The State Senate is slated to vote on several pieces of Governor Landry’s tax reform plan. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
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A five-billion-dollar artificial intelligence data center that Facebook parent company Meta is planning in Holly Ridge, near Monroe, would be a huge economic boost to the region. Sean Richardson has the story.
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Louisiana continues rising in the national rankings of K-through-12 education. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
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The Louisiana Senate is expected to vote on the tax reform bills that made it through the Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee. The committee kept the income tax plan at a flat three-percent, but it restored the historic preservation and film tax credits, and they inserted an option for local governments to tax pharmaceuticals. Committee Chairman Franklin Foil, a Republican, says tax reform is always a tricky thing to accomplish.
Cut 4 (07) “…run their cities.”
Sales taxes appear to be the big sticking point to the whole plan, and Foil says there are two options on the table.
Cut 5 (12) “…make everything work.”
If they go the latter route, the state sales tax rate being floated is five-percent. Democrat Jay Luneau says he has concerns about raising sales taxes, which are already among the highest in the nation.
Cut 6 (11) “…clean it up.”
Luneau says he proposed a bill to make corporate tax credits non-refundable.
Cut 7 (11) “…back to you.”
The special session must end by six Monday evening.
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A five-billion-dollar artificial intelligence data center that Facebook parent company Meta is planning in Holly Ridge, near Monroe, would be a huge economic boost to the region. Meta chose the area due to its location out of the hurricane zone, available land and electricity. Economist Loren Scott described the project as transformative for northeastern Louisiana.
Cut 8 (06) “…real game changer.”
The planned data center will occupy the state-owned 1,440-acre Franklin Farms Megasite. Scott says the big reason behind selecting Richland Parish is electricity…
Cut 9 (11) “…user they are.”
Scott says the one of the biggest impacts the data center will bring is job growth, with the average salary will be around 130-thousand dollars and the ripple effect will be felt to the much needed community of Richland Parish.
Cut 10 (09) “…shot in the arm.”
Entergy plans to build three natural gas power plants at a cost of 3.2 billion dollars to support the A.I. data centers.
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For the third year in a row, Louisiana’s statewide school performance score has increased, and it is now at its highest level under the current scoring system. State Superintendent Cade Brumley says the state is clearly going in the right direction.
Cut 11 (07) “…keep pushing forward.”
In the U.S. News and World Report states ranking, Louisiana has earned its highest national ranking ever, moving up from 46th to 40th, so Brumley says the job isn’t even close to being done yet.
Cut 12 (06) “…work to do.”
According to the nation’s report card, Louisiana 4th graders led the country in reading growth, and economically disadvantaged 4th graders moved from 42nd all the way to 11th. Brumley says the steady rise in school performance is a testament to the work of everyone involved.
Cut 13 (12) “…teachers are doing.”
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A tremendous achievement for Baton Rouge General Hospital, as it ranks in the top ten nationwide for fewest return days following a heart attack. Chief Medical Officer Keith Kellum says when it comes to the heart, time is muscle.
Cut 14 (08) “…may be necessary.”
Kellum says the hospital also goes to great lengths on the back end to set patients up for success when they leave the hospital.
Cut 15 (05) “…leave the hospital.”
And Kellum says the hospital places a strong emphasis on physical therapy following a heart attack.
Cut 16 (08) “…with heart conditions.”
Baton Rouge General’s ranking is based on data collected by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
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The River Bell Classic is tonight in Thibodaux as Nicholls hosts Southeastern Louisiana at 6 PM. The all-time series is tied at 17. Lions Coach Frank Scelfo says it’s a game fans of the respective schools look forward to each year…
Cut 17 (17) “…about it”
Nicholls is 4-and-7, while S-L-U is 6-and-5 and need to win for a chance at making the F-C-S playoffs
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The Ragin Cajuns will host Troy on Saturday. U-L Lafayette is 5-and-1 and looking to stay in first place in the Sun Belt West and move another step towards clinching the division championship. Troy is 3-and-7 overall, but Coach Michael Desormeaux says the Trojans have won their last two games…
Cut 18 (18) “…work for them.”
Kick off is at 4 PM.
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LSU Coach Brian Kelly is getting a lot of the blame for the Tigers’ current three-game losing streak. But LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell says it’s the players who are not getting the job done. He says self-inflicted wounds and not finishing games are the biggest problems…
Cut 19 (20) “…football games.”
Campbell says the team is disappointed the Tigers will not play in the SEC Championship game, but it’s important to finish the season strong…
Cut 20 (20) “…job done.”