The Louisiana Statewide Business Summit is taking place today in Baton Rouge. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”
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The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry says the Bayou State has seen the bigger percentage increase in business taxes in America over the last three years…
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A task force is calling on the legislature to increase the foster care age to 21. Matt Doyle has more.
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Gov. Edwards is participating in a statewide business summit today that is meant to highlight the state’s economic development success stories. The event will connect business leaders with administration officials in different areas of government. Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the summit will go over many of the key elements impacting business.
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Pierson says the event will feature panel discussions from public and private sector leaders and will address the support elements of the economy.
The Republican Party of Louisiana has taken issue with the event, saying it’s a taxpayer-funded campaign event for Edwards’ re-election campaign. Pierson says that’s not true, saying the event is being underwritten by corporate sponsors and the Governor’s participation just comes with his job.
Cut 6 (11) “…and lead business.”
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A report by the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry says over the last three years Louisiana has had the largest percentage growth in business taxes in the nation. LABI President Steven Waugespack says the state has been ramping up it’s collection efforts on businesses.
That 12.5 percent was seen between fiscal year 2016 and 2017.
Waguespack says one of the state’s biggest industries is being impacted by the taxes, many of which have targeted their revenue.
The business lobby has raised serious concerns about changes to the Industrial Tax Exemption Program, after a Baton Rouge school board recently shot down an Exxon request. Waguespack says the reform is not healthy for business growth.
But Governor John Bel Edwards stood by his decision to allow local districts, as opposed to a state board, to determine whether or not they wanted to offer ITEP requests. Edwards says they will not reconsider the decision.
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A Legislative Task Force is recommending the state allow foster kids to stay in the system through the age of 21. Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says it would dramatically improve outcomes…
A national report notes kids who leave the foster system at 18 have a one in five chance of becoming homeless, and less than 3 percent will earn a college degree by 25.
The proposal comes with a three million dollar price tag in a session that will be dominated by debates about raising teacher pay, and issue with a cost upwards of 100 million dollars. Walters says that three million is worth it.
Last year the legislature passed a law that allows kids to stay in the program past 18 if they are still in school even while lawmakers had a bloody battle over the expiring sales tax. Walters says she has faith they can cut through the gridlock once again.
28 states have increased the foster age to 21.
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A Ville Platte man is under arrest after beating up an elderly disabled vet in at a gas station in Nuba. After the beating, the suspect left his scene in his vehicle. Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodeaux says 29 year old Kenneth Shergold is accused of approach the victim from behind and for no apparent reason, struck him numerous times in the head, back, and body with a tire iron.
Thibodeaux says the motive is unclear.
Cut 15 (08) “…in his vehicle.”
Thibodeaux says Shergold was located after he attack another person at a Walmart a few days later, who was able to identify him. They went to his home and located his car and the suspect.