Louisiana community colleges are providing workforce development training as part of a program to gear up for future infrastructure projects. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”
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A food fight is brewing in Washington Parish, over whether cattle ranchers can sell meat directly without sales taxes…and the state Ag Commissioner is getting in the mix…:
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”
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Nationwide average gasoline prices fell below four dollars a gallon today; dipping to their lowest level since March, according to Triple-A. Today’s average of $3.99 a gallon nationally and $3.61 in Louisiana is almost a dollar cheaper than the June high. Louisiana Triple A fuel analyst Don Redman says it’s a direct reflection of supply and demand.
Redman says if people become used to the lower prices they could start driving more…
Cut 4 (05) “…wait and see on that.”
In a March survey, drivers told Triple-A they would drive much less if gas prices kept rising.
The drop in gasoline prices comes as the U.S. government is reporting a slight drop in inflation.
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Central Louisiana Technical Community College along with others in the state is offering a nine-week course to receive heavy equipment certification and students can also earn a commercial driver’s license. Vice Chancellor of Workforce Development Misty Slayter at CLTCC says the enrollment is also accessible.
Cut 6 (10) “…tremendous opportunity.”
Slayter says the program is called PRO Louisiana, which stands for Professional Resilience Occupations, and it will help train potential workers for future infrastructure projects.
The program will help ensure a trained workforce for not only infrastructure projects in Louisiana but also broadband installations. Slayter says the opportunity could be life-changing.
Cut 8 (12) “…household income.”
For more information contact your local community college.
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Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says a sheriff suing a Washington Parish cattleman for taxes unpaid from selling beef directly to customers on his farm is in error. Washington Parish Sheriff Randy “Country” Seal says Mount Herman rancher Jason Smith owes about $40-thousand in taxes and penalties. Strain quotes from the Louisiana state tax code…:
Cut 9 (10) “…any taxing authority.”
Strain sent the sheriff a letter to that effect, but Seal and the parish tax collector say “livestock” is not the same as processed meat, and IS taxable. Strain says processed meat falls under “food & groceries” which ARE tax exempt in Louisiana. A great many farmers and ranchers sell meat and produce directly to customers without state or local sales taxes. He says Smith is worried, but so are food producers statewide…:
Cut 10 (08) “…a precedent case.”
Strain says over 100 Louisiana ranchers and farmers sell their wares directly from the farm. It will be up to a judge to decide if the tax code is not clear. If that judge finds for the plaintiff (Washington Parish) farmers could face huge losses. Strain says if that’s the case, the law CAN be further clarified on farmers’ behalf…:
Cut 11 (06) “…next legislative session.”
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While they may not be the “New Kid in Town” The Eagles are coming to New Orleans on November 19th. The band announced today they’re extending their tour with six new stops including the Smoothie King Center. Program Director and DJ at Eagle 98.1 in Baton Rouge Michelle Southern…
Southern says the band’s extended tour has been extremely popular with some cities receiving multiple visits from the classic rock band, so if you want tickets, you’ll want to purchase them as soon as they go on sale Friday, August 19th.
The Eagles will play the Hotel California album in its entirety accompanied by an orchestra and choir. Southern says the 1976 album is historic.
The second half of the concert will be a full set of their greatest hits.