At the summit: Registration is now open for the second annual Statewide Economic Development Summit, which will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 11, at the Crowne Plaza in Baton Rouge. The summit will feature keynote presentations by Gov. John Bel Edwards, Greg Burkart of Duff & Phelps, Roberto Gallardo of Mississippi State University Extension, and Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson. Tickets are $90. Get complete details and register to attend.
Looking for waste: Rep. John Schroder, R-Covington, has launched a new website for individuals to anonymously report state government waste. According to a news release, individuals can use the site, called www.StopLouisianaWaste.com, to submit first-hand experiences of wasteful state spending. In a statement, Schroder says the state needs assistance from the public to find out the true extent of government waste in Louisiana, particularly since the special session focuses on the budget cuts and the state’s budget gaps. Schroder says he intends to review and investigate every submission to the site.
No deal: Aetna and Humana called off a $34 billion proposal to combine the two major health insurers after a federal judge, citing antitrust concerns, shot down the deal. The Associated Press reports this morning’s announcement comes several days after another federal judge rejected a tie-up between two other massive insurers. Blue Cross-Blue Shield carrier Anthem is attempting to buy Cigna for $48 billion. Anthem has vowed to appeal that decision. Aetna, the nation’s third largest insurer, had announced its bid for Humana in 2015. Read the full story.
