Economic Development (2004)
Louisiana Public Square

Details
Collection:LPB
Genre: Panel
Place Covered: Louisiana
Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority
Date Issued: 2004-06-16
Duration: 00:57:10
Subjects: Filmed panel discussions | Blanco, Kathleen Babineaux, 1942- | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | Business | Industry | Taxes | Transportation | Education | Political corruption | Tax incentives | New Orleans Saints (Football team) | HIGHER EDUCATION | Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge, La.) | Arts
Contributors:
- Courtney, Beth Host
- Zewe, Charles Host
- Godoy, Al Producer
- Brandt, Jim Interviewee
- Juneau, Dan Interviewee
- Ellington, Noble Interviewee
- Crane, Carl Interviewee
- Torchia, Richard Speaker
- White, Michael Speaker
- Nice, Lisa Speaker
- Henderson, Mary Speaker
- Bowsher, Bob Speaker
- Adler, Anabel Speaker
- Jackson, Connie Speaker
- Wilson, Ann Speaker
- Guffy, Gene Speaker
- Casiello, Robert Speaker
- Finch, Karl Speaker
- Treensbury, Vera Speaker
- Hayes, Burke Speaker
- Burns, Gwen Speaker
- Johnson, Vernon, Sr. Speaker
Description
This episode of the series “Louisiana Public Square” from June 16, 2004, features host Charles Zewe leading a discussion between the audience members and Governor Kathleen Blanco on economic development. A background report on economic development precedes the discussion and highlights four areas that must be addressed in order to attract new businesses to the state: business taxes, infrastructure, education, and the state’s reputation for public corruption. The audience members discuss: whether state government represents big business or the people; tax incentives for businesses; the importance of education; the state’s recent deal with the New Orleans Saints; attracting jobs to the state; infrastructure; people leaving the state to find better jobs; and the state’s image of corruption. Governor Blanco then answers the audience members’ questions on the following topics: education; funding for higher education, including LSU; the types of industries she would like to bring in to the state; her strategies for attracting new businesses; encouraging young people to stay in the state; marketing the arts and Louisiana’s unique culture; the timeline for building a cargo airport between New Orleans and Baton Rouge; and the size of state government. Hosts: Beth Courtney and Charles Zewe