A new report on the costs to employers and the state due to Louisiana’s long-standing lack of investment in quality early child care and education will be presented to the Press Club of Baton Rouge on Monday, May 1. The main speakers are Melanie Bronfin, director of the Louisiana Policy Institute, and Belinda Davis, LSU Public Policy Research Lab. They estimate $816 million per year in losses to employers due to absences and turnover and $1.1 billion in unrealized revenue. Press Club meets on Mondays at the Belle of Baton Rouge Hotel, which is located at 102 France St., in the East and West Baton Rouge Room. Parking is free in the garage off Mayflower Street. Lunch, which is served at 11:30 a.m., is $13 for members and $17 for nonmembers. The public is invited, but only members of the Press Club and the news media are allowed to ask questions during the question-and-answer portion of the program.

Jamie Setze, executive director of the Capital Region Planning Commission, will speak to the Press Club of Baton Rouge on Monday, April 24. He will talk about the long-range transportation plan for the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Area, known as MOVE2042. Press Club meets on Mondays at the Belle of Baton Rouge Hotel, which is located at 102 France St., in the East and West Baton Rouge Room. Parking is free in the garage off Mayflower Street. Lunch, which is served at 11:30 a.m., is $13 for members and $17 for nonmembers. The public is invited, but only members of the Press Club and the news media are allowed to ask questions during the question-and-answer portion of the program.

State Rep. Ted James will speak to the Press Club of Baton Rouge on Monday, April 17. He will talk about the legislative session underway, including the budget and taxes and his proposed bills regarding police reform efforts. Press Club meets on Mondays at the Belle of Baton Rouge Hotel, which is located at 102 France St., in the East and West Baton Rouge Room. Parking is free in the garage off Mayflower Street. Lunch, which is served at 11:30 a.m., is $13 for members and $17 for nonmembers. The public is invited, but only members of the Press Club and the news media are allowed to ask questions during the question-and-answer portion of the program.

The Press Club of Baton Rouge will not meet on Monday, April 10. That’s the first day of the regular session of the Louisiana Legislature. Meetings will resume on April 17. Press Club meets on Mondays at the Belle of Baton Rouge Hotel, which is located at 102 France St.