Banned: Gov. John Bel Edwards issued an executive order today banning discrimination in state government based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The Associated Press reports Democratic governor also rescinded his Republican predecessor’s order offering protections to people who oppose same-sex marriage. Edwards’ LGBT protection order prohibits state agencies, boards and contractors from harassment or discrimination based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, political affiliation, disability or age. State contracts will be required to include a similar anti-discrimination provision. Edwards’ order comes as states across the country, particularly in the South, wrestle with “religious freedom” legislation and laws that critics have called discriminatory against the LGBT community. Supporters say they’re trying to protect religious beliefs.
Big spenders: Last year, Louisiana’s 28.9 million tourists spent $11.5 billion, 2% more than in the $11.2 billion in revenues the travel and tourism industry drew in 2014, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor announced today. Through domestic and international visitors, the travel and tourism industry generated $843 million in state taxes compared to $836 million in 2014. “Despite very difficult economic times in Louisiana, tourism has and continues to be an economic generator for the state,” Nungesser says. “With every dollar the state of Louisiana invests in our tourism efforts, we generate another $38. That is an incredible return on investment in times like these and represents an incredible savings for the taxpayers of Louisiana.” Hospitality and tourism is among one of the state’s top industries. The statistics are part of an early release of the University of New Orleans’ Louisiana Tourism Forecast Report for 2015. The full report will be available online April 18.
Jobs loss: Approximately 77 workers at the GE Drilling facility in Broussard will permanently lose their jobs between April 11 and June 30, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification the Louisiana Workforce Commission issued today. Companies are required to file WARNs under the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act if there are mass layoffs during any 30 days period or 50 or more employees lose their jobs as a result of a full plant closing. GE Drilling is a unit of GE Oil & Gas.
