Louisiana Governor Gathers Business Leaders for Summit

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Hundreds of business leaders are expected to converge on Louisiana's capital city for a summit called by Gov. John Bel Edwards.

The Democratic governor says Thursday's all-day event aims to identify the concerns of the business community and build partnerships between industry and government officials.

Panel discussions will focus on industrial tax exemptions, statewide tax policy and infrastructure.

Edwards, who will give a keynote luncheon speech, says 500 business officials have signed up to attend the event.

Across three years in office, the governor's relationship with industry has been rocky. He's clashed with business organizations over taxes and his unsuccessful proposal to raise Louisiana's minimum wage.

Louisiana's Republican Party is criticizing Thursday's business summit as a taxpayer-financed campaign event by a governor seeking a second term in this fall's elections.

Source: AP