Plumbing fixtures

Apr 24, 2026 | 7:00 am ET

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In Louisiana, the starting pay of a plumber is pretty decent. But that’s only after an aspiring worker spends thousands of dollars for on-the-job training to get a plumber’s license. 

One state lawmaker in Louisiana wants to fast-track this process and reorganize the state’s plumbing board. However, some tradespeople don’t think it’s a good idea.

In this episode
Mallory Cheng headshot
Producer
Headshot of Louisiana Illuminator Editor, Greg LaRose
Editor, Louisiana Illuminator
Wes Muller
Reporter, Louisiana Illuminator
Show Notes

In Episode 25, we’re handing the reins to our States Newsroom colleagues at the Louisiana Illuminator

On their podcast, “The Light Switch,” Editor Greg LaRose and reporter Wes Muller break down how state legislators are trying to fill a skilled worker shortage in Louisiana. 

Episode produced and edited by Mallory Cheng. Music for Stories From The States composed by David Singer. A special thank you to Greg LaRose from the Louisiana Illuminator.

Got questions? An episode idea? Email us at [email protected].

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Photo: Louisiana lawmakers advanced a proposal on April 9, 2026, that would overhaul the state’s methods of licensing plumbers. (Photo by Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator)

Stories From The States is a production of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization, with reporting from every capital. At this pivotal moment in American democracy, our veteran journalists from all 50 states are reporting the consequences of government decision making. By zooming into one story each week, Stories From the States contextualizes and gives a human voice to what is happening now.

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