Coastal commentary: The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana says the state should safeguard its coastal funding in order to maintain federal support for Louisiana’s efforts to restore and protect its coastal region. In a commentary released this morning, PAR says it supports Gov. John Bel Edwards’ proposal to use the first portion of BP settlement funds to ease the state’s current budget crisis. However, any similar use of other designated coastal funds for the state budget or for non-coastal pet projects would be harmful to Louisiana—particularly in light of President Barack Obama’s 2016 budget proposal to redirect funds received via the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006—PAR says. Read the full commentary.
Opening: A new Walmart Neighborhood Market will open in Central at 11825 Hooper Road, near Joor Road, Thursday. According to a news release, the store is approximately 44,000 square feet and will include a pharmacy, gas station and free store pickup service. The addition of the Walmart is expected to create 95 new jobs, the company says. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has 11,535 stores under 72 banners in 28 countries. There are about two dozen Walmart stores in the greater Baton Rouge area.
On the run: Former U.S. Rep. Anh “Joseph” Cao, who became the nation’s first Vietnamese-American congressman, says he’ll seek the U.S. Senate seat David Vitter is vacating. Cao announced his intention to run for the office Tuesday. Vitter is not seeking to be reelected to the Senate. Four other Republicans are also running for the seat: U.S. Rep. Charles Boustany, U.S. Rep. John Fleming, state Treasurer John Kennedy and retired Air Force Col. Rob Maness. Democrat Caroline Fayard is also in the race, while Democratic Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell has not made a formal announcement but has begun telling news outlets that he will be a candidate. Meanwhile, The News-Star reports small business owner and former state Rep. Brett Geymann has announced his intention to replace Charles Boustany in the 3rd Congressional District. Read the full story.
