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”