CenturyLink will keep it’s corporate headquarters in Monroe through 2025. The company, which employs over 2,200 workers in the state at a payroll of 200 million dollars, announced the agreement with Governor Edwards earlier today.
Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says securing the north Louisiana campus was vital for the state’s tech economy.
Cut 6, 11 seconds, importance
A fatal wreck in November 2017 is inspiring a Bossier Parish representative to push an extension of a law that could make drug tests a requirement after serious auto and boating accidents. The current law only mandates toxicology tests if someone dies at the scene of a crash. Representative Raymond Crews says measure stems from the death of a 4-year-old.
Cut 3 (13) “…toxicology was performed.”
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Louisiana may soon see high occupancy vehicle lanes on state highways, but Livingston Senator Dale Erdey says the state Department of Transportation needs the authority to put them in place, so he’s got legislation to make that happen. Erdey says says drivers riding solo would not get to take advantage of the driving in the lane, but…
Cut 11 (08) “…lanes of highway.”
a recent study showed Louisiana could relieve traffic congestion by adopting HOV lanes.
New Orleans Senator Wesley Bishop is introducing legislation to see the interstate adopt the moniker the “Who Dat Nation Highway.” Bishop says the nearly 275 mile stretch of Interstate 10 that runs through South Louisiana would be rebranded in an effort to pay homage to the fans of the Black and Gold.
Cut 13 (10) “…in the world.”

Another change to the Industrial Tax Exemption Program, which is a large property tax break for manufacturers could be possible if one Baton Rouge lawmaker gets his way in the upcoming legislative session. Matt Doyle has the story.
Voicer 1 (31) “I’m matt doyle.”
The USA Today Network reports Louisiana House Speaker Taylor Barras is recovering after falling from a ladder while trimming trees at his Acadiana home last weekend.  Barras suffered a broken right wrist and fractured right arm and is consulting with his doctor to determine whether surgery will be needed.

A Louisiana Policy Institute for Children report shows the price of childcare in the state is rapidly rising in price, up 35 percent from 2010 to 2016.  To combat this, Executive Director Melanie Bronfin says the state should pump more money into early childhood subsidies like California does with it’s dedicated tobacco tax.

Cut 4 (10) “…states.”

The study shows childcare costs the average single parents on average 38 percent of their income, and 45 percent of all kids in the state live in single parent households.

New Orleans Senator Wesley Bishop is introducing legislation to see Interstate 10 adopt the moniker the “Who Dat Nation Highway.”  Bishop says the idea spawned from being upset about how the NFC title game played out and says the Saints fan are the best fan base on the planet.

Cut 14 (09) “…to do something.”

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.

The Louisiana Policy Institute for Children is pushing lawmakers to increase funding that would help parents pay for early childhood education…
cut 6 (10) “…ten years”
That’s executive director Melanie Bronfin who says single parents pay 38-percent of their income to send their infant to a child care center. Bronfin says other states use tobacco taxes and lottery funds to help provide early childhood subsidies for needy families.

Livingston Senator Dale Erdey has filed a bill for the upcoming session that would give the state transportation department the ability to set up high occupancy vehicle lanes on congested roadways. That means vehicles with more than one passenger can use them as a way to encourage car pooling. Erdey says cameras can detect if a solo passenger uses an H-O-V lane…
cut 12 (04) “….the passenger seat”
Erdey says many of roadways are wide enough already for an HOV.

A bill has been filed to change the Industrial Tax Exemption Program, which is a tax break for large manufacturers. When Governor John Bel Edwards took office he made a change to ITEP that now calls for local governments to approve the tax break. But Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds says that has created problems…
cut 9 (09) “…in Texas”
Governor Edwards says the change to ITEP was a good one and it’s still a very generous tax break. Edmonds bill would call for the parish president, the sheriff and school board president to approve ITEP requests, instead of the entire school board, city council or parish council.

New Orleans Senator Wesley Bishop has filed a bill that would rename I-10 as Who Dat Nation Highway….
cut 13 (10) “…in the world”
Senate Bill 134 directs the state department of transportation to erect signage at each parish line designating the new name, provided local or private funds are available.

Additional funding for early childhood education could be a hot topic in the fiscal session that begins next week. A state-commissioned panel recently concluded that 86-million dollars is needed for early child care programs to match public need and quality standards. There’s been talk that taxes from sports betting could go to early childhood education, but Louisiana Policy Institute for Children executive director Melanie Bronfin says that will generate only a small amount of money…
cut 5 (07) “…piece of the puzzle”

A Baton Rouge Representative is proposing a change to the Industrial Tax Exemption Program, which gives large manufacturers a significant property tax break. The Republican lawmaker wants the Parish President, Sheriff, and School Board President to review ITEP tax breaks requests. Rick Edmonds says at the moment, requesting an ITEP means working with a number of local boards.
Cut 7 (07) “…a different parish.”
Edmonds legislation is in response to the East Baton Rouge school board rejecting an ITEP request from Exxon.

Livingston Senator Dale Erdey wants to give the state department of transportation the authority to create a high occupancy vehicle lane on congested highways. Erdey says the extra lane is already there in many cases, and it wouldn’t take much funding to get it done…
cut 10 (07) “…accomplish this”
Erdey says cameras can be used to ticket solo drivers who use the H-O-V lane.

New legislation could see I-10 renamed in honor of the Black and Gold. Brooke Thorington has more from New Orleans Senator Wesley Bishop…
voicer 3 (28) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

Livingston Senator Dale Erdey has filed legislation that would create High Occupancy Vehicle lanes also known as HOV lanes in highly congested areas of the state. Erdey says drivers riding solo would not be allowed to drive in the lane, but they would still see benefits…
Cut 11 (08) “…lanes of highway.”

A Louisiana Policy Institute for Children report shows the cost of childcare in the state is rapidly rising, up 35 percent from 2010 to 2016. Executive Director Melanie Bronfin says the state should pump more money into early childhood subsidies like California does with its dedicated tobacco tax….
Cut 4 (10) “…states.”
Sports betting could be legalized this session, and some early childhood proponents have suggested putting that tax money towards the program.

Another change to the Industrial Tax Exemption Program, which is a large property tax break for manufacturers could be possible if one Baton Rouge lawmaker gets his way in the upcoming legislative session. Matt Doyle has the story.
Voicer 1 (31) “I’m matt doyle.”

This is not an April Fools report but yes it’s true the Rolling Stones have cancelled their Jazz Fest appearance for May and now we know why. According to reports, Mick Jagger will have heart valve replacement surgery in New York. His doctor said no more performances for now. Jagger apologized to fans on Twitter Saturday for the postponed of their US and Canadian tour. Thousands waited in line to get tickets for their appearance at Jazz Fest and paid extra to see the legendary band. As for Jazz Fest the decision on refunds and a replacement for the Stones are still being discussed among organizers.

Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter has a bill that would eventually pump billions of dollars into the state’s crumbling infrastructure by raising the gas tax by 18 cents a gallon over the next 12 years. Carter says his bill would make sure that every cent raised would go towards fixing bridges, building roads, and other vital needs.

Cut 6 (12) “…this state”

The current gas tax is 20 cents a gallon, and if passed the legislation would raise that by six cents in the first year.

The personal finance website WalletHub finds Louisiana is the most stressed out state in the nation WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says Financially, the state ranks second for the median credit score and third for percent of the population living below the poverty line.  Gonzales says these factors can have a snowball effect.

Cut 4 (11) “…cyclical aspects here.”

Terrebone Parish Sherriff Jerry Larpenter has announced he won’t seek his ninth election at the end of his term next June. The career lawman said in a letter he’s wants to spend more time with his family. Larpenter began his career as a patrolman and worked his way up the ranks.  Larpenter was sheriff for 21 years before deciding to not run again in 2007 and he was elected again after the gap in 2011 and 2015. Three people have announced their intent to succeed Larpenter. The primary is October 12^th.

A Baton Rouge Representative wants to raise the gas tax by 18 cents over the next 12 years to pay for billions in Louisiana infrastructure projects. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

Terrebone Parish Sherriff Jerry Larpenter has announced he won’t seek his ninth election at the end of his term next June. The career lawman said in a letter he’s wants to spend more time with his family. Larpenter began his career as a patrolman and worked his way up the ranks.  Larpenter was sheriff for 21 years before deciding to not run again in 2007 and he was elected again after the gap in 2011 and 2015. Three people have announced their intent to succeed Larpenter. The primary is October 12^th.

The personal finance website WalletHub finds Louisiana is the most stressed out state in the nation.  Bordering states Mississippi took second place and Arkansas placed third.  WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says 40 different metrics were used to calculate the rankings.

Cut 3 (11) “…those different things.”

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services releases a report that finds the number of reported juvenile trafficking victims rose by 20-percent in 2018. Child welfare manager Christy Tate says Overall in 2018, there were 744 confirmed victims of trafficking, 58-percent were juveniles and as young as five months old. She says the oldest victim of human trafficking was 65-years-old…

Cut 13 (10) “…their 60s.”