. Newsome will represent the class of health care providers contributing the greatest percentage of the fund's aggregate surcharges.
The Patient's Compensation Fund is an off- budget unit of the state which is 100 percent self-funded and not pooled in the general fund. The Fund was created in 1975 to provide an affordable and guaranteed medical malpractice coverage system for the private healthcare providers in the state. It basically plays the role of an "excess insurer" of private healthcare providers. The law allows a provider to have financial responsibility for the first $100,000 of exposure per claim whether through insurance or security deposit and enroll in the Fund for the excess coverage and be under an umbrella of the cap on damages.
The vast majority of health care providers are enrolled in the Patient's Compensation Fund and pay surcharges for the coverage and protection provided. The Patient's Compensation Fund provides protection for the healthcare system, keeping costs down, and providing a guaranteed pool of funds to pay those citizens injured from medical malpractice of private health care providers.
On February 12, Gov. Edwards announced his appointments. He announced that Ada M. Bell, Conrad C. Carriere Sr., Jason E. Cobb, Charles R. "Chuck" Henderson Jr. of Lake Charles, Sandra Thompson Herman, Gina C. Jones of Sulphur, and Kirk P. LaCour have been appointed to the Louisiana Workforce Investment Council. The Council serves to develop a strategic plan to coordinate and integrate a workforce development delivery system to assure efficiency and cooperation between public and private entities by advising the governor on the needs of Louisiana's employers and its workforce.
Governor's Advisory Council on Disability Affairs: James E. Mitchell Ph.D. of Baton Rouge has been appointed to the Governor's Advisory Council on Disability Affairs. Mitchell is the IT statewide program officer for the State of Louisiana Division of Administration and will serve at-large. Mark C. Raymond Jr. of New Orleans has also been appointed Raymond is the executive director of the Split Second Foundation and will serve at-large.
The Governor's Advisory Council on Disability Affairs was established by the Governor's Office to adequately educate, address and resolve issues relative to the disability community. The mission of the office is to promote, encourage and support citizens with disabilities so that they may have an equal opportunity to actively participate in all aspects of life.
On February 5, Gov. Edwards announced his appointment to thr Council on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). Stephen C. Dwight of Lake Charles has been appointed to the Council on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). Dwight is the district attorney for the 14 the Judicial District and will serve as a district attorney.
The Council is responsible for developing and evaluating the curriculum of mandatory basic training courses for municipal officers, deputy sheriffs, state police, wildlife agents and all other persons commissioned as peace officers, defined by state law. Additionally, POST prescribes firearms training standards for individuals who hold law enforcement positions at the state, parish and municipal levels of government.
Louisiana Health Works Commission: Meg Bankston of Baton Rouge has been appointed to the Louisiana Health Works Commission. Bankston is the governor's deputy director of legislative affairs and will represent the Office of the Governor.
The purpose of the Louisiana Health Works Commission is to serve as a collaborative working group to integrate and coordinate resources relative to health care workforce development within various state departments and key organizations.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 12, No. 3. Source pages: 6.
Legislature to Convene April 12 Governor's $36.6B Budget Favorable to Education
The 2021 legislative session will convene on Monday, April 12 and end no later than June 10. Bills are currently being pre- filed.
Governor Edwards is recommending a $36.6 billion budget with extra money being allocated to public schools and higher education.
According to the Advocate, colleges would get an increase of $80 million which includes pay raises of approximately 4% for faculty members.
The Associated Press reported that Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed said the move “sends a clear message: education is critical to our success and now is the time to make strategic investments in our people.” She said this would be the first statewide faculty pay raise in 13 years.
The increases will fund health and retirement cost and faculty salary increases. There will be financial aid for students and more money for TOPS programs, according to reports.
Department of Corrections is set to receive $35.6 million to fund raises, to slow turnover of prison guards and probation personnel.
The budget includes $40 million to provide for school teacher raises of $400 per year. Teacher aides, bus drivers, cafeteria workers and others are said to be increased by $200 per year.
Louisiana‘s Medicaid program accounts for 40% of the operating budget or $16 billion.
According to the associated press the budget proposal is more positive than expected. “Louisiana’s tax collections are rebounding, though not enough to match pre-pandemic levels."
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 12, No. 3. Source pages: 6.
HB 14 by Rep. Lance Harris sets forth civil liability of interactive computer services that restrict a user's account or content based on race, gender, political ideology, or religious beliefs.
"Any owner, operator, or provider of an interactive computer service shall not restrict, either directly, manually, or through the use of an algorithm, a user's account or content based on race, gender, political ideology, or religious beliefs."
The proposed law states that the interactive computer service shall be liable to a user whose account or content was restricted and a user who reasonably would have received or viewed another user's content but for the restriction.
The new law would provide for a prescription of two years from when the violation was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered, provides for a jury trial, and provides for damages including actual damages, statutory damages of $50,000 per violation, and court costs, fees, and reasonable attorney fees.
The proposed law is only applicable to interactive computer services with more than 10,000,000 users, and authorizes the attorney general to investigate alleged violations.
Rep. Harris includes the following definitions:
"Religious beliefs" include opinions on religion, faith, spirituality, faith- based practices, and religious texts.
"Political ideology" includes a set of opinions related to politics, economics, government, social movements, and ethics.
"Restrict" includes suspending or canceling a user's account, deleting a user's content, or limiting or partially limiting access to a user's account or content regardless of whether the limitation is readily apparent to the user.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 12, No. 3. Source pages: 7.
From the Minutes Selected Items from December 2020 Minutes of the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (LSBEP)
Finance Committee –
a. The Board reviewed and discussed their current financial position based on the Financial Statements prepared by Valeria Dominique, CPA for September 2020 and October 2020. Dr. Gormanous moved to accept the Financial Statements for September 2020 and October 2020. The motion passed by roll call vote as follows: In favor: (6) Henke, Gormanous, Gibson, Moore, McNeely, Harness; Against: (0); Abstained: (0); Absent: (0).
b. The Board received, reviewed and discussed the Audit Report for FYE June 20, 2020 prepared by Mr. William Mercer, CPA and filed with the Office of the Legislative Auditor. Dr. Gormanous moved to accept and affirm the findings and response, and to further thank Ms. Dominique, Ms. Monic and Dr. Henke for their role in ensuring a smooth audit. The motion passed by roll call vote as follows: In favor: (6) Henke, Gormanous, Gibson, Moore, McNeely, Harness; Against: (0); Abstained: (0); Absent: (0).
Legislative Oversight Committee – Dr. Gormanous reported that the Ad Hoc Legislative Collaborative Committee (ALCC) met on December 4, 2020 and had a very productive meeting due to the clear agenda of discussion topics outlined by LPA. Dr. Gormanous reported that the next meeting date for the ALCC was scheduled for January 8, 2021. Mr. McNeely reported that the deadline to prefile was March 31, 2021. The Board discussed this timeline. Dr. Gormanous moved that the Board request that the ALCC finalize its draft recommendations for consideration at the Long Range Planning Meeting scheduled for January 28-29, 2021. The Board discussed the motion. The motion passed by roll call vote as follows: In favor:(6) Henke, Gormanous, Gibson, Moore, McNeely, Harness; Against: (0); Abstained: (0); Absent: (0)
Public and Professional Outreach Committee – Dr. Henke reported that the 3rd Edition, December 2020 Newsletter was published and distributed on December 10, 2020. Dr. Henke requested Board Members submit articles in time to publish another newsletter prior to the LRP Meeting in January. Dr. Moore reported that she was working on a FAQ page. Dr. Gibson agreed to complete the second part of her series on the complaint adjudication process and Dr. Gormanous reported he would work on interviewing Dr. Harness for a “Meet the Board” segment.
Liaison to Professional Organizations
a. The Board reviewed the draft presentation of the LSSP Committee. Dr. Gormanous moved to approve the presentation to be at the LSPA Annual Conference on January 29, 2020 at 9:00a.m.
b. Dr. Henke reported she would participate in ASPPB’s Meeting of Board/College Chairs on January 14, 2021.
c. Ms. Monic reported that the ASPPB Midyear Meeting is scheduled for April 2021 to be held in New Orleans
DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
2020-21 Budget Review – Public Protection and Safety, Time sensitive, required to ensure financial solvency – The board reviewed the budget line by line, considered and once again thoroughly discussed the final draft of the 2020-21 Budget. Following discussion and further consideration of the comments received at the November 20, 2020 meeting the Board approved a 2020-21 Budget adopted by formal resolution as follows:
The resolution having been submitted to a vote of the majority of the LSBEP, the vote thereon was as follows: 5 – Yeas – Amy Henke, Gina Gibson, Gregory Gormanous, Michelle Moore, Shannae Harness; 1 – Nays – Chance McNeely
Rulemaking Assignments and Timelines –
The Board discussed rulemaking initiatives. In consideration of the Budget review, Mr. McNeely moved in favor of proceeding immediately with rulemaking to propose amendments to increase the annual licensing renewal fees for licensed psychologists; license reinstatement fee; paper processing fee for paper renewals; and applications for temporary practice. Further to promulgate application fees for psychologists seeking approval to provide supervision via electronic platform (telepsychology). The Board discussed the motion and affirmed the following changes: […] The motion passed by roll call vote as follows: In favor:(6) Henke, Gormanous, Gibson, Moore, McNeely, Harness; Against: (0); Abstained: (0); Absent: (0)
The Board tabled discussion of the additional rulemaking items (Continuing Professional Development, Inactive License Status, Emeritus Status, Summary Suspension Procedures, La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 49:953.C. – Procedure for an interested person to petition the agency for rulemaking, Telepsychology) for workgroup discussion and consideration at the Long Range Planning meeting on January 28 – 29, 2021.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 12, No. 3. Source pages: 7.
HB 55 by Rep. Aimee Freeman would authorize use of a written affirmation to support a petition for an ex parte temporary restraining order in domestic abuse cases.
Present law provides that a petition requesting the issuance of an ex parte temporary restraining order pursuant to the Domestic Abuse Assistance Act shall contain an affidavit signed by each petitioner that the facts and circumstances contained in the petition are true and correct to the best knowledge, information, and belief of the petitioner.
Present law further provides that any false statement under oath contained in the affidavit shall constitute perjury and shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $1000 or by imprisonment with or without hard labor for not more than five years, or both.
The proposed law provides that the petition shall contain a written affirmation, rather than an affidavit, signed by the petitioner.
Also, the proposed law further explicitly provides the same for a complainant seeking protection from domestic abuse, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault.
Present law provides that a temporary restraining order shall be granted without notice when:
(1) It clearly appears from specific facts shown by a verified petition or by supporting affidavit that immediate and irreparable injury, loss, or damage will result to the applicant before the adverse party or his attorney can be heard in opposition.
(2) The applicant's attorney certifies to the court in writing the efforts which have been made to give the notice or the reasons supporting his claim that notice should not be required.
Representative Freeman's proposed law retains the present law and provides that a temporary restraining order shall also be granted when an affirmation as provided in proposed law shows the specific facts required by present law.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 12, No. 3. Source pages: 9.
Dr. Brittany Joslyn and husband, Dr. Peter Joslyn, have welcomed Cecilia Louise Joslyn into their family. Cecilia is named after two of her great-grandmothers. She arrived at 1:45 AM on February 20, weighing 7lb 2 oz, 19.5 inches long.
"She's doing great so far, and Sam is slowly warming to his new sister!," Brittany said.
Dr. Joslyn is a Consulting Psychologist and Executive Coach, with office in New Orleans. She owns Joslyn & Co. and focuses on leadership assessment, development, and coaching, and has a diverse background in HR consulting, counseling psychology, leadership development, and career development. She has served as an executive coach in leadership development programs for Fortune 500 companies.
She is a member of the Louisiana Psychological Association's IO Committee and is on the Leadership Council for the Society of Consulting Psychology, Division 13 of the American Psychological Association.
Please Welcome: Cecilia Louise Joslyn, named after two of her great-grandmothers. She arrived at 1:45AM on February 20, weighing 7lb 2 oz, 19.5 inches long. "She's doing great so far, and Sam is slowly warming to his new sister!" Brittany said.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 12, No. 2. Source pages: 16.
C.W. Austin Learning Disabilities Conference to Be Held Virtually from February 3 to February 6
The C.W. Austin Learning Disabilities conference, presented by Greater Baton Rouge Learning Disabilities Coalition, will be held virtually in February starting February 6 through February 13. According to conference organizer, Georgann Mire, President of the GBR LD Coalition, attendees can access all pre- recorded presentations anytime from Saturday, February 6, 2021 at 9:00 am through Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 5:00 pm at www.ldhelp.org.
Presentations with categories include: Accommodations: Empowering Students Through Proper Supports by William B. Daigle, Ph.D. General Social Work, Counseling, General
How COVID-19 has affected ADHD children and their families: a psychological perspective by Darlyne G. Nemeth., Ph. D., M.P., M.P.A.P., Clinical, Medical, & Neuropsychologist and Olesia Palamar Clinical Social Work, Counseling, General Medications and Treatments for ADHD Bruce McCormick and Kelly Ray, PhD, MPAP Clinical Social Work, Counseling, General School at Home with Licensed Online Schools – Panel Discussion by Dr. Randall Lemoine, Jane St. Pierre, Linda Holliday, Michelle Clayton, and Jewell Simon: – General Social Work, Counseling, General The Relationship Between Executive Functions and Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Effectiveness in ADHD Children Darlyne G. Nemeth., Ph. D., M.P., M.P.A.P., Clinical, Medical, and Neuropsychologist, Cody Capps, B.S., Clinical Assistant, Olesia Palamar, Research Assistant – Clinical Social Work, Counseling, Related SLP, General
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 12, No. 2. Source pages: 16.
The 20th Annual Irene W. Pennington Wellness Day for Women, with free health and wellness screenings, exhibits, and educational sessions will be held Saturday, February 15, 2020 at LSU's Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge. The event is open to all women ages 18 and above. Topics and services include: REFIT Fitness Demonstration, Understanding Preventative Healthcare, Type 2 Diabetes 101, Understanding Your Risk for Heart Disease: Early Detection Screenings, Prevention and Heart Health Tips, Stress and Mental Health Wellness: When is it More than Stress? Is Cancer Preventable?
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Dr. Amy Henke, current chair of the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (LSBEP), reported at the January 28 long-range planning meeting that the board has about one year before it runs out of its savings.
The board is currently spending more than it takes in, she explained, and has been using its savings to help pay its operating costs.
Henke said that at the current rate they would have less than $25,000 in reserves at the end of this year. The board will be $80,000 in the red by the end of 2022, she explained.
Henke said that the board plans on raising fees which will generate an extra $35,000 per year but that this would not cover the deficit spending that is currently in place. Dr. Henke said that the board is looking for additional sources of revenue.
This appears to be a clear announcement of the board's financial problems, which have been mounting over the years. At one time, the boards savings were approximately $400,000.
According to Boards and Commissions the LSBEP took in $327,651 in 2020 and will take in $343,438 this year.
[Ed's Note: See "Are Money Problems Behind the Psychology Board's Latest Legislation?" in November 2020 issue of Psychology Times.]
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.