Louisiana is set to benefit from ExxonMobil’s $20 billion investment in the Gulf Coast. Baton Rouge Refinery Manager Mark Northcutt says Exxon is looking for site for a new steam cracker facility, and the Bayou State could be a contender, if the state can provide a stable and predictable tax environment.

Cut 14 (10) “in Louisiana”
He says the Grow the Gulf initiative will also strengthen and grow Exxon facilities in Baton Rouge.

The Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association is urging the legislature to change the state’s film tax credit program. Board member Jim Hornbeak says right now there’s no guarantee a movie-maker will receive tax credits, and it negatively impacts many locals.

Cut 9 (05) “restaurant industry”

In 2015, the state’s film tax credit program was capped at $180 million dollars a year.

In response to the financial changes facing the state, the Louisiana Community and Technical College System is consolidating eight of their rural campuses. System President Monty Sullivan says they want to maintain and sustain the mission of two year colleges.

Cut 3 (10) “financial stability”

Sullivan says the mergers will ensure their two-year colleges can stay open.

Parents who pay child support can now use MoneyGram at retail stores if they don’t have a bank account. Director of Child Support Enforcement with DCFS Lydia Scales says this will allow parents to contribute more to their children.

Cut 7 (09) “payments”
She other states are already using MoneyGram for child support payments.