News for Monday 011413

By Dave Graichen

After a warm weekend, get ready for some cold temperatures today. Matt  Hemingway with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says it's the  result of a strong cold front.  High temperatures today will struggle to get out of the 30s along the  I-20 corridor. Highs will be in the low to mid 40's in central Louisiana and  upper 40s in south Louisiana. Hemingway says this latest blast of cold  air will be around for a few days.  Hemingway says there is a slight chance for some wintery precipitation tonight and into tomorrow morning in north Louisiana, but it shouldn't cause problems.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow for Marion Edwards, the brother of former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards. Edwards died Saturday at his home in Broussard.  Visitation for Marion Edwards will be held at in Crowley today and tomorrow morning. The funeral will be held at the First Church of the Nazarene in Crowley  at 11 a.m. Tuesday. Marion Edwards was 84.

State lawmakers react to Governor Jindal's proposed tax reform plan that  would eliminate personal and corporate income taxes. Mr. Jindal's  proposal would raise state sales taxes from 4% to 7% to offset revenues.  Lafayette Rep. Joel Robideaux chairs the House Ways & Means Committee.  He says, at first blush, the plan looks good. Robideaux says Florida and Texas have no income taxes and both have

growing economies. He says doing the same will make Louisiana more  attractive as a place to live and a place to locate a business.  The Governor's Office says current tax exemptions for groceries,  utilities and prescription drugs would remain.

Economic development officials in northern Louisiana feel 2013 will be a  great year for business and jobs growth, based on momentum generated in  2012. Scott Martinez is President of the North Louisiana Economic  Partnership. He says there are a number of companies planning to locate  or expand along the I-20 corridor. Martinez says the region is well-positioned to capture a substantial  share of new projects that are eyeing Louisiana. He says those projects  will mean significant growth in jobs for northern parishes. He says, if Louisiana eliminates its corporate and personal income tax  this legislative session, even more projects are likely to come here

In the 2013 National Report Card on education, Louisiana's overall  ranking jumped to 15th this year, from 23rd last year and up from 44^th  in 2008. State Superintendent of Education John White says these

numbers are something to be proud of and indicate that the state is  moving in the right direction.  Louisiana got an overall grade of C+ for the third consecutive year.  The state received an A for education standards, assessments and  accountability and aligning early childhood education for college and

careers. However, Louisiana received an F for public  education achievement.

Sports..

Can spring be very far away? The start of the college baseball season is about one month away and  today the 4th ranked Tigers begin individuals work-outs.