9:30 LRN Newscast April 2nd

Governor John Bel Edwards and Century Link CEO Jeff Storey announced today that the global technology company will retain its corporate headquarters in Monroe through 2025. The governor’s office says Centurylink accepted the state’s incentive package that includes an annual performance-based grant. The agreement also funds two-million dollars in education grants to Louisiana Tech.

New legislation calls for the creation High Occupancy Vehicle lanes on highly congested roads in Louisiana. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

A state lawmaker wants to make changes to how ITEP property tax breaks are approved for large manufacturers. Governor Edwards made changes to ITEP when he took office and it resulted in the East Baton Rouge school board denying Exxon a tax break. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds wants to streamline the approval process, that will appease both local stakeholders and business investors…
cut 8 (11) “….approval of”
The Republican lawmaker wants the parish president, sheriff and school board presidents to sign off on ITEP requests.

New Orleans Senator Wesley Bishop has pre-filed a bill to rename Interstate 10 to “Who Dat Nation Highway” from the Mississippi State line to the Texas State line. Bishop says he wants to bring statewide recognition to the world’s greatest fans…
cut 15 (05) “…New Orleans Saints”
If approved, the state transportation department would erect signage at each parish line designating the new name, provided local or private funds are available.